The Manatee (Bradenton, FL) varsity football team will host St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, FL) in a home playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. at Manatee High School. This game is part of the “2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 5A FHSAA Football” tournament.
St. Thomas Aquinas vs Manatee High School Football Game Info:
What: Florida High School Football
Who: STAHS vs Manatee
When: Friday, December 6, 2024
Time: 7:30pm.
Bracket: 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships – 5A FHSAA Football
Live stream: Watch here
Game Preview: St. Thomas Aquinas vs Manatee
In a highly anticipated matchup in the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships, the Manatee Hurricanes (10-1) will host the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (10-3) in a 5A playoff game today at 7:30 p.m. at Manatee High School. This game marks an exciting showdown between two powerhouse teams, both with impressive records and high-powered offenses.
Team Records and Rankings
The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders enter the game with a 10-3 overall record and a perfect 3-0 district performance. Known for their explosive offense, the Raiders average 43.9 points per game and have amassed 571 points this season. Their key players include Cedric Wyche II, who leads the team with 61.5 rushing yards per game, and Andrew Indorf, who has thrown for 189.9 passing yards per game. Despite their overall success, they have been tested in tough away games and neutral-site matchups this season.
The Manatee Hurricanes, on the other hand, have posted a stellar 10-1 record. Their offense is equally potent, scoring an average of 40.7 points per game. Manatee’s defense has been solid, allowing just 134 points this season. KeiShawn Smith, the star running back for the Hurricanes, has averaged 95.1 rushing yards per game, while Andrew Heidel has been dynamic at quarterback, throwing for 208.6 passing yards per game. With a perfect 7-0 record at home, the Hurricanes are a formidable force on their turf.
Team Strengths and Scoring Breakdown
St. Thomas Aquinas’ strength lies in their ability to balance a strong running game with a prolific passing attack. They average 183.8 rushing yards per game and 202.5 passing yards per game. Their total offense averages 386.2 yards per game, making them a well-rounded and dangerous team. However, their scoring drops off slightly in the second half, as they average 9.6 points in the third quarter and just 4.4 in the fourth.
Manatee, meanwhile, has been an offensive juggernaut, averaging 336.2 total yards per game. Their offense is driven by KeiShawn Smith, who is a consistent force on the ground, and Andrew Heidel, who has been sharp in the passing game. The Hurricanes have shown great resilience in the second half, averaging 11.9 points per game in the final quarter.
Key Matchups
The key battle in this game will be Manatee’s ability to contain the powerful St. Thomas Aquinas rushing attack led by Wyche II and Julius Jones, while also keeping their secondary tight against the strong passing game of Indorf. For the Hurricanes, maintaining their offensive rhythm with Smith and Heidel will be crucial, especially as they face one of the toughest defenses they’ve encountered this season.
Defensively, the Raiders have the advantage with Joey Ramjas, who leads the team with 5.5 tackles per game, and Daniel Norman, a key pass rusher. Manatee will need to protect their quarterback and open up lanes for Smith to run effectively.
Playoff History
Both teams come into this game with strong playoff pedigrees. St. Thomas Aquinas is a perennial contender, having earned numerous state titles. Manatee, however, has proven themselves as one of the top teams in 5A this year, boasting an undefeated home record and a district championship.
Conclusion
This game promises to be a thrilling contest, with both teams bringing high-powered offenses and tough defenses to the field. St. Thomas Aquinas will look to continue their playoff success, while Manatee aims to defend their home turf and secure a spot in the next round of the 2024 FHSAA Football State Championships. Fans can expect a fast-paced, high-energy game between two of Florida’s best teams, as both squads battle for a chance at state glory.
