HTPreps Super 7
1. (1 last week) Venice (6-0): Coach John Peacock said not to worry about Larry Shannon’s defense that had two returners. After allowing 25 points in six games, it appears the head coach was correct. The preliminaries are out of the way. Now the real season begins. The Indians have a week off to prepare for their biggest game to date. Next: Oct. 16 at Braden River in a Class 7A-District 11 game.
2. (2) Braden River (6-0): The Pirates also cruised through the first part of their schedule, winning six games by a combined 42-6. Like Venice, Braden River has a strategically planned off week before the meat of its schedule. Next: Oct. 16 at home against Venice in a Class 7A-District 11 game.
3. (3) Manatee (3-2): The Hurricanes have bounced back from its bitter home loss to Tallahassee Lincoln to win a pair of district games. A third this week would go a long way in determining Manatee’s postseason fate. Next: Friday at home against Palm Harbor University in a Class 8A-District 6 game.
4. (4) Charlotte (6-0): Another week, another 40-plus point effort from the Tarpon offense. Being overshadowed is Charlotte’s defense, which has not allowed a point in the past two weeks and has pitched three shutouts this season. The Tarpons also have a well-planned week off before the crux of their district schedule. Next: Oct. 16 at North Fort Myers in a Class 6A-District 10 game.
5. (5) Palmetto (5-1): Quietly, the Tigers are the third unbeaten team in 7A-11. With a week off, they also have the important part of their district schedule upcoming. Next: Oct. 16 at home against North Port in a Class 7A-District 11 game.
6. (t-7) Port Charlotte (3-2): The Pirates bounced back nicely from their loss at Booker to win for the second time in as many district games, a sign they are winning the games that count. Next: Friday at home against Sebring in a non-district game.
7. (7) Lemon Bay (3-2): The Manta Rays suffered a bad district loss, but still control their fate, although they cannot afford another slip-up in the district. Next: at Fort Myers Cypress Lake in a non-district game.
