#4 MANATEE (0-1) at #8 PALMETTO (1-0)

When: FRIDAY, 7:30 P.M.

Where: HARLLEE STADIUM/PALMETTO HIGH SCHOOL (1200 17TH ST W. PALMETTO)

TV: BHSN (Channel 47 and HD 1147)

Coaches: MANATEE – JOHN BOOTH (2ND YEAR, 12-3); PALMETTO – DAVE MARINO (6th YEAR, 37-22)

About the matchup:

Palmetto believes this could be the year to turn around this largely one-sided Manatee County rivalry. The Tigers have not beaten the Hurricanes since a 27-26 victory in 2004. Palmetto quarterback and Miami commit Jack Allison will try and turn the tides. At 6’6”, the four-star signal caller has thrown for over 3600 yards in his three years as a starter. A top target for Allison will be speedy senior WR Azavion Smith. The offense will be balanced with Manatee transfer RB Octavious James, who is playing in his first game back after an ankle injury. In his absence two-way player RB/FS Isyah Funk emerged as a power back with six touchdowns including the preseason. Funk is part of a defensive unit, led by MLB Henry Bradley and DE David Belvin that turned in eight sacks in their opener against Fort Myers.

Manatee, who made it to the Class 8A state semifinals last year, is hungry after losing their season opener to Hoover, AL 42-21. Heightened confidence is key for returning QB AJ Colagiovanni. Without star RB Johnnie Lang, Colagiovanni will spread the ball around to a trio of receivers, Kavious Price, Reggie Carter and Tarique Milton. Captain SS Travon Rumph and three-star OLB/DE senior Kwanzi Jackson create havoc for the Hurricane defense. Jackson is a Tulane commit who finished with 5 tackles against Hoover. He finished his junior year with 84 tackles and 25 sacks (3rd best in the state). 

Three and out:

1. Dave Marino is the longest tenured Manatee County public school head coach in his 6th season

2. Manatee hasn’t lost a game against a county opponent since 2006.

3. Palmetto will honor their 1975 state championship team prior to kickoff.