WHO: Lincoln (7A-2) at Manatee (8A-7)
WHEN: Friday, May 24
WHERE: Hawkins Stadium at Joe Kinnan Field, Bradenton
WHY: Both of these teams are truly top teams when it comes to the cream of the crop in high school football in Florida. For both, the Lincoln Trojans and Manatee Hurricanes, they are going to be looking to fill holes thanks to graduation. However, this should never throw up a cause of a concern for anyone as both teams, seem to reload on talent rather than reload. If the schedules for both teams indicate anything, they are not expecting a drop off of any sorts. Are both teams expected to be contenders for state championships this season? At this point, we have no other reason than to say yes, based upon what we know and what these two teams are capable of. Look for this spring game to be like a typical Friday night game rather than just a game to figure out what is working right and what needs to be fixed. If you thought all along this game was the top spring game in Florida….you got your wish!
![Three generations of Garcia's pose for a photo from Hillsborough (Tampa) on Sunday, July 12 at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Fla. From left to right is Hillsborough Head Coach Earl Garcia Jr., Earl "EJ" Garcia IV, and Earl Garcia III. [FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://i0.wp.com/floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-High-School-Football-Media-Day-Day-2-Photo-Gallery.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
![The Durant Cougars (Plant City) hold up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Flag during the photo session of the 2026 Tampa Bay Buccaneers High School Football Media Day on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at the AdventHealth Training Center in Tampa, Fla. [FloridaHSFootball.com]](https://i0.wp.com/floridahsfootball.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-Tampa-Bay-Buccaneers-High-School-Football-Media-Day-Day-1-Photo-Gallery.jpg?fit=1920%2C1080&ssl=1)
