5A Playoffs

[gatorman001]

Before I get into breaking down the 4 regions, I thought it would be interesting to see where everyone stands from a ranking standpoint:

LAZINDEX .................................................CALPREPS ..........................................................FHSAA
1.) Lincoln HS - Region 1...............................1.) Lakeland HS - Region 2 ..................................1.) Lakeland HS - Region 2
2.) Lakeland HS - Region 2........................2.) STA - Region 4 ..................................................2.) Manatee HS - Region 3
3.) Niceville HS - Region 1..........................3.) Manatee HS - Region 3...................................3.) Niceville HS - Region 1
4.) Mosley HS - Region 1.............................4.) Tampa Bay Tech - Region 2............................4.) Lincoln HS - Region 1
5.) Manatee HS - Region 3........................5.) Lincoln HS - Region 1........................................5.) Atlantic HS - Region 4
6.) Tampa Bay Tech - Region 2................6.) Edgewater HS - Region 2.................................6.) Mosley HS - Region 1
7.) STA - Region 4..........................................7.) Atlantic HS - Region 4........................................7.) Ponta Vedra HS - Region 1
8.) Edgewater HS - Region 2....................8.) Niceville HS - Region 1.......................................8.) Edgewater HS - Region 2
9.) Atlantic HS - Region 4..........................9.) Mosley HS - Region 1..........................................9.) Tampa Bay Tech - Region 2
10.) Ponta Vedra HS - Region 1................10.) Ponta Vedra - Region 1....................................10.) STA - Region 4
11.) Gaither HS - Region 2..........................11.) Gaither HS - Region 2.......................................11.) Ely HS - Region 4
12.) Fleming HS - Region 1.........................12.) Ely HS - Region 4...............................................12.) Beachside HS - Region 1
13.) Ely HS - Region 4.................................13.) Fleming HS - Region 1......................................13.) Fleming HS - Region 1
14.) Beachside HS - Region 1...................14.) Beachside HS - Region 1..................................14.) Fort Myers HS - Region 3
15.) Fort Myers HS - Region 3.................15.) Mailland HS - Region 1......................................15.) Riverdale HS - Region 3

Few thing that really sticks out about these polls is 1.) - the number of team from Region 1, that make the top 15 2.) How low STA is ranked in two of the three polls with its 3 regular season losses, despite 2 of those losses coming from nationally ranked top 25 teams, and the 3rd coming to a #62 nationally ranked team. 3.) How weak region 3 is, in as far as over-all repersentation in the top 15.

Who ever comes out of Region 1, will have been battled tested at least twice...possibly 3 times just to take the Region crown. I see Lakeland only being tested once, that being the game for the Region 2 Championship where it will in all probability face the winner of the Tampa Bay Tech/Edgewater game. I stated earlier I dont see anyone, that should challenge Manatee for the Region 3 Championship. Region 4 I see STA tightening the chin straps, and coming out on top for the Region 4 Championship. From there call it just a gut feeling, but I see Lakeland being upset either in its region 2 championship game or in the Semis by the Region 1 Champion. In the Southern Bracket, I want to say Manatee has a defense that could carry it past STA, if it were to play a solid game from start to finish. This defense however has shown a propensity to give up the big play on a number of different ocassions, I dont feel they stay fundamentally sound and tend lean on its normally superior talent. That's not going to work against a team like STA. Going to go out on a limb and predict a Edgewater/STA final with Edgewater pulling the upset, taking the 5A state title!

 

[Fla2014]

I see all four #1 seeds making it to the final four. I think Manatee has a good chance at a state championship this year but it they will be tested for sure.

 

[twc2499]

The interesting thing is if they are going to pair teams by seedings in the semifinals. Which means Region 1 winner will not play Region 2 winner and the same for Region 3 vs Region 4.

The FHSAA states in 4.7.2.2.2 State Semifinals
(a) Dates and Times. See the football webpage at FHSAA.com
(b) Bracketing. Teams will be seeded based on the FHSAA/MaxPreps ranking at conclusion of the regular season.
The one (1) seed will play the four (4) seed and the two (2) seed will play the three (3) seed.
(c) Host Schools. Teams with highest regular season FHSAA/Maxpreps ranking will be designated "Home" team.

So, with that stated not sure if that's correct? According to the brackets it still Regions 1 vs 2 and 3 vs 4 in semifinals.

 

[MarkECannon]

From what I have been told they are going to reseed the teams for the semifinals.

 

[gatorman001]

The interesting thing is if they are going to pair teams by seedings in the semifinals. Which means Region 1 winner will not play Region 2 winner and the same for Region 3 vs Region 4.

The FHSAA states in 4.7.2.2.2 State Semifinals
(a) Dates and Times. See the football webpage at FHSAA.com
(b) Bracketing. Teams will be seeded based on the FHSAA/MaxPreps ranking at conclusion of the regular season.
The one (1) seed will play the four (4) seed and the two (2) seed will play the three (3) seed.
(c) Host Schools. Teams with highest regular season FHSAA/Maxpreps ranking will be designated "Home" team.

So, with that stated not sure if that's correct? According to the brackets it still Regions 1 vs 2 and 3 vs 4 in semifinals.

I thought the exact same thing, but as you noted the brackets indicate traditional parings?

 

[twc2499]

Being a Manatee fan and not playing STA in the semifinals if the Canes can get there is big. Manatee has gone to battle with STA many times over the past 16 years. But this year I believe Manatee can beat them especially at home. I agree with Gatorman that Manatee has the easiest path to the semifinals. But you still have to win to move on!

Region 1
This is a tough region. Barring an upset, I think #1 Niceville will play the winner any of the following teams. #2 Lincoln and #3 Mosley. Sleeper team is #7 Mainland...
Region 2
I believe #1 overall seed Lakeland is the team to beat. But wow, do we have some games in this region! I believe the winner of the #2 Orlando Edgewater and #3 Tampa Bay Tech will challenge Lakeland for a trip to the Finals.
Region 3
Unless #1 Manatee gets upset, they are the clear winners of this region. This is the weakest region by far. But you still have to perform on the field and win to move on. Sleepers maybe are #2 Ft Myers, #3 Riverdale and #4 Immokalee.
Region 4
I really believe #3 STA will come out of this region. I do think they are a little down this year but still very talented and dangerous. The region finals will be #1 Atlantic vs #3 STA. With STA moving on to the semifinals.

My final 4 Semifinals
Niceville at Manatee
STA at Lakeland

Finals
Manatee vs Lakeland

Watch, there will be some big upsets, and all of this will be wrong!!

 

[MarkECannon]

Region 1: Agree with previous. The road to this region runs through Niceville. Always hearing what a tough place to play. Lincoln lost by 3 at Niceville a few weeks ago so if there is a rematch it should be fun. I can tell you Lincoln fans shudder a little bit about going back there. Mosley should be heard from. They lost their first game last week in the final 20 seconds to FSU High.

Region 2: Lakeland is the obvious favorite. Saw them sleep walk to a victory over a strong Lake Mary team. If their receivers weren’t so superior to Lake Mary’s DB’s Lakeland would have lost that game. If the next round is Tampa Bay Tech @ Edgewater that will most likely be the game I attend. Edgewater was like Vanguard but starting even slower before gaining steam. They did go to England and beat an NFL Academy team early. Not sure how to measure that. Tough schedule allowed them to get the 2 seed. TBT has the talent to match anyone in the state but I believe they have not played up to their potential. Probable weakness is a QB that is not always accurate. Only saw them play in Kickoff Classic so can’t really evaluate how they are now.

Region 3: Manatee. Haven’t seen them play but just about everyone I know thinks they are good enough to easily win the region. I love to underestimate them on the board because some Hurricane fans with will come in here and crush me. One of my favorite people in the world, Rich Lansky, is on the staff at Manatee. That by itself makes me a Hurricane fan. Would love to see Fort Myers do well but getting by Manatee would be a tall task for them.

Region 4: Saw STA in their Kickoff Classic and they were dominant and made everything look easy. I still say they are the most complete team I’ve seen this year. Their QB is not what I would consider elite but he is good. Might be a weakness you can point to. Not to sound like a STA hater but I would not mind to have someone knock off STA before the state finals. This may sound kind of envious but I would like to see someone else make it to the state finals for a change.

 

[Silver King]

Ft Myers Offense has three guys who are pretty good. I believe the best was out when North Ft Myers beat them. But I don't see them hanging with Manatee very long. This is a pretty manageable bracket for a team with a hot hand.

 

[gatorman001]

Manatee, played like a team that hadn't played a game in 21 days. The Manatee defense did what it had done all season long, gave up a number of big plays that resulted in Pinellas Park TD's. There was a lot of jawing going back and forth all game.....Green didn't get it nipped on the Manatee side and it resulted in a player suspension....that was needless, since it occurred during final minutes of a game who's outcome was already settled.

 

[Silver King]

It sounds as if Charlotte played one of its best games of the season and was leading 21-14 with 4 minutes to go at The Sam. Green Wave came back, tied it up, and won in OT. This after FM beat us 42-21 regular season, but Tarpons had 5 turnovers in that one, then The Fish beat NFM who beat FM, so these were pretty evenly matched teams.

So, this is the 4th time in a row these teams (FT Myers, our oldest rival) have played each other regular season and in the playoffs, and the winner won both games—each team has done it twice now, dating back to, I believe, 2008. Tarps won first playoff game ever between schools and biggest game: The Regional Title (2016 Double OT), all at The SAM.

I can't count how many games each team has won in the last minute, last play, or OT. Easily a dozen.

Aside from Verot (and maybe PC), Wave and I agree, SW Florida is down talent-wise this season, even with free agency. We chatted last night and he said this would be close.

 

[gatorman001]

Being a Manatee fan and not playing STA in the semifinals if the Canes can get there is big. Manatee has gone to battle with STA many times over the past 16 years. But this year I believe Manatee can beat them especially at home. I agree with Gatorman that Manatee has the easiest path to the semifinals. But you still have to win to move on!

Region 1
This is a tough region. Barring an upset, I think #1 Niceville will play the winner any of the following teams. #2 Lincoln and #3 Mosley. Sleeper team is #7 Mainland...
Region 2
I believe #1 overall seed Lakeland is the team to beat. But wow, do we have some games in this region! I believe the winner of the #2 Orlando Edgewater and #3 Tampa Bay Tech will challenge Lakeland for a trip to the Finals.
Region 3
Unless #1 Manatee gets upset, they are the clear winners of this region. This is the weakest region by far. But you still have to perform on the field and win to move on. Sleepers maybe are #2 Ft Myers, #3 Riverdale and #4 Immokalee.
Region 4
I really believe #3 STA will come out of this region. I do think they are a little down this year but still very talented and dangerous. The region finals will be #1 Atlantic vs #3 STA. With STA moving on to the semifinals.

My final 4 Semifinals
Niceville at Manatee
STA at Lakeland

Finals
Manatee vs Lakeland

Watch, there will be some big upsets, and all of this will be wrong!!

Was thinking about 5A this morning after looking at the Lazindex latest power rankings. Then after coming back to my original post, realized TWC1499 predicted exactly what I was thinking. The potential of a Lakeland versus STA semi-final, which in my line of thinking would for all intent be the 2 best teams in 5A playing each other in the semis, due to re-seeding. I watched the Buford versus Lowndes 42-7 beat down last night and came away with some thoughts regarding Manatee's 30-15 loss to Lowndes earlier this season.

1st - Buford is a solid team as well as a extremely physical team. It's physicality was perhaps the biggest difference in as far as the Buford team dominated Lowndes both on offense and defense. Manatee's offense struggled to match Lowndes physicality, while Manatee's defense held it own with Lowndes, but struggled as it has all season with playing 100% fundamental football as it gave up a number of big TD's to Lowndes.

In as far as bracketing for the 5A semis, Manatee not having to face STA in the semis as it would have had to do previously prior to the changes with the playoff format.....Manatee would have probably been a big underdog in a game against STA, but now faces perhaps a very winnable game against Niceville or Lincoln in the semis.

 

[twc2499]

Right now Manatee is as good as anybody standing right now. They are playing their best football. There is no doubt Manatee can play with STA and Lakeland. Why Manatee has turned the corner is their defense and an offense that can throw the football with anybody! Andrew Heidel has turned into one of the bast QB's in the state. He has thrown for over 2200 yards and 30 TD's in just 10 games. He is completing about 70% of his passes with just 2 INT's. Probably the biggest surprise is how fast Manatee's very young offensive line has come along!
Sophomores Peliasi Masila 6'3 320, Eddie Clark 6'0 300 and Kenny Piverger 6'3 310 have continued to improve every game. Add Junior Derrick Morgan 6'3 250 and Senior Nick Moncato 6'2 270 and this unit is sold!.

Manatee should take care of business Friday night against Riverdale and if they do they will be home to host the Semifinals next Friday. Manatee could still see STA with a STA win and a Lakeland lose to Tampa Bay Tech. But if all the favored teams win Manatee will host Niceville and Lakeland will host Atlantic. I still think STA will beat Atlantic.

My final four match ups
STA at Lakeland
Niceville at Manatee (Don't count out Lincoln!)

 

[gatorman001]

Right now Manatee is as good as anybody standing right now. They are playing their best football. There is no doubt Manatee can play with STA and Lakeland. Why Manatee has turned the corner is their defense and an offense that can throw the football with anybody! Andrew Heidel has turned into one of the bast QB's in the state. He has thrown for over 2200 yards and 30 TD's in just 10 games. He is completing about 70% of his passes with just 2 INT's. Probably the biggest surprise is how fast Manatee's very young offensive line has come along!
Sophomores Peliasi Masila 6'3 320, Eddie Clark 6'0 300 and Kenny Piverger 6'3 310 have continued to improve every game. Add Junior Derrick Morgan 6'3 250 and Senior Nick Moncato 6'2 270 and this unit is sold!.

Manatee should take care of business Friday night against Riverdale and if they do they will be home to host the Semifinals next Friday. Manatee could still see STA with a STA win and a Lakeland lose to Tampa Bay Tech. But if all the favored teams win Manatee will host Niceville and Lakeland will host Atlantic. I still think STA will beat Atlantic.

My final four match ups
STA at Lakeland
Niceville at Manatee (Don't count out Lincoln!)

Mark and I discussed via the phone earlier this week much of what you mentioned here. I probably went more into how Heidel excells in the passing game. My thoughts were more along the lines maturity as well as understanding the offfensive play call and the reciver group have worked together long enough with the QB, it comes together as working as one. So that even when things break down in the pocket, Heidel insticntively knows where folks should be and is always looking down field, while escaping the rush.....anywho my concern remains - is that those pluses all helps cover-up the mistakes I still see being made by this relatively young OL and what happens when Manatee actually faces a DL and LB crew that's better than anyone the Manatee OL has faced thus far?????

I also raised the question with Mark, that inculding this game friday night, Manatee's defense will have faced 3 weeks in a row offensive teams that featured the run, compounded by the 21 days layoff before the playoffs.....the defense will not have faced a team that's either balanced or features the pass. My thoughts were I would have rather seen them faced some teams that featured more passing to help prepare them for that.

Not dismissing Manatee's chances, just looking forward to the playoff beyond region play....because I believe you and I both could agree there really wasn't a team in region play that should have been able to legitmately play with Manatee,,,,,,so my thoughts were preping for stiffer competition. I'd encourage you to go look at the physicality of Bufords OL and DL against Lowndes.......there's a huge disparity in what I've watched with Manatee's OL and what I watched in Bufords OL against a common opponent in Lowndes. I know Lakeland and STA would compare closely to Bufords OL and DL's.

 

[twc2499]

I'm just enjoying Manatee's success right now. I'm not going to go compare apple to oranges or this team or state to another. These kids have worked their tails off this summer and fall to be where they are at. You can't control who you are playing but you can control how you are playing! And right now they are playing outstanding football. Manatee might lose Friday night or they might move on to possibly play for a chance at a state championship. So I don't have to go look at other teams and compare this and that. Manatee will accept the challenge of whoever they play next. Sure there better teams out there and there were better teams out there when Kinnan won his 5 state championships. But that didn't take anything away from their accomplishments.

 

[gatorman001]

I'm just enjoying Manatee's success right now. I'm not going to go compare apple to oranges or this team or state to another. These kids have worked their tails off this summer and fall to be where they are at. You can't control who you are playing but you can control how you are playing! And right now they are playing outstanding football. Manatee might lose Friday night or they might move on to possibly play for a chance at a state championship. So I don't have to go look at other teams and compare this and that. Manatee will accept the challenge of whoever they play next. Sure there better teams out there and there were better teams out there when Kinnan won his 5 state championships. But that didn't take anything away from their accomplishments.

Playing outstanding football??????...........against inferior competition, why would anyone had a expectation of anything other than a rout the last 2 weeks...... The difference between you and I is at least I give a honest assessment of the current state of 2024 Manatee football in as far where they stand as one of the final 8 left playing. Every Manatee team I've watched or at least been aware going back to the 1960's worked their tails off in the summer, the 2024 Manatee is no different there...they havent cornered that just for themselves......what a joke of a statement for you to make on that. Hell you've been there at one time and I did when I played and as a fan the summers of 83 and 84 when I spent hours at Hawkins stadium throwing passes to a small group of WR's, watching Andy Elton and his Dad Dr Elton work on kicking or Mike Moore running steps preparing for his 1983 season at the University of Miami. The point is everyone was out there, preparing to play and to put themselves in the best position to WIN!

Manatee shouldn't lose Friday night, what kind of statement is that too even consider the possibility of losing before the game is played.........The team, the staff, and its fans should be damn upset if they do lose! The time for reflection on the experiences and accomplishments is for after the season is conculed.

My guess is you were the kind of parent that's out there during youth sports, making sure everyone gets their participation trophy at the end of the season.

 

[MarkECannon]

So Lakeland’s backup QB Chad Williams will be starting against Tampa Bay Tech. The Dreadnaughts have had their two best rushing performances of the season the last 2 games. Williams transferred to Lakeland from Auburndale before the season. I saw him play for Auburndale vs Fort Meade in the spring. With Williams at QB I came away thinking the Bloodhounds would have a really good season. Does anyone know the story on Zander Smith? He had shoulder surgery after last season but was supposed to be fully recovered for this season.

Former backup QB Trevon Moore is the starter for Tampa Bay Tech. We saw him play last week against Edgewater. Moore has a nice arm and the wheels to do some damage as well.

 

[gatorman001]

So Lakeland’s backup QB Chad Williams will be starting against Tampa Bay Tech. The Dreadnaughts have had their two best rushing performances of the season the last 2 games. Williams transferred to Lakeland from Auburndale before the season. I saw him play for Auburndale vs Fort Meade in the spring. With Williams at QB I came away thinking the Bloodhounds would have a really good season. Does anyone know the story on Zander Smith? He had shoulder surgery after last season but was supposed to be fully recovered for this season.

Former backup QB Trevon Moore is the starter for Tampa Bay Tech. We saw him play last week against Edgewater. Moore has a nice arm and the wheels to do some damage as well.

So I was correct about Zander no longer starting when we talked...........I will look into it further since you were abe to confirm it as true, and see if I can find out what happen........

Update: So Zander played in the 1st round against Spoto, threw 3 passes and hasn't played since then. The transfer kid Chad Williams came in and finished the game. Now prior to the Spoto game the Williams kid was getting some time in, but he wasn't completing over 50% of his passes and his performance in general gave no indication he had out played Zander to earn the starter's role. Zander hudl page has a bunch of video updaes that were done 11/25/24.........most appeared to be end of the year type video recaps......leading me to believe he must have gotten injured and his season is done. The improved rushing stats appear to be directly attributed, to playing a QB now that features the run, as opposed to a offense led by Zander that was more balanced

 

[Fla2014]

I feel that they are trying to set up a Lakeland/STA title game for whatever reason assuming these are the best 2 teams and wanting them to play in the championship game instead of playing this round. There is no way Manatee should be ranked over an undefeated Lakeland team.

 

[gatorman001]

Manatee vs STA

Manatee is a team that if it had been placed in any of the 3 other 5A regions, would have very likely not even played to the region final. That's just a statement of how weak, the 5A region 3 was this year. The only 2 teams Manatee played this season with a pulse this season, it lost 30-15 to Lowndes, which was eliminated in the 1st round of the Georgia playoffs 42-7. The other Game against Buchholz, saw Manatee down 20-7 with about 4 minutes left in the 3rd QT. From that point Manatee saw 2 long compeltions enable Manatee to pull even with Buchholz with about a 1 minute left in the 3rd QT 20-20. A INT returned for a TD and 2 long runs in the 4th QT by Manatee, completely saw this game turn around for Manatee and it eventually won 34-27. Lets take a look at those 2 games, because it says much about Manatee particualry on defense. Against Lowndes Manatee's defense gave up other 300 yards of rushing to a team that features the run, against Buchholz Manatee's defense gave up almost 500 yards of offense to Buchholz...(400 of that in the air), which Buchholz is pass heavy team. I menetion that because STA offensively, will be the most balanced offense the Manatee defense has faced this season. As a offense STA has rushed for over 200 yards in each on its playoff games while also averaging almost 200 yards passing during that same period. Bottom line for Manatee to have any chance this game, The Manatee defense is going to have to do something it wasn't able to do against Lowndes or Buchholz during the regular season, slow the STA offense down as well as keep them off the scoreboard enough to give the Manatee offense a chance to make a game of it.

Defensively STA will present a defensive front, that saw them sack the QB over 50 times this season. The Manatee OL while its gotten progressively better this season from its spring game showing, will face its defining game for the 2024 season as to whether they've grown enough to play against big time competition like STA. I see the STA defensive as not really respecting the Manatee recieving group, and will play straight Man coverage against them. When the Manaee QB has a opportunity to get a pass off, he'll have to throw into tight coverage. If game planned properly I believe the Manatee offense has sufficient talent to cause STA some problems. If however the STA offense is moving and scoring at will against the Manatee defense, it probaly not going to make a difference and we'll see STA come into Hawkins stadium and rout Manatee similar to what they did in 2020 when they beat Manatee 45-0 in the playoffs

 

[twc2499]

Wow, I can totally now understand why Manatee could decide to not show up for this game after reading this! What's so funny is STA shouldn't even be playing in this game. Atlantic should have won that game. Up 28-7 at one point. Atlantic basically gave that game away! I lmao when you say STA doesn't respect our receivers! I don't know where you got information from!! First off STA played mainly zone against Atlantic and had difficulty! Manatee's WR's will be best they have gone up against all year and that is coming coach Harriott!
STA will not be able to play "man" as you put it all night and be successful! STA's secondary is not their strength this year!

Look, I am not going to break this game down like you have graciously done for us! You really love making comparisons! I will say this! STA is not STA of the past, at least this year! They are beatable and the Manatee's kid's will show up and play their hearts out! So do I think Manatee can win this game! Hell, yes, I do!! No matter what the outcome is this Friday, Manatee has had a great year and has a lot to build on. Go Canes!

 

[Silver King]

You guys are the Ying and the Yang of the Manatee Program. Makes for interesting reading.

 

[MarkECannon]

After reading this I might pay to see you two debate at the 50 yard line. This is the game I plan on attending. Hoping Manatee doesn’t get steam rolled. I saw STA play in the kickoff classic jamboree. I posted on here that the Raiders looked like a very complete team. Their defensive front looked elite and were the most impressive unit. The only weakness was their punter struggled. The QB is good but not elite.

I haven’t seen Manatee play live but I feel like I know them pretty well because of reading this board. Well I did see Manatee play Vanguard in the spring game. Because some of the team speed players were in Gainesville participating in the state track finals I felt some key parts were missing. I met Gatorman at the game. I enjoyed talking with him so much I sometimes didn’t focus on the game as I usually would.

 

[gatorman001]

Wow, I can totally now understand why Manatee could decide to not show up for this game after reading this! What's so funny is STA shouldn't even be playing in this game. Atlantic should have won that game. Up 28-7 at one point. Atlantic basically gave that game away! I lmao when you say STA doesn't respect our receivers! I don't know where you got information from!! First off STA played mainly zone against Atlantic and had difficulty! Manatee's WR's will be best they have gone up against all year and that is coming coach Harriott!
STA will not be able to play "man" as you put it all night and be successful! STA's secondary is not their strength this year!

Look, I am not going to break this game down like you have graciously done for us! You really love making comparisons! I will say this! STA is not STA of the past, at least this year! They are beatable and the Manatee's kid's will show up and play their hearts out! So do I think Manatee can win this game! Hell, yes, I do!! No matter what the outcome is this Friday, Manatee has had a great year and has a lot to build on. Go Canes!

We shall see I guess, I'll have a much easier time eating my words.....I feel, then you will however......depending on the eventual outcome. Your thoughts on the game however are always followed with "something to build on" etc..... to give cushion for being completely wrong.

 

[twc2499]

I might be totally wrong and that's ok. STA has all the resources normal public schools don't! But I will say this, they are feeling the effects from some of the other schools that are getting the players STA usually gets. American Heritage and Chaminade are now taking a lot of those players. I mean it when I say this program is going in the right direction. Green has done an outstanding job, and he needs to be respected for that! The JV program is now where it should be. They went 7-0 this fall. So, to be honest I expect to win this game and will be disappointed if we don't! Lol, I hope you are totally wrong!

 

[gatorman001]

I want Manatee to win, I just dont expect them to. I didnt get to see but 1 JV game this season, so I really dont know much about the talent beyond what's been said on social media and that they went undefeated. Im still not sold on Green, but I'll acknowledge I've noted some subtle positive changes in him. I know he's still tight with a few Gators....(like Shane Matthews), and I've wondered if he's sought out councel.....Shane's a huge x's and o's kind of guy. For example when Green 1st arrived, he really pushed the vertical passing game, I've notice however the last couple of years his play calling has evolved considerbly from that mindset. One thing that bothered my last year in the second game against Riverview, Riverview went with a base zone defense and Heidel ate them up. Second half however Riverview went man, and the WR's struggled to get open. Green never seemed to adjust to that change offensively, in as far as play calling goes. So Im still where I feel the only way Manatee win's a championship is if it assembles over-wheleming talent. If Green continues to evolve as a coach, I can see where I could change my mind on that.

STA isnt the kind of team you dont want to be leading by just a couple of points, in the closing minutes of the game. They seem to always find ways to win those type games. The teams they lost to this season were rated nationally # 3, #60 and #78 and they were all close games and bottom line like IMG they're a All-Star team. So as you indicated its a tall order for a public school to knock them off. This Manatee has the talent to do it, if Joe Kinnan were their coach, Green however just isnt on that level and is why I feel they will lose Friday night

 

[twc2499]

Lol......This is becoming the Gatorman, twc2499 thread.....Well, any questioning of coach Greens coaching abilities are no longer an issue at Manatee or anywhere else! Green has done an outstanding job! The guy knows football and he has put some good coaches around him. When he was hired, he was handed a program that needed administration support, and he wasn't getting any. He was having to do everything himself basically. Now in his fourth year he has established a good coaching staff and system. The kids love him and will run through a wall for him. Kids are using school choice to transfer in and play for him! He also has established great contacts throughout the area and state. He like all coaches continue to learn from each other, especially in this profession. Hell, Coach Kinnan was always growing and learning from others. While coaching through several decade and running the same offense, he had to change with the times. Going from the triple option to I-formation and finally implementing in the shotgun. Manatee is fortunate to have him, and the program is in good hands!
Win or lose Friday night will not take away from what the team has accomplished and where the program is heading and especially what coach Green has accomplished!

 

[gatorman001]

Lol......This is becoming the Gatorman, twc2499 thread.....Well, any questioning of coach Greens coaching abilities are no longer an issue at Manatee or anywhere else! Green has done an outstanding job! The guy knows football and he has put some good coaches around him. When he was hired, he was handed a program that needed administration support, and he wasn't getting any. He was having to do everything himself basically. Now in his fourth year he has established a good coaching staff and system. The kids love him and will run through a wall for him. Kids are using school choice to transfer in and play for him! He also has established great contacts throughout the area and state. He like all coaches continue to learn from each other, especially in this profession. Hell, Coach Kinnan was always growing and learning from others. While coaching through several decade and running the same offense, he had to change with the times. Going from the triple option to I-formation and finally implementing in the shotgun. Manatee is fortunate to have him, and the program is in good hands!
Win or lose Friday night will not take away from what the team has accomplished and where the program is heading and especially what coach Green has accomplished!

Woman I know, was the Manager for the auditing portion of the USPS for the Southeast area..(which is now OIG) retired to Bradenton. Her and I interacted, as her staff was responsible for auditing our special agreements programs for mail acceptance and verification processes at our detached mail acceptance units in Atlanta. Her and I often in as far as our work relationship was more of adversary type relationship. I had a joke I used to tell that the 2 biggest lies told in the USPS, was the audiitor that shows up and says he/she is there to help, and the facility manager acknowleding by saying you're glad they're there........anyway, her daughter is apparently a teacher at Manatee. She indicated to me that Green re-established a tutor program for the football players..(I maybe describing it wrong?) our discussion about Manatee was in part due to her noticing my Manatee post on facebook........I knew Kinnan had a similar program, what surprised me was that it had been apparently dropped. Her daughter spoke highly of Green. I know how you feel about Green the coach, Im just not convinced and the things I look for (right or worng), I just dont see bottom line at the present time in as far as, him as a championship type coach.