Preview: Venice Indians vs. Clearwater Academy International Knights
Venice is on a six-game streak of home wins, while Clearwater Academy International is on a three-game streak of away wins: one of those streaks is about to end. The Venice Indians will take on the Clearwater Academy International Knights at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Venice has been dominant on offense recently, as they've racked up an incredible 346 points over their last seven matches.
Venice put the finishing touches on their sixth blowout victory of the season on Friday. They took their matchup at home with ease, bagging a 43-0 win over IMG Academy White. Given Venice's advantage in MaxPreps' Florida football rankings (they are ranked 18th, while IMG Academy White is ranked 116th), the result wasn't entirely unexpected.
Venice had a senior duo take command as Alvin Johnson iii rushed for 140 yards and two touchdowns on only 13 carries and Jadyn Glasser threw for 176 yards and three touchdowns.
The team's defense also helped out by holding IMG Academy White to a paltry 200 yards. A big part of that defensive dominance came down to Venice's ability to keep the quarterback under pressure: the team laid him out four times before it was all said and done. IMG Academy White's QB won't forget Eli Seed anytime soon given Seed sacked him four times.
Meanwhile, Clearwater Academy International humbled University Christian with a 43-6 victory.
Antwan Raymond continued his habit of posting crazy stat lines, rushing for 53 yards and three touchdowns. Christoper Cresser made the highlight reel by snagging an interception and taking it all the way to the house.
Their wins bumped Venice to 7-2 and Clearwater Academy International to 5-4.
We should be in store for an exciting game Friday as the pair have no problem gaining yardage. Venice has been on an offensive roll this season, having averaged 393.6 total yards per game. However, it's not like Clearwater Academy International struggles in that department as they've been even better at 399.8 per game. With a pair of commanding offenses duking it out, the defenses are going to have their work cut out for them.
Venice came up short against Clearwater Academy International in their previous matchup back in November of 2022, falling 26-20. Thankfully for Venice, Ben Cottrell (who rushed for 130 yards and a touchdown) won't be suiting up this time. Will that be enough to change the final result? There's only one way to find out.
