Venice (Fla.) at Manatee (Bradenton, Fla.)Venice is one of seven remaining undefeated teams in Florida's 7A classification. The Indians (6-0) are ranked 12th overall in the state according to
MaxPreps' Freeman Rankings. Other than a one-point win against Charlotte (Punta Gorda) on Sept. 23, they have beaten all comers by at least three touchdowns. A key need for Venice will be getting a contribution from 6-2, 210-pound running back
Danny Dillard. The senior was a standout in the Indians' first four games but missed time the last two weeks due to an ankle injury.
Manatee has two losses, but clearly remains one of the top teams in the state this season. Both the Hurricanes' losses were to national Top 10 opponents. They lost by seven in overtime at No. 8 Good Counsel (Olney, Md.) in the season-opener and by five at home to top-ranked Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey, N.J.) on Sept. 16. All four of their wins were convincing. A 21-0 shutout of state-ranked Cypress Bay (Weston) was their only win decided by less than 42 points. Junior quarterback
Cord Sandberg has 956 passing yards with six touchdowns this season.
Mitch Stephens: Manatee 35, Venice 21
Steve Montoya: Manatee 14, Venice 7
Stephen Spiewak: Manatee 35, Venice 21
Kevin Askeland: Manatee 28, Venice 14
Jamie DeMoney: Manatee 28, Venice 18

Cord Sandberg and Manatee have two losses but they came against some of the nation's top teams.
Photo by Stuart Browning