Here are the previews and predictions for Week 8 high school football gams played by Sarasota and Manatee area schools on Thursday, Oct. 8 and Friday, Oct. 9, 2026
THURSDAY
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Out-of-Door Academy (7-0) at Seffner Christian (7-0)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: In SSAA's Week 8, ODA defeated Southwest Florida Christian 49-14, behind several standout record-breaking performances. Quarterback Jaxon Lawhun finished with 184 yards, four touchdowns and one interception, breaking ODA's single season passing record. Dominic Reddick had five receptions for 125 yards and two scores, tying the record for most receiving yards in a single season. Entering Week 9, ODA will face one of the toughest teams on its schedule, Seffner Christian, on the road. The Crusaders are undefeated,
ranked 156th in Florida, according to MaxPreps. They are led by senior quarterback Marino Cozzens, who has thrown for 1,205 yards, 15 touchdowns and five interceptions, completing 56.6 percent of his passes. Seffner Christian running backs Isaiah Balthazar and Antonio Ercolano split time, combining for 13 touchdowns and 1,013 yards. Balthazar also has 154 receiving yards good for five touchdowns. ODA has won its last two matches against Seffner Christian in 2024 and 2025, but will play an improved Crusaders squad in 2026.
Moon's prediction: ODA 38-28
Shorecrest Prep (5-2) at Bradenton Christian (5-2)
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Analysis: Bradenton Christian is coming off a bye week. In the first seven weeks of their season, the Panthers have defeated several teams handedly, but suffered losses to Lakeside Christian and SLAM Tampa. Through seven games, quarterback Holland Hume has 1,544 yards, 22 touchdowns and seven interceptions, completing 57 percent of his passes. Cohen Fuller has 10 rushing touchdowns and 489 yards behind 34 carries. He also has 518 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on 23 receptions. Shorecrest Prep is on a three-game winning streak, ranked sixth in 8-man football in Florida.
Moon's prediction: Bradenton Christian 32-28
FRIDAY
Palmetto (5-1) at Manatee (4-3)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Palmetto is coming off a bye in Week 7 after a dominant start to the regular season. Following a narrow 28-24 loss to Clearwater Central Catholic in Week 1, the Tigers have defeated Key West, Riverview, IMG Jr. National, Naples and Parrish Community in the last six weeks. Manatee fell to Columbia after several key players missed part or the entirety of the game, including receiver Tavares Powell, receiver Deno Dalacas and junior running back Caedon White, who is expected to return to action against Palmetto. With Manatee trailing 16-14, Columbia scored two touchdowns to close the first half and two touchdowns to open the third quarter. With Manatee returning from injury and Palmetto being a top team in the area, Palmetto will likely continue its win streak.
Moon's prediction: Palmetto 42-28
Bayshore (3-4) at Cardinal Mooney (5-1)
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: In Week 7, Cardinal Mooney defeated Clearwater Central Catholic 47-35, winning its fourth straight game. The game featured four lead changes, and a sloppy second half. The Cougars had two back-to-back fumbles, both recovered by CCC. Still, after Mylin Brown scored from 1-yard out and Jordan Sanders had a pick-6, Cardinal Mooney overcame several mistakes for the win. Bayshore fell 27-7 to Wesley Chapel in Week 7, losing its third consecutive game.
Moon's prediction: Cardinal Mooney 48-14
Sarasota (4-2) at Lehigh (0-6)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Sarasota is coming off a bye following a 4-2 start to the season after finishing 4-7 in 2025. The Sailors fell to Palm Beach Lakes in Week 2 and Venice in Week 6, but have defeated every other team handedly. They're on track for Sarasota's first seven win season since 2005. In Week 8, Sarasota will face district foe Lehigh, which has yet to win a game this season. The Lightning have scored 33 points this season, while allowing 292. Led by four-star quarterback Hudson West — who has thrown for 1,771 yards, 23 touchdowns and two interceptions — the Sailors will likely coast to a win.
Moon's prediction: Sarasota 56-7
Lakewood Ranch (2-4) at Venice (6-1)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Venice suffered its first loss of the season in Week 7, falling to undefeated Raines on the road. Raines blocked three field goals, including a 48-yard attempt that would have tied the game late. Running back Dorien Jones— who has a team-high 17 touchdowns — was absent on Friday. Three other starters were also on the sidelines on Friday due to injury. But the Indians should be able to rebound at home against Lakewood Ranch, which has lost four straight games before its bye week in Week 7.
Moon's prediction: Venice 63-14
Riverview (5-1) at North Port (2-4)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: The Rams are coming off a bye week after a 5-1 start to the season. Riverview has been dominant, defeating Naples, IMG Jr. National, Lakewood Ranch, Manatee and Lehigh. Quarterback Logan Carrillo has led the offense, throwing for 1,473 yards, 19 touchdowns and three interceptions. Running back Justin Flores and Michael Peterson, who split time, have combined for 807 yards and 13 touchdowns. Riverview's three-game win streak should extent to four against North Port, who is also coming off a bye. In Week 6, North Port defeated Lakewood Ranch 33-21, ending a four-game losing streak.
Moon's prediction: Riverview 56-13
Clewiston (1-6) at Wellen Park (4-2)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Wellen Park lost in Week 7, falling to Lemon Bay 40-7. Lemon Bay rushed for 482 yards, shutting down the Eagles on the ground. Sophomore quarterback Noah Wireman was forced to throw the ball 42 times, completing 17 of his passes for 223 yards. But the Eagles will look to rebound against a one-twin Clewiston team, ranked 484th in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
Moon's prediction: Wellen Park 35-12
Southeast (1-5) at Braden River (4-1)
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: Southeast is 1-5, picking up a 45-6 win against Osceola, its first of the season. Braden River is coming off a bye after a successful start to the season. Under first-year head coach Rick Farmer, the Pirates are off to their best start since 2021. They also earned their first road win since 2021 in Week 2, defeating Fivay. After finishing 4-6 in 2025, Braden River has a strong chance to earn its fifth win on Friday against district rival Southeast.
Moon's prediction: Braden River 35-28
Parrish Community (0-6) at Sumner (4-3)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Parrish Community had a bye in Week 7 following an 0-6 start to the season in head coach Kody McNear's first season. Parrish has managed 14 points or less in every game, most recently being shut out by Palmetto in Week 6. Sumner is ranked 42nd in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
Moon's prediction: Sumner 42-7
Sunshine State Athletic Association
Sarasota Christian (5-3) at Indian Rocks Christian (2-5)
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: Despite its game being cancelled against Babcock on Friday, Sarasota Christian quickly rescheduled the day before the game, defeating Keswick Christian 36-15. The Blazers scored 22 points in the fourth quarter to win on the road. Against a two-win Indian Rocks squad, Sarasota Christian has a strong chance to pick up another road win. Indian Rocks is ranked 362nd in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
Moon's prediction: Sarasota Christian 35-21
The Classical Academy of Sarasota (4-2) at Lakeside Christian (4-3)
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: TCA defeated City of Life 30-0 on Friday, but will have a huge road test in Week 9. Lakeside Christian is the seventh best 8-man team in Florida, according to MaxPreps. Lakeside is on a two game losing streak.
Moon's prediction: Lakeside Christian 35-28
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida High School Football Week 8: Sarasota, Manatee game previews
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