Florida high school football preview: Manatee at Venice

The Battle for the South Suncoast takes place tonight at Davis-Powell Stadium

VENICE, FLORIDA- The time for talk ends tonight at ‘The Island’ when the Battle for the South Suncoast occurs.

State power Venice will host an undefeated Manatee ball club, whom has become a potential viable contender in Class 4S. Not only is this a regional battle, but a possible preview of the Region 4 final down the road in the playoffs. 

Whatever it may be, this matchup definitely has brought the attention of many in the 941. It also provides for plenty of social media ammunition for Venice head coach John Peacock. 

Since the Florida High School Athletic Association (FHSAA) released its power ratings for every classification, Venice was once ranked below 200 in the state. Now back just within the top 100, they still feel a bit slighted when compared to the Hurricanes. 

Manatee (6-0) is fully revitalized when you take a look at the program that not long ago was a dismal 2-7. Now with a chance to beat one of the state’s top teams in Class 4S, they’re basking in the opportunity. 

Leading the Hurricanes’ offense is junior quarterback Andrew Heidel, who has thrown for 1,285 yards and 13 touchdowns. Heidel is joined in the backfield by tailbacks Keishawn Smith (290 yards, four touchdowns) and Cory Sanders (289 yards, three touchdowns). 

Top two targets for Heidel are speedsters Bonshavior Bean (23 catches, 491 yards) and Torey Gilley (23 catches, 287 yards). 

The Hurricanes’ defense has been boosted by the return of linebacker Damontez McDowell, who has made 16 tackles in two games. 

Venice (3-2) has had no problem scoring points offensively, as the Indians are averaging a cool 39.6 points per game. The Indians have won three straight after starting the season off with losses to Armwood and Cocoa. 

Central Michigan commitment Jadyn Glasser has thrown for 1,102 yards and eight touchdowns, but can also do it with his legs. Glasser has rushed for 198 yards and two scores. Backup quarterback Ryan Downes, the incumbent to Glasser, has thrown for 121 yards, rushed for 91 and has seven total touchdowns. 

The ground game for the Indians is led by Colorado commitment Jamarice Wilder (336 yards, eight touchdowns) and Alvin Johnson (204 yards). Through the air, CJ Lewis leads the team with 16 catches for 419 yards and four touchdowns. 

Look for Florida State commitment Charles Lester and Power Five prospect Deylen Platt to lockup against Bean and Gilley, respectively. 

ANDY’S PREDICTION: Venice 38, Manatee 23 

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