Here are the previews and predictions for Week 1 high school football games played by Sarasota and Manatee-area schools on Friday, Aug. 21, 2026.
Thursday, Aug. 20
IMG Academy State at North Port
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: North Port fell 45-7 in its preseason game against Wellen Park. Sophomore quarterback Cameron Wilson passed for 13 yards to junior Zachary Patchell for a touchdown, putting the Bobcats in front with 4:32 remaining in the first. But Wellen Park scored 45 unanswered points after. It wasn't a promising showing as head coach Devon Gales — who is entering his second season — is trying to build on a program that has one winning season in its 24-year football history. The Bobcats finished 6-4 in 2023. Last season, North Port finished 1-9. And while North Port might have more than
one win this season, it likely won't be against IMG Academy State. The Ascenders finished 4-5 last season.
Moon's score prediction: IMG 42-7
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Friday, Aug. 21
Bayshore at Sarasota
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: In its 38-24 preseason win against Hillsborough, three-star junior quarterback Hudson West — who has 21 offers — threw for over 300 yards, scoring four touchdowns. The Sailors' offense showed off its weapons, which includes receiversEvan Larrick (10 offers), Jayden Rivers and Julian Wilcom, who all scored. Larrick had a 68-yard touchdown to open the third quarter. Sarasota also has a solid ground game behind running backs Darrell Yarborough and Cameron Houston, who had a rushing touchdown on Friday. Head coach Amp Campbell said the Sailors will need to clean up the penalties and make some more tackles, but they should be ready for their opening game against Bayshore. The Bruins lost 50-13 in its preseason game against St. John Neumann on Friday. The two squads combined for 18 penalties for 165 yards. Despite the score, the Bayshore defense showed some promise, recording three sacks and three tackles for loss. Freshman quarterback Jake Carr completed seven of his 17 passes for 37 yards and two interceptions.
Moon's scoring prediction: Sarasota 35-14
Berkeley Prep at Cardinal Mooney
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Cardinal Mooney fell 49-0 in its preseason game against powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas, the No. 1 ranked team in Florida. The Cougars' offense was stagnant behind an uncharacteristic night from senior quarterback Davin Davidson (Florida commit). Davidson finished 3-of-22 for 19 yards with two interceptions. Some passes were dropped by the receiving core, which is new this season. Despite the score, Mooney's defense showed some positives. Junior linebacker Travion Lester had a god game in the middle, while defensive lineman Kaleb Exume (Boston College commit) controlled things up front. On Friday, in its first regular season game against Berkely Prep, the Cougars will look to rebound. Davidson will likely have a better night as the offense continues to mesh with one another as the defense shows out.
Moon's scoring prediction: Cardinal Mooney 49-14
Riverview at Naples
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Riverview fell 35-27 in its preseason match against Port Charlotte. Quarterback Logan Carrillo and tight end Miles Przekwas had solid nights, connecting on a 46-yard score to tie the game. Senior receiver Trenton Huffman also scored behind a 46-yard run. Carrillo finished with 207 yards and three touchdowns. The Rams also showed off their ground game led by running backs Michael Peterson (12 carries for 60 yards) and Justin Flores (20 yards). The Rams will need all their offense firing against a talented Naples team on the road. Riverview will need to stop senior Nicksen Volvic — who rushed for 515 yards and five touchdowns last year — and junior running back Jevan Raphael. Naples ranks No. 51 in the state, according to MaxPreps. Riverview is 50th in Florida.
Moon's score prediction: Riverview 38-32
Lakewood Ranch at Parrish Community
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Lakewood Ranch routed Moore Haven 35-6 on Friday, after finishing 4-6 last season. In the offseason, head coach Scott Paravicini said he has been refocusing and rebuilding the team. Parrish Community has a new head coach this season in Kody McNear, who replaces former coach Dylan Clark. Over the last three seasons, Clark finished 25-7, and McNear is looking to build on that success. McNear will have his first regular season test against the Mustangs on Friday.
Moon's score prediction: Parrish Community 38-14
Wesley Chapel at Southeast
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Head coach Curt Bradley is hoping to continue to build Southeast's program this season after finishing 8-2 in 2025. The Seminoles have six transfers and an additional six that regained their eligibility. Southeast will be led by senior linebacker Barron Baldwin, junior linebacker Kahleb Crawford and sophomore receiver Ronnie Bundrage. Crawford ad 62 total tackles, 43 solo tackles and four tackles for loss. Welsey Chapel is ranked 290th in Florida, according to MaxPreps, while Southeast is 306.
Moon's score prediction: Southeast 26-21
Venice at Rabun Gap-Nacoochee (Ga.)
Time: 6 p.m.
What to watch for: Venice is coming off a 72-7 preseason win over Gulf Coast on Friday. Running back Ira Dale Jr. had three rushing scores, while freshman Mike Blakely caught four touchdown passes. Four-star receiver Tyree Mannings Jr.(23 offers) returned a kickoff 67 yards for a score, adding 40 yards behind three catches. Against Rabun-Gape Nacoochee, Venice will look to use all these weapons with its ongoing quarterback battle. Junior quarterback Noah Patton — who transferred from IMG — will likely get the start on Friday, but freshman quarterback Mason Polley is a strong backup option. While Rabun Gap is located in Georgia, it plays North Carolina teams and is ranked sixth in the state, according to MaxPreps.
Moon's score prediction: Venice 49-21
Wellen Park at Mariner
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Despite playing its first game in history on Friday, Wellen Park earned a decisive 45-7 win over North Port, triggering the running clock midway through the third. The Eagles had 100 more yards of total offense than North Port. Sophomore quarterback Noah Wireman finished 7-of-14 with 191 yards and one touchdown. In the second half, Wellen Park ran for 91 yards on 14 carries in a 13-minute span. And while Wellen Park showed it shouldn't be dismissed, the Eagles will face a huge road test against Mariner in what will likely be a close matchup.
Moon's score prediction: Mariner 20-14
Pasco at Braden River
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Braden River tied George Jenkins 28-28 in its preseason game. The Pirates will be upperclassmen-heavy with 17 seniors. First-year head coach Rick Farmer is hoping the Pirates can have their first winning season since 2021 behind quarterback senior Louisen Densinor, who threw for 1,614 yards and 10 touchdowns, completing 55.7 percent of his passes last season. The Pirates will also look to senior Maddox Hale, defensive lineman Freedom McDaniel and senior defensive end David Louis.
Moon's score prediction: Braden River 21-7
Manatee at Tampa Plant
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Manatee struggled in its 42-7 loss to Trinity Christian. The Hurricanes allowed 473 yards in total offense as Trinity Christian scored on its first three possessions. Sophomore quarterback Nolan Downes — who transferred from IMG — completed 8-of-19 passes for 95 yards as Manatee's receiving corps struggled. While there's a lot for Manatee to work on, running back Caedon White had a good night, recording 90 rushing yards on the ground and scoring a 40-yard touchdown. To open the regular season, Manatee will face four-time state champion Tampa Plant on the road, which ranks 102nd in Florida.
Moon's score prediction: Plant 28-21
Palmetto at Clearwater Central Catholic
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Palmetto routed Lake Gibson 37-6 in its preseason match on Friday. The Tigers will face a big road test against Clearwater Central Catholic, which is ranked 57th in the state, according to MaxPreps. Palmetto is ranked 83rd. Palmetto returns senior quarterback Matthew Hennesey, who threw for 2,167 yards last season, alongside cornerback Nazir Pitchford (UNC commit) and receiver Jok Harris (Appalachian State). In the offseason, the Tigers also picked up several key transfers, including four-star defensive lineman Maleek Lee, a Georgia Tech with 29 offers. Palmetto also has senior linebacker Kymani Sellers. With its experienced and bolstered roster, Palmetto will likely challenge Clearwater Central.
Moon's score prediction: Palmetto 35-28
Sunshine State Athletic Association
Bradenton Christian at Orlando Christian Prep
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Bradenton Christian defeated First Academy Leesburg 44-22 on Friday. After allowing a fumble return for 90 yards and a touchdown to open the game, the Panthers answered with a touchdown and held First Academy scoreless through the second half. Key standouts on Friday, including WR/DB Andrew Delgado, quarterback Holland Hume and WR/DB Colton Chaney, will be pivotal against Orlando Christian.
Moon's score prediction: Bradenton Christian 37-21
Babcock at Out-of-Door Academy (1-0)
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: ODA defeated Indian Rocks 26-7 on Friday night. The Thunder defense held Indian Rocks to 108 yards. Senior Devin Erdei had five tackles for loss as the defense forced multiple turnovers. Running back Tanner Matthews led with 12 carries for 65 yards, while quarterback Jaxon Lawhun finished with 89 passing yards and touchdown. Shutdown defense and a solid offense will likely be the story as ODA takes on Babcock. The Trailblazers finished 1-9 last season.
Moon's score prediction: ODA 42-7
Hudson at Saint Stephen's
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Saint Stephen's defeated Bishop McLaughlin 50-0 on Friday. Sophomore quarterback Steven LeBlanc (9-for-17, 213 yards, 4 TDs) and freshman running back William Roseboro Jr. showed out (six carries, 61 yards, 2 TDs). Sophomore Simeon McBride also had an interception, while Dion Donker had two touchdown catches. The Falcons will need all those offense weapons against Hudson, which finished 5-7 last season.
Moon's score prediction: Saint Stephen's 21-17
Sarasota Christian (1-0) at Canterbury
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Against Gateway Charter on Friday, Sarasota Christian won 50-0 behind 278 yards of total offense. The defense only gave up six total yards. Sophomore quarterback Tait Zeltwanger finished 3-of-5 for 82 yards and two touchdowns. Wide receiver Noah Spenn had two receiving touchdowns, while running back Will Hughes had three carries for 42 yards and a touchdown. Running back Matthew Otto added seven carries for 63 yards and one touchdown. Reed Gibson led with six total tackles and 2.5 tackles for loss. If Sarasota Christian has a similar performance, the Blazers will likely starts 2-0 against, winning against Canterbury. Canterbury beat Oasis 45-17 in a preseason game. The Cougars ran for 157 yards and passed for another 184. Quarterback Tony Sinatra Jr. completed 12-of-17 passes with four touchdowns and one interception.
Moon's score prediction: Sarasota Christian 35-27
The Classical Academy at Riverview Academy
Time: 6 p.m.
What to watch for: After finishing 4-8 last year, head coach Geoff McBride is building his team this season in his second year at the helm. In a sophomore heavy lineup, Classical Academy is led by junior tight end/defensive end Brandon McBride. He's 6-foot, 190 pounds. TCA also boasts junior Joseph Springer, a defensive back/running back. Last season, Springer had 16 total tackles and one tackle for loss. Geoff McBride also highlighted wide receiver/defensive back Evan Branson. All will be pivotal in TCA's first game against Riverview Academy, who finished 1-9 last season. Last season, TCA defeated Riverview Academy 55-0.
Moon's score prediction: TCA 42-7
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida High School Football Week 1: Sarasota, Manatee game previews
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