Florida high school football preview: Sarasota Riverview at Venice

One of Sarasota County’s oldest rivalries renews tonight

VENICE, FLORIDA- When the Sarasota Riverview Rams travel over to Davis Powell Stadium tonight to face rival Venice Indians, it’s personal. 

This game has been building a lot of momentum throughout the offseason and it reached its pinnacle when Charles Lester III, a Florida State commit, transferred from Riverview to Venice. 

From there, the contest has skyrocketed what kind of tension could be felt at ‘The Island’ in the 941. What makes this game even that much more intriguing is that both clubs are playing good football heading in. 

Every year, the Indians (2-2) are expected to compete for a state championship. Anything less than that is a pure disappointment to John Peacock and his program. The beginning road back to the Class 4S title game has begun just like it did last year. 

Venice started out 0-2, with losses to Armwood and Cocoa before winning back-to-back games over Miami Northwestern and River Ridge. Now, the Indians are looking to win out the rest of the way. 

Winning the Class 4S, District 14 championship is practically on the line tonight and the Indians will need to rely on the right arm of Central Michigan commit Jadyn Glasser to navigate Venice to a dub. Glasser has thrown for 831 yards, seven touchdowns to just two interceptions. 

The ground game has been Venice’s calling card, and with Glasser (187 yards), Colorado commitment Jamarice Wilder (251 yards) and Alvin Johnson (146 yards) all being main contributors. 

The go-to-targets on offense for Glasser have been Carrollwood Day transfer CJ Lewis (13 catches, 326 yards) and Ryan Matulevich (12 catches, 166 yards) through the air. 

Lester III is said to be questionable for this high anticipated game against his former team, with the prized Seminoles’ commit totaling 18 tackles and one interception. Leading the defense so far is linebacker Eli Seed, who has a team-high 51 tackles and two interceptions. 

Sarasota Riverview (3-1) has only lost to Buchholz, a 53-31 decision, at home. Other than that, the Rams have been impressive and especially with scoring points. 

Operating the offense is Arizona transfer Braxton Thomas, who has completed 32-of-55 passes for 543 yards and four touchdowns. Running back DJ Johnson leads all rushers with 569 yards and six touchdowns. 

Venice transfer Anthony Miller has played a lot of the Taysom Hill-like role on offense for the Rams. Miller has thrown for 89 yards, rushed for 118 and added 215 receiving with eight total touchdowns. 

On defense, defensive coordinator Gerald Perry’s crew has been getting after quarterbacks early and often. Leading the defense in sacks is senior defensive end Luke Haskins with three. Linebacker Landon Marsters leads the defense with a team-high 32 tackles. 

ANDY’S PREDICTION: Venice 45, Sarasota Riverview 41 

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-- Andy Villamarzo | villamarzo@scorebooklive.com | @sblivefl