4. Armwood at Manatee
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m.
Where: Joe Kinnan Field at Hawkins Stadium, Bradenton
TV: Bright House Sports Network (Tampa Bay-area only)
Radio: Manatee – WLSS 930 AM, Bradenton
Why: This is one game we really wish it was not a kickoff classic, but instead count for a regular season game. However, aside from that this is a great match-up of two teams from the Tampa Bay-area that not only have name recognition locally, regional and statewide, also nationally as well. Manatee showed off a potential high potent offense during spring football, which could spell trouble for opponents on the schedule. That could possibly lead the Hurricanes deep into the playoffs. Armwood is coming off another solid season that finished with a little damper to it coming up short to Miami Central in the Class 6A state championship game once again. The Hawks have quite a few athletes from last season’s squad returning looking to make another run. Overall, this is a great test for both programs before diving into the regular season next week.
Predictions
USA TODAY HSS Score Predictor: Armwood 35, Manatee 20
Josh’s Pick: Manatee 31, Armwood 28
Who do you think will win?
