Manatee County Teams Embark on State Championship Journey

Bradenton, FL — Three Manatee County football teams—Manatee, Palmetto, and Parrish Community—kicked off their quests for state titles this week as the Florida High School Athletic Association playoffs began. Each team faced formidable opponents in the opening round, hoping to extend their championship aspirations.

Manatee Hurricanes Dominate in Playoff Opener

The Manatee Hurricanes (8-1) began their Class 5A-Region 3 playoff run with a commanding 55-26 victory over Largo Pinellas Park at Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium. The game was a rematch from the regular season, where the Hurricanes defeated the Patriots 34-10. This time, the Hurricanes took control early, overcoming multiple turnovers to maintain a decisive lead.

Manatee’s defense set the tone by halting a potential scoring drive from Pinellas Park on fourth-and-five, while their offense lit up the scoreboard with explosive plays, including a kickoff return touchdown, a 76-yard passing touchdown, and an 80-yard scoring strike. Despite a strong effort from the Patriots, who scored on a 28-yard run and another big play, the Hurricanes held a 35-26 halftime lead and never looked back.

With this win, Manatee advances to face Immokalee High School in the next round.

Palmetto Tigers Secure Home Playoff Advantage

In Class 6A-Region 3, the Palmetto Tigers (9-1) hosted the Largo Packers in a Saturday showdown. As the No. 2 seed, the Tigers entered the playoffs following a stellar regular season, with their only loss coming in the cross-river rivalry game against Manatee. Palmetto relied on its dominant offense and stout defense to fend off the No. 7 seed Packers, who finished the regular season 6-4.

Parrish Community Bulls Face Tough Test on the Road

The Parrish Community Bulls (9-1) traveled to New Port Richey to face undefeated Mitchell High School in another Class 6A-Region 3 matchup. Mitchell, a powerhouse with an average of 30 points per game, posed a significant challenge for Parrish. The Bulls, fresh off a strong regular season that included a district championship clash with Palmetto, aimed to continue their momentum against one of the toughest teams in the region.

Next Steps for Manatee County Teams

As the playoffs progress, the stakes grow higher for all three teams. Manatee, Palmetto, and Parrish Community carry the hopes of their schools and communities as they strive for state championship glory. Fans across the county eagerly await the next chapter of this thrilling postseason journey.

Stay tuned for updates as these teams battle for victory under the Friday night lights.

Photo Credit: Billy D Photography