There weren't many dramatic changes in the Herald-Tribune's football rankings after Week 3 of the high school football season.
Venice remains in the top spot following a 32-25 double-overtime win against powerhouse Lakeland on the road. Palmetto moved up, and Riverview went down after the two teams' bout led to a 35-28 Palmetto win. Braden River also saw some upward movement following a 39-28 victory over Lakewood Ranch.
Here's the Herald-Tribune's Super 10 team rankings ahead of Week 4.
Games through Friday, Sept. 4, 2026.
Watch Florida HS football games live on NFHS Network
1. Venice (3-0)
Last week: Defeated Lakeland 32-25 in double overtime.
Analysis: Venice defeated Lakeland in Week 3, adding another overtime road victory to its resume despite Tyree Mannings
Jr. going out with a foot injury. Senior FIU commit Dorien Jones scored the touchdown that gave Venice the lead, and he muscled in the 2-point try on the following play. He had 250 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Senior Ky'mani Reed had a tip-drill interception on the last play of the game, sealing it for the Indians. Head coach John Peacock has made it clear he's chasing the first-ever Open Division — a bracket made up of the top eight teams in Florida regardless of class. With an overtime win against Rabun Gap (Georgia) in Week 1 and now with a win over Lakeland, Venice is in a great position to make the top eight. If the Indians beat Raines on the road in Week 7, Venice is likely a lock.
2. Cardinal Mooney (2-1)
Last week: Defeated True North 56-34.
Analysis: Senior running back Connail Jackson had five touchdowns, running for over 300 yards, in Cardinal Mooney's win over True North. The Cougars led 21-13 in the second quarter before CJ King returned the second-half kickoff 94 yards for a score. Then, Jackson scored three more times before Mylin Brown sealed the game with a 64-yard touchdown.
3. Palmetto (2-1)
Last week: Defeated Riverview 35-28.
Analysis: Palmetto led 21-0 by the end of the first quarter before Riverview stormed back in the fourth. At the Palmetto 27, Riverview looked like it might tie the game, but Palmetto's defense — made up of four-star defensive lineman Maleek Lee, linebacker Kymani Sellers and defensive end Isaiah Tyson — continued to apply pressure. Quarterback Matthew Hennesey showed off against Riverview, throwing for over 180 yards in the first quarter alone. He connected with App State commit Jok Harris, tight end Ace Luther and three-star UNC commit Nazir Pitchford from 12, 47 and 75 yards out, respectively.
4. Riverview (2-1)
Last week: Lost to Palmetto 35-28.
Analysis: Despite an ugly first quarter, Riverview showed why it's one of the best teams in the area in the fourth quarter. Quarterback Logan Carrillo connected with Miles Przekwas for a 10-yard touchdown with 6:05 left. Then, the Rams recovered an onside kick seconds later, leading to a Trenton Huffman 10-yard score with 5:13 to play. While the Rams couldn't find the final answer, Carrillo — who has been a standout this season — finished with 308 yards and three touchdowns.
5. Manatee (2-1)
Last week: Defeated Specially Fit 41-21.
Analysis: After a Week 1 loss to Tampa Plant, Manatee has rebounded over the last two weeks, defeating Naples and SFA. Quarterback Nolan Downes has finished 23-of-32 over the last two games, throwing for 486 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Caedon White has recorded 310 all-purpose yards, 285 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while receiver Deno Dalacas has 11 receptions for 270 yards (24.5 YPC) and three touchdowns.
6. Sarasota (2-1)
Last week: Defeated Hudson 42-0.
Analysis: What more can you say about quarterback Hudson West? The 6-foot-5 junior has been a standout this season, throwing for 833 yards and 11 touchdowns while completing 68.6 percent of his passes. In a shutout win over Hudson, West finished 6-of-8 with four touchdowns. In Week 2, during a 58-47 loss to Palm Beach Lakes, West's 409 yards broke Sarasota's single-season passing record. West, alongside his talented receiving core in Evan Larrick, Jayden Riers and Julian Wilcox.
7. Braden River (3-0)
Last week: Defeated Lakewood Ranch 39-28.
Analysis: Braden River is off to its first 3-0 start since the 2021 season in former defensive coordinator Rick Farmer's first year as head coach. The Pirates rallied from a 12-point, first-half deficit by scoring 29 unanswered points. Senior quarterback Louisen Desinor threw for 117 yards and one touchdown, adding 97 rushing yards. Braden River's defense also recorded six sacks.
8. Lakewood Ranch (2-1)
Last week: Lost to Braden 39-28.
Analysis: After finishing 4-6 last season, Lakewood Ranch has been on a run this season. And while the Mustangs saw their first loss in 2026, they still showed a lot of positives. Running back Elidrick Berry finished with 159 yards on 14 carries for two touchdowns. While Lakewood Ranch struggled to pass the ball early, quarterback Everett Russ hit receiver Ka'marion Jones with a 75-yard touchdown pass. Russ threw for 155 yards total, despite only having five passing yards at halftime. In Week 4, Lakewood Ranch will face a strong district opponent in Riverview.
9. Out-of-Door Academy (4-0)
Last week: Defeated Saint Stephen's 28-0.
Analysis: ODA shut out Saint Stephen's, continuing its dominance through four games. Senior quarterback Jaxon Lawhun went 10-of-24 with 175 yards and three touchdowns. ODA's defense forced four turnovers, including two interceptions. Receiver Dominic Reddick had three catches for 102 yards, while receiver Cam Yates recorded 47 yards and two touchdowns. ODA will have a bye, but expect the team to pick right back up in Week 5.
10. Sarasota Christian (3-1)
Last week: Defeated Southwest Florida Christian 37-7.
Analysis: Sarasota Christian routed Southwest Florida Christian behind running back Elijah George and William Hughes, who combined for 214 yards and two touchdowns. The Blazer defense allowed one touchdown and recorded three sacks. Sarasota Christian will play a 1-3 Cambridge Christian squad on Friday, Sept. 11, a team the Blazers should dominate.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Super 10 Sarasota, Manatee football team ranking entering Week 4
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