The Palmetto Tigers pushed their score all the way to 33 on Friday, but even that wasn't enough to win. They took a 38-33 hit to the loss column at the hands of Manatee. While losing is never fun, Palmetto can't take it too hard given the team's big disadvantage in MaxPreps' Florida football rankings (they are ranked 217th, while Manatee is ranked 78th).
Despite the loss, Palmetto still got an impressive performance from Clayton Dees, who threw for 411 yards and three touchdowns, and also punched in a touchdown on the ground. Dylan Wester was another key contributor, picking up 197 receiving yards and a touchdown.
Trayvon Pinder went supernova for Manatee, rushing for 140 yards and four touchdowns. Another player making a difference was Andrew Heidel, who threw for 204 yards and a touchdown.
This is the second loss in a row for Palmetto and nudges their season record down to 5-4. As for Manatee, their win bumped their record up to 8-2.
Both teams are looking forward to the support of their home crowds in their upcoming games. Palmetto will take on Ida Baker at 7:00 p.m. on Friday. Ida Baker comes in still looking for their first win of the season. As for Manatee, they will be playing at home against Southeast at 7:30 p.m. on Friday. Southeast is hoping to put an end to a five-game streak of away losses.
