Sandberg's spring game a big step forward

No one in Manatee colors doubted that Cord Sandberg could ably fill the void left under center by Brion Carnes.
Nonetheless, they all have to even better about the transition after Friday's 48-41 spring win over Palm Bay Bayside.
Sandberg, a rising sophomore, completed 21 of 23 passes and threw five touchdowns.
"I really didn't know what to expect," Sandberg said. "The offensive line was great - it gave me time, and the receivers running around, getting open...it just happened."
Sandberg has Manatee football in his blood. His father, Chuck, is a longtime Hurricanes assistant who currently coaches the receivers. And his older brother, Chase, a placekicker and receiver, is set to begin his third season on the varsity roster.
Cord tasted success himself last fall, when he piloted Manatee's JV team to an undefeated season and performed well when he appeared in three varsity games after a late promotion.
Friday, however, was different. He started a varsity game for the first time and showed plenty of poise in leading Manatee's final drive - a 74-yard, four-minute charge capped with a 7-yard touchdown toss to Quenton Bundrage with :21.4 seconds left in the game.
Sandberg went 4 for 4 on the drive and hit Mike Blakely for a 34-yard completion with Manatee facing a 3rd-and-15 from its own 47.
"It was good to have some success," Cord said. "Friday night, the real thing, with something that I'm going to be doing for the next three years. It's real important and I'm glad it happened."
Cord and Bundrage showed plenty of synergy, hooking up for four touchdowns and 162 yards.
"Q's amazing - I love him," Cord said. "He's fast, he can jump, he's an amazing athlete. I'm glad I have him."
After what happened Friday, the Hurricanes are surely saying the same thing about Cord Sandberg.