Lakeland vs Manatee Playoff Classic

OldSchoolLion · May 7, 2020

On a cold night in Lakeland back in 1984, Manatee, the #2-ranked team in the country at the time, came to town to face the Dreadnaughts in a 4A region final. The year before, Manatee knocked Lakeland out of the playoffs in a close game in Bradenton and ultimately went on to win the state title.

Manatee was the big favorite in this game and had steamrolled most of their opponents that season, averaging about 45 points per game and allowing, on average, less than 10. Lakeland was coming off a first round win over Plant, and Manatee blew out Chamberlain in their first round game.

Manatee and Lakeland had some epic games back then. For you younger folks, high school games on TV at this time were limited and getting to see one was a treat. Now we take it for granted. The winner of this game went on to face the eventual state champion that year, Pensacola Woodham.