Manatee County Teams Open Playoffs With Grit, Comebacks and Championship Hopes
The high school football playoffs kicked off in Manatee County with intensity across the board, as several local programs delivered standout performances in the first week of postseason action. With the regular season wrapped and every team back to even footing, Friday night brought dramatic finishes, dominant defensive efforts, and a historic advancement to a state championship game.
Manatee High opened its playoff run with one of the most dramatic victories of the night, surviving a furious second-half surge to defeat Charlotte 28-21. The Hurricanes controlled the first half on both sides of the ball, building a 28-6 lead behind an efficient passing attack and a run game that set the tone early. At halftime, Manatee held 93 rushing yards, 154 through the air, and 247 total yards, compared to Charlotte’s 68.
Momentum shifted after the break as the Hurricanes came out sluggish and Charlotte capitalized. A long jet sweep sparked the comeback, followed by a successful two-point attempt. After recovering an onside kick, Charlotte scored again and cut the lead to one possession. Two fourth-down conversions on the drive kept the home crowd tense, but Manatee’s defense tightened when it mattered most, holding off the Tarpons the rest of the way to secure the win.
The Hurricanes now travel to Cape Coral next week, looking to extend their postseason run.
photo credit: Billy D. Photography
In another strong showing, Palmetto edged Wiregrass Ranch 42-41 in a high-scoring thriller, while Bayshore claimed a decisive 27-12 win over Chamberlain.
Bradenton Christian continued its undefeated season with a 28-12 victory over Academy at the Lakes in 8-Man football, propelling the Panthers into their first-ever state championship appearance. After entering the playoffs at 11-0, Bradenton Christian overcame a 12-6 deficit in the third quarter and responded with 22 unanswered points to improve to 12-0. The win reflects the remarkable turnaround under first-year head coach Brian Palone, just one season removed from a shortened 1-2 campaign due to roster and scheduling challenges.
Bradenton Christian advances to face Real Life Christian Academy next Friday with a chance to secure its first state title in program history. With multiple Manatee County teams still alive and showing resilience in opening-round playoff contests, the road to December continues with high stakes and rising excitement across the region.
Parrish Community fell 35-7 to East Lake, concluding the Bulls’ season after a strong showing in district play.