High School Football Returns as Manatee County Teams Prepare for Aug. 21 Season Openers
High school football is back in Manatee County, with local teams getting their first taste of Friday night action during Week 0 games and preseason classics on Aug. 14.
The games came just days after Manatee County students returned to school Aug. 10 and gave players an opportunity to take the field before the regular season officially begins Friday, Aug. 21.
Several local teams participated in kickoff classics, preseason games and scrimmages on Friday. While complete results were not immediately available for all of the matchups, some Manatee County teams started the year with strong performances.
Lakewood Ranch High School opened with a 35-6 victory over Moore Haven in the MSTV Game of the Week. The Mustangs will now turn their attention to Parrish Community High School, where they will play their regular-season opener Aug. 21.
Bradenton Christian also came away with a victory, defeating First Academy 44-22. The Panthers are scheduled to host Orlando Christian Prep when the regular season begins.
Braden River and George Jenkins finished their preseason matchup tied 28-28.
Manatee High School faced Trinity Catholic in its Week 0 action, while Bayshore hosted St. John Neumann Catholic. Parrish Community hosted St. Petersburg High School for a kickoff game with a Jersey Night theme.
With preseason action behind them, local teams will begin games that count toward their 2026 regular-season records on Aug. 21.
Manatee County Football — Aug. 21
Lakewood Ranch at Parrish Community
7 p.m.
The Mustangs and Bulls will meet in Parrish for an all-Manatee County matchup.
Braden River vs. Pasco
7 p.m.
The Pirates open the regular season at home against Pasco.
Southeast vs. Wesley Chapel
7 p.m.
The Seminoles will begin their season at home against Wesley Chapel.
Bradenton Christian vs. Orlando Christian Prep
7 p.m.
The Panthers return home after their 44-22 preseason victory over First Academy.
Manatee at Plant
7:30 p.m.
The Hurricanes travel to Tampa to face Plant in a non-district matchup.
Bayshore at Sarasota
7:30 p.m.
The Bruins head south for a road game against Sarasota.
Palmetto at Clearwater Central Catholic
7:30 p.m.
The Tigers begin their regular season on the road against Clearwater Central Catholic.
Saint Stephen’s Episcopal vs. Hudson
7:30 p.m.
The Falcons open at home against Hudson.
The Aug. 21 schedule will mark the first full Friday night of the 2026 high school football season for Manatee County, beginning another fall of rivalries, road trips and Friday night football across the area.
Photo Credit: Billy D Photography