The Herald-Tribune's football rankings haven't moved much after Week 6.
Venice, Cardinal Mooney, Palmetto, Riverview and Manatee all picked up wins. Sarasota stayed in its same spot, despite a loss to Venice. ODA and Braden River also haven't budged. At the bottom, Sarasota Christian moved up, while Saint Stephen's entered the rankings after a shutout win over Marco Island Academy.
Here is the Herald-Tribune's Super 10 team rankings ahead of Week 7.
Games through Friday, Sept. 25.
1. Venice (6-0)
Last week: Defeated Sarasota 57-33.
Analysis: Venice remained undefeated in Week 6, overpowering one of the best offenses in the area. Venice's defense had five sacks. Three-star running back Dorien Jones led the Indians with 208 yards and three touchdowns on 18 carries
despite not seeing much playing time in the second half. Ira Dale Jr. followed behind with 12 carries for 90 yards and two scores. And freshman receiver Mike Blakely had nine catches for 171 yards and two touchdowns. Freshman quarterback Mason Polley also made some big plays, including a 60-yard touchdown pass, to finish 9-of-14 with 148 yards and one score.
2. Cardinal Mooney (4-1)
Last week: Defeated Braden River 62-7.
Analysis: Senior running back Connail Jackson led Cardinal Mooney in Week 6, running for 277 yards and five tocuhdowns in one half and one play on 14 carries. In five games, Jackson has 1,202 yards on 83 carries for 18 touchdowns. Against Braden River, quarterback Davin Davidson had a quiet night, finishing 4-of-8 with 51 yards. He had one touchdown, connecting with receiver CJ King for a 32-yard TD.
3. Palmetto (5-1)
Last week: Defeated Parrish 52-0.
Analysis: Palmetto has won five straight games, opening up 5A-10 play with a shutout. Senior receiver Jok Harris returned the ball for a 95-yard touchdown, while Maurice Carter finished with 71 yards and a score. Running backs Shane Patridge, Ashton Kelly and Arturo Pierce combined for 172 yards and five touchdowns on 14 carries. On defense, Neal Espinosa had 2.5 sacks against Parrish.
4. Riverview (5-1)
Last week: Defeated Lehigh 71-8.
Analysis: Riverview routed Lehigh, extending its win streak to three. Quarterback Logan Carrillo finished 5-of-5 with over 150 yards and four touchdowns, exiting in the second quarter.
5. Manatee (4-2)
Last week: Defeated Sumner 30-27.
Analysis: Manatee had a huge win in Week 6, despite entering the fourth quarter with a 13-point deficit. But the Hurricanes blocked a punt for a safety and scored two touchdowns to overtake Sumner, ranked top-40 in Florida, according to MaxPreps. Three-star Tavares Powell returned a kickoff for a touchdown, making it a one score game. Then came the safety. And finally, sophomore quarterback Nolan Downes found receiver Deno Dalacas on fourth-and-long with 18 seconds left.
6. Sarasota (4-2)
Last week: Lost to Venice 57-33.
Analysis: Sarasota fell to Venice, but the Sailors had several chances to make it a more interesting game. Quarterback Hudson West (a newly-minuted four star) couldn't have done more, throwing for 421 yards and four touchdowns despite being sacked five times. Sophomore defensive lineman Mykell Crawford had an interception and a sack. Sarasota scored its most points against Venice since 2007. In the last 19 seasons, the Sailors have scored 14 points or less.
7. Out-of-Door Academy (6-0)
Last week: Defeated IMG Academy State 46-7.
Analysis: ODA continued its undefeated season on the road against IMG State. On the opening kickoff, ODA forced a fumble and Nate Cews receovered the ball, leading to a Jake Beasley touchdown from 15 yards out. Beasley scored later in the game for a 14-yard score, finishing with two scores and 56 yards. Bryce Briones had a 3-yard TD, and Ryan Kowatch intercepted an IMG pass. Quarterback Jaxon Lawhun broke ODA's school record for single season touchdown passes. He has 13 scores in 2026. Brayden Ogle led with 110 yards and a touchdown. Dominic Reddick had 83 receiving yards, two touchdown catches and an interception on defense.
8. Braden River (4-1)
Last week: Lost to Cardinal Mooney 62-7.
Analysis: Braden River recorded its first loss in 2026 on Friday, losing to defending state champions Cardinal Mooney. Under first-year coach Rick Farmer, the Pirates' 4-0 start was its best since 2021. Against Cardinal Mooney, the Braden River offense had 96 total yards in 46 snaps. Quarterback Louisen Desinor finished with 89 yards and one touchdown after being pressured all game and sacked three times.
9. Sarasota Christian (4-3)
Last week: Lost 41-21 to Northside Christian.
Analysis: Entering the fourth quarter, Sarasota Christian trailed 21-14, but had two turnovers in the final 12 minutes that cost the Blazers. Quarterback Tait Zeltwanger completed 15 of his 37 passes for 324 yards and three TDs. He added six carries for 84 yards and a score. Receiver Noah Spenn had five passes for 111 yards and a TD, while receiver Cale Zeltwanger added five catches for 79 yards and a touchdown. On defense, Peyton Gray had eight tackles.
10. Saint Stephen's (4-3)
Last week: Defeated Marco Island Academy 62-0.
Analysis: In the Saint Stephen's shutout, quarterback Steven LeBlanc led the charge, completing 6 of his 8 passes for 251 yards and three touchdowns. He also added 12 rushing yards and two scores. Freshman receiver Dion Donker had 153 yards and one touchdown. Linebacker Carson McBride had three tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 1.5 sacks against Marco Island.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota, Manatee high school football Super 10 rankings heading into Week 7










