WEEK 1 SUNSHINE STATE TOP 25 SHOWDOWN PREVIEW: No. 23 Vero Beach at No. 16 Venice

NO. 23 VERO BEACH AT NO. 16 VENICE

When: Friday, August 24, 7:30 p.m.

Where: Powell-Davis Stadium, Venice

Vero Beach Outlook: The Indians took a 35-28 loss to Viera in the kickoff classic last week, which is a rare thing considering Vero Beach has traditionally won their kickoff classics in a pure fashion. However, things shouldn’t be written about the Indians in that loss as they did have a pretty good showing from QB Nick Celidonio and WR Demarcus Harris who hooked up three times for touchdown passes of 44, 12 and 50 yards respectively according to the TC Palm. This matchup up with the defending Class 7A state champion in Venice replaces Oscar Smith, Va. on the schedule to start the 2018 season.

Venice Outlook: The Indians of Venice High are looking to jump-start things after drawing to a 25-25 tie against another Class 7A powerhouse, Plant (Tampa) last week. With prolific QB Bryce Carpenter gone due to graduation, the next man is due up for the Indians and that might start with Hayden Wolff. Wolff found his grove in the second half of the game last week hitting WR Sam Whitney for two big gains, according to the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. Another key player to watch will be newcomer Brian Taylor who had two touchdowns on 19 carries for 177 yards. Larry Shannon will be on the sidelines once again as head coach John Peacock continues to serve his suspension that was a result of a feud between him and Braden River head coach Curt Bradley earlier this year.

FloridaHSFootball.com Pick: Venice over Vero Beach

Joe Pinkos: Venice by 17

USA TODAY HSS Score Predictor: Venice 35, Vero Beach 14

POLL: Who wins Friday night between No. 23 Vero Beach and No. 16 Venice?

GAME DETAILS:
Friday, 7:30 ET
Powell-Davis Stadium
Venice#flhsfb @VBFootball @VeniceIndianFB @VHSIndianSports

— FloridaHSFootball.com (@FlaHSFootball) August 21, 2018