Manatee (Bradenton, Fla.) vs. Gilman (Baltimore)
Defensive lineman Demarcus Christmas will set out to make sure his team's game against Gilman is anything but a holiday for the boys from Baltimore.
Photo by Marc Estrada
Manatee has eight returning offensive starters but only two are back on defense from a team that started last season No. 1 in the MaxPreps Xcellent 25 and ended up 13-1 after losing in the 7A state semifinals. The Hurricanes' offensive experience figures to equate to a very strong rushing attack -- especially with the presence of Missouri-committed running back
Trevon Walters and an experienced offensive line. On defense,
Demarcus Christmas, a 6-4, 285-pound Florida State recruit, is the top returning player. In a preseason game last week, Manatee posted a 38-7 win against East Lake (Tarpon Springs, Fla.), a team that won 11 games last season.
See the MaxPreps Medium Schools RankingsGilman fell behind by two touchdowns in the first quarter of its regular-season opener against Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) last week but rallied to win the game, 20-14. In his first varsity start at quarterback, talented junior
Kai Locksley ran and passed for more than 100 yards with one touchdown. It was a much-needed taste of success for a talented but young team that is kicking off the season with three straight games against highly regarded opponents. Next week, the Greyhounds will take on nationally ranked Paramus Catholic (N.J.). But for now, they must face a tough task in this Sunday contest that is part of the Brothers in Arms Classic.
Mitch Stephens: Manatee 34, Gilman 28
Kevin Askeland: Manatee 30, Gilman 14
Jamie DeMoney: Manatee 28, Gilman 20
Stephen Spiewak: Manatee 28, Gilman 21
Leland Gordon: Manatee 38, Gilman 27
Colin Ward-Henninger: Gilman 14, Manatee 13
