The Manatee Hurricanes sent a message to those predicting their demise.
With new head coach John Booth making his Manatee debut, the Hurricanes served notice that they aren’t going anywhere any time soon with a 26-17 victory over East Lake in a preseason matchup.
The Hurricanes took advantage of two early East Lake turnovers that resulted in a 9-0 lead midway through the first quarter. The Eagles settled down in the second quarter when Carson Lydon scored from four yards out. The touchdown was set up by a 32-yard pass play from Jake Hudson to George Campbell.
Campbell was sidelined for the entire second half with a wrist injury. The senior said he strained a ligament in his wrist but would be ready to play next week against Palm Harbor University.
Manatee junior Johnny Lang increased the Hurricanes lead with a six-yard touchdown run with 3:33 remaining in the first half. But just before the end of the half, Hudson would pull the Eagles within two when he scrambled and threw across his body to connect with Bryce Miller for a 54-yard touchdown.
The Hurricanes pretty much put the game away midway through the third when they capitalized on another East Lake turnover. Manatee blocked an Eagles punt and Nashon Smith scooped it up and returned it for a touchdown.
Click on the video to see highlights from the matchup between BHSN’s No. 3 ranked East Lake Eagles vs. the No. 4 Manatee Hurricanes.