Here are the previews and predictions for Week 3 high school football games played by Sarasota and Manatee area-schools on Thursday, Sept. 3 and Friday, Sept. 4.
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Thursday, Sept. 3
DeSoto County at Wellen Park
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: In its inaugural season, can Wellen Park start 3-0? It's looking like the Eagles can. Against Gateway, Wellen Park led 28-14 at halftime behind four straight touchdown drives, leading to an eventual 41-21 win. Sophomore quarterback Noah Wireman finished 10-of-17 for 195 yards. Wellen Park's defense allowed 39 rushing yards. And the Eagles have two solid running back options in Will Campbell and Malachi Bynum. DeSoto County is ranked 572nd in Florida, according to MaxPreps. It's likely that Wellen Park's win streak
will continue.
Moon's scoring prediction: Wellen Park 35-14
Friday, Sept. 4
Riverview at Palmetto
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Last week, Riverview defeated IMG Jr. National 51-0. The Rams have started off hot in 2026, winning two straight on the road behind quarterback Logan Carrillo. In Week 1, Carrillo finished 11-of-14 with four touchdowns and 360 passing yards, breaking Riverview’s single game passing record. In Week 2, Carrillo followed it up, finishing 6-of-7 with 253 passing yards and four touchdowns. Palmetto defeated Key West 35-7 on the road in Week 2. Like Riverview, the Tigers have been led standout quarterback in Matthew Hennesey, who finished 7-of-9 with 200 passing yards and two touchdowns. Receiver Maurice Carter had four catches for 111 yards and one touchdown, while Nazir Pitchford added 68 yards and one touchdown. It will likely be a close contest between the two squads in Palmetto's first home game and Riverview's third straight road game.
Moon's scoring prediction: Riverview 35-31
Venice at Lakeland
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: In Week 3, Venice football will have its biggest challenge of the season, facing Lakeland on the road. In USA Today's Super 25 Florida rankings, Venice is ranked eighth and Lakeland is ninth as both programs are chasing Florida's first ever Open Division — an eight-team bracket featuring the top-ranked teams in the state regardless of class. The two programs have a history. Venice lost to Lakeland during two 4S state championship games in 2022 and 2023. In 2000, an underdog Venice — and eventual first-time state champion — outlasted Lakeland 34-30, despite the Dreadnaughts 26-game win streak and No. 1 ranking. In between state championship games, the two teams have played each other in the regular season and during spring games. Since taking over for Hall of Fame coach Bill Castle in 2023, head coach Marvin Frazier is 38-7, leading his team to four straight state title appearances. Frazier has lost one game against a public school in his tenure, and that loss came during the first of his career. Since 2004, Lakeland has lost 15 games at home. Head coach John Peacock said his 2026 team has the most skill in Venice history. Freshman receiver Mike Blakely has five touchdowns on six touches. Four-star junior Tyree Mannings Jr. is one of the best receivers in the country. And senior running backs Ira Dale Jr. and Dorien Jones — seven touchdowns in two games — have continued to make plays.
Moon's scoring prediction: Lakeland 48-41
Cardinal Mooney at True North Academy (Miami)
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Mooney trailed by 20 points in the fourth quarter in its 47-46 loss to Cardinal Newman in Week 2. But the Cougars came back late. After getting within one, Mooney attempted the two-point conversion. While Connail Jackson got into the end zone to give Mooney the lead, a holding call negated the game winner. Mooney will look to rebound against True North Classical Academy in Miami, the team's first road test.
Moon's scoring prediction: Cardinal Mooney 49-21
Lakewood Ranch at Braden River
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: Lakewood Ranch shutout Davenport 27-0 in Week 2. Running back Elidrick Berry had two rushing touchdowns, and Ka’marion Jones added a receiving touchdown. The Mustangs are starting off strong following a 4-6 season in 2025. But they’ll meet a surging Braden River team. Braden River earned its first road since 2023 on Friday against Fivay after finishing 4-6 last season. Jake Polson had a receiving touchdown while quarterback Louisen Desinor added two touchdown passes. The Pirates also saw great games from Jackson Schlabach and David Louis.
Moon's scoring prediction: Lakewood Ranch 27-14
Charlotte at Southeast
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: Southeast is 0-2 entering Week 3 after losing to Hillsborough 21-7. Quarterback Mason Summer is 16-of-23 for 147 yards and two touchdowns, adding a team-high 109 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries across two games. Charlotte is 2-0, ranking 170th in Florida, according to MaxPreps. Charlotte has defeated both Fort Myers (21-0) and Gulf Coast (23-17) and it's looking like the Fighting Tarpons' win streak will continue.
Moon's scoring prediction: Charlotte 28-14
SFA Academy at Manatee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Manatee defeated Naples 28-17 in Week 2, rebounding from a Week 1 road loss to Plant. Running back Caedon White had 20 carries for 87 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. Sophomore Nolan Downes finished 9-of-13 with 197 yards and one touchdown. Manatee's defense also showed up, forcing three turnovers and two fumbles, which were recovered. Against SFA in Week 3, Manatee will likely stay in the win column. The Rams are ranked 277th in Florida.
Moon's scoring prediction: Manatee 35-7
Hudson at Sarasota
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Analysis: Sarasota lost to Palm Beach Lakes 58-47 in Week 2. Quarterback Hudson West finished 19-of-28 with four passing touchdowns and over 400 yards, throwing to a talented receiver core made up of Evan Larrick, Jayden Rivers and AJ Heater. He also added three rushing touchdowns. In Week 3, Sarasota will likely rebound against Hudson, which is ranked 487th in the country.
Moon's scoring prediction: Sarasota 49-14
Parrish Community at Bayshore
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: Parrish is 0-2 after falling to Tampa Riverview 27-12 on the road. Senior running back Jacoby Thomas has been a standout, recording 32 carries for 307 yards and two touchdowns. Bayshore is 1-1, defeating Sunlake 20-14 in Week 2. Sophomore quarterback Jake Carr is 13-of-21 with 182 yards and one touchdown, completing 61.9 percent of his passes through two games. Junior receiver DJ Wortham has a team-high 113 receiving yards and one touchdown on six touches.
Moon's scoring prediction: Parrish Community 35-14
Sunshine State Athletic Association
Out-of-Door Academy at Saint Stephen's
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: ODA has started dominantly this season, outscoring opponents 130-13 across its first three games. On Friday, in a 48-6 win over Cambridge Christian, the Thunder defense forced multiple turnovers and recorded a safety, keeping Cambridge Christian from scoring until the game’s final play. Saint Stephen’s is 2-1 after a close loss to Sarasota Christian. Ahead of Sarasota Christian, Saint Stephen’s allowed eight points across its opening two games. On offense, the Falcons have averaged 39 points per game. To get back in the win column, the Falcons' offense will have to find ways to get past a shutdown ODA defense.
Moon's scoring prediction: Out-of-Door Academy 35-12
Bradenton Christian at Hernando Christian
Time: 4:30 p.m.
Analysis: Bradenton Christian fell 20-18 to Lakeside Christian in its third game of the season. Quarterback Holland Hume has thrown for 680 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions, completing 51.6 percent of his passes through three games. Freshman Cohen Fuller has 13 carries for 170 yards and three touchdowns, while adding nine receptions for 140 yards and one touchdown. Junior receiver Colton Chaney leads Bradenton Christian in receiving yards with 16 receptions for 195 yards and three touchdowns. Bradenton Christian will look to rebound against Hernando Christian Academy, which is 1-1.
Moon's scoring prediction: Bradenton Christian 35-14
Foundation at The Classical Academy of Sarasota
Time: 7 p.m.
Analysis: TCA fell 42-14 to Sports Leadership & Management. The Patriots are 1-1 heading into Week 3. Sophomore running back Max Cruz has been a standout, scoring both touchdowns against SLM. In Week 1, Cruz recorded 43 yards. TCA is looking to rebound in Week 3 against Foundation, which is 2-1, defeating Riverview Academy 36-7.
Moon's scoring prediction: Classical Academy 35-31
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida High School Football Week 3: Sarasota, Manatee game previews
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