Here are the previews and predictions for Week 2 high school football games played by Sarasota and Manatee-area schools on Friday, Aug. 28, 2026.
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Friday, Aug. 28
Cardinal Newman at Cardinal Mooney
Watch Cardinal Newman at Cardinal Mooney football game here
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Cardinal Mooney found its rhythm against Berkeley Prep in Week 1 following a rough preseason game and a slow first quarter to begin the regular season, where the Cougars trailed 14-0. But in the second quarter, quarterback Davin Davidson and his receivers — juniors Cedric King and Seneca Hawthorne — jived. King scored two touchdowns, one for 85-yards. Running back Connail Jackson added three touchdowns, with two being 63-yard runs. But has Mooney’s offense
built enough chemistry to take on defending champions Newman? Quarterback Pedro Martinez threw four touchdown passes against Community School of Naples in a 30-0 win. Newman is ranked 13th in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Newman 28-21
Naples at Manatee
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Manatee fell 33-26 in its opening regular season game. Sophomore Nolan Downes finished 20-of-29 with 305 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Receiver Tavares Powell finished with 137 yards and one touchdown, while Deno Dalacas added 94 yards and a score. Running back Caedon White recorded 146 yards, good for one touchdown. As the offense continues to reach its full potential, Manatee will continue to become more of a threat. But the Hurricanes will face another challenge in its first home game against Naples, ranking 74th in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Manatee 27-21
Palm Beach Lakes at Sarasota
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Sarasota defeated Bayshore 35-18 at home to open the regular season. Quarterback Hudson West threw for three touchdowns, finishing 15-of-27 for 200 yards. Receiver Evan Larrick had an eight-yard touchdown, while Jayden Rivers scored two from six and 13 yards. Running back Cameron Houston added 81 rushing yards, scoring a touchdown. While the Sailors were up 21-0 by halftime, they became complacent, according to head coach Amp Campbell. If Sarasota can stitch together a first half performance similar to the one against Bayshore, the Sailors should remain undefeated.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Sarasota 35-21
Bear Creek (Orlando) at North Port
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: North Port earned its first season-opening win since 2021. Sophomore quarterback Cameron Wilson threw a touchdown pass and rushed for 59 yards to defeat IMG State 28-21. Katavion Comadore had a score from four yards out alongside Zachary Patchell who had two scores, including a 72-yard TD. And while North Port rebounded after being routed by Wellen Park in a preseason matchup, the Bobcats are still figuring things out and will continue to against Bear Creek.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Bear Creek 35-13
SmartEn Sport Academy at Venice
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: After scrambling to find an open season game, Venice drove over nine hours to play Rabun Gap-Nacoochee in Georgia, winning 42-40 in overtime. Running back Dorien Jones had five touchdowns, converting the 2-point try that sealed the game. Defensive back Micah Hayes had the winning pass breakup. And while Venice went to overtime in Week 1, the Indians will likely defeat SmartEn handedly, which is ranked 439th in the country.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Venice 56-14
Palmetto at Key West
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Palmetto fell to Clearwater Central Catholic 28-24 on the road. Quarterback Matthew Hennesey finished 12-of-20 with 181 yards and one touchdown. Running back Ashton Kelly had 10 carries for 59 yards and one TD. Tight end Ace Luther and receiver Maurice Carter each had a touchdown on Friday. While the Tigers have a long road test on Friday, they will likely win as the team — which boasts several new pieces — continues to mesh.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Palmetto 49-20
Gateway at Wellen Park
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Despite opening its doors on August 10 and being a young team, Wellen Park defeated Mariner 24-21 on the road to open its first ever season. Sophomore quarterback Noah Wireman finished 11-of-19 with 111 yards and one touchdown, while also adding two rushing touchdowns. Senior receiver Graham Cassani added a receiving touchdown from five yards out. Gateway ranks 280th in Florida, according to MaxPreps, and is coming off a 48-8 win over East Lee County. Still, behind Wireman, Wellen Park has a good chance to start 2-0.
Moon's scoring prediction: Wellen Park 28-14
Braden River at Fivay
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Braden River’s defense came up big in the Pirates’ 34-7 win over Pasco in Week 1. They scored a pair of defensive touchdowns behind a Jake Polson interception, who returned it for 52 yards. Then, defensive lineman Freedom McDaniel scooped up a fumble, returning it from 1 yard out. Heading into Week 2, Braden River will travel to Fivay, which will likely be a close matchup. According to MaxPreps, Fivay is ranked 239th while Braden Raver is 269th. If the defense can put on another performance and the passing game improves, Braden River has a chance to win on the road.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Braden River 24-21
Riverview at IMG Jr. National
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Riverview defeated Naples 42-21 in Week 1 behind an outstanding performance from quarterback Logan Carrillo. He finished 11-of-13 for 360 yards and four touchdowns, breaking Riverview’s single-season passing record. In the second half, the Rams’ defense held Naples to 68 rushing yards after allowing 197 yards on the ground in the first. IMG Jr. National — ranked 118th in Florida — is coming off 47-0 win over Zarephath. If Carrillo continues to roll and the defense makes adjustments, Riverview will likely leave Week 2 with a win.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Riverview 48-14
Lakewood Ranch at Davenport
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Lakewood Ranch had a statement 27-14 road win over Parrish Community in Week 1. Running back Elidrick Berry had 12 carries for 140 yards and two TDs. After a missed field goal, Lakewood Ranch’s Ka’marion Jones recovered it and scored on a 99-yard touchdown. After a 4-6 finish last season, the Mustangs are starting off strong. But they will face a challenge on the road against Davenport, which is coming off a 38-6 win against McLaughlin.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Lakewood Ranch 27-13
Southeast at Hillsborough
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Southeast fell to Wesley Chapel 34-28 on the road Week 1. At halftime, Wesley Chapel led 21-0, but the Seminoles had a strong second-half comeback that came up just short. Quarterback Mason Summer led the team, finishing 16-of-22 for 142 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed 10 times for 96 yards and two touchdowns. If the Seminoles can start quicker, they will likely earn their first win of the season on Friday. Hillsborough is coming off a 26-15 loss to Bloomingdale on the road. The Terriers are ranked 396th in Florida, according to MaxPreps.
Moon’s scoring prediction: 28-14
Parrish Community at Tampa Riverview:
Time: 7:30 p.m.
What to watch for: Parrish fell to Lakewood Ranch 27-14 at home in Week 1 in head coach Kody McNear’s first game at the helm. Starting quarterback Thomas Seymour struggled, completing three of 11 passes for 23 yards with two interceptions. Running back Jacoby Thomas was a high point for the Bulls, rushing for 100 yards in the games opening 15 minutes. He finished with 19 carries, 167 yards and two touchdowns. Parrish will likely turn to Thomas again as the Bulls search for their first win. Tampa Riverview lost 43-7 against East Bay in Week 1 and is ranked 417th in Florida.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Parrish Community 20-14
Sunshine State Athletic Association
Bradenton Christian at Lakeside Christian
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Bradenton Christian defeated Orlando Christian Prep 53-0 on Friday, August 21 and is 2-0 to start the season. Lakeside Christian is 1-1, falling to First Academy 40-34 — which Bradenton Christian beat 44-22 to open the season. In its third game, Bradenton Christian will likely continue its dominance.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Bradenton Christian 44-14
Saint Stephen’s at Sarasota Christian
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: Sarasota Christian fell to Canterbury 41-21 on Friday, August 21. The Blazers had a narrow 21-20 lead entering the fourth quarter, but Canterbury scored 21 unanswered points from there. Running back Elijah George had nine carries for 64 yards and a touchdown. He added three catches for 24 yards. Saint Stephen’s is 2-0 after a 34-8 win over Hudson. Quarterback Steven LeBlanc finished 10-of-20 with 146 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Will Roseboro had 11 carries for 65 yards and two touchdowns. Carson McBride had 11 tackles, while Zack Bonisch finished with seven tackles, a tackle for loss and a forced fumble. The game will likely be a close one between the two teams. Sarasota Christian has won the last two matches against Saint Stephen’s in 2024 and 2025.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Sarasota Christian 27-24
The Classical Academy of Sarasota at Slam Tampa
Time: 7 p.m.
What to watch for: TCA defeated Riverview Academy 44-0 to begin the season 1-0. Quarterback Nate Herlihy finished 4-for-4 with 130 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver Nico Ianelli had three catches for 113 yards and three touchdowns. Ianelli and Brackan Seppala both had a punt block and fumble recovery, while defensive lineman JD Lemp added two sacks. TCA fell to Slam Tampa 43-18 last season.
Moon’s scoring prediction: Slam Tampa 35-28
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Florida High School Football Week 2: Sarasota, Manatee game previews
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