Football season officially gets underway in less than a month, when teams can start their preseason workouts.
So what game are you most looking forward to this year?
Is it the age-old rivalry between Southeast and Manatee, featuring Southeast's Brian Poole and Manatee's Rhoshaun Goff, pictured above? Or how about Palmetto and Southeast playing a district game?
How about the battle for East Manatee bragging rights - Lakewood Ranch and Braden River?
Check out the poll on the right side of the page and take your pick. I listed 10 games and a vote for other, just in case you don't see a game you like.
And as always, feel free to shoot me an email at jlembo@bradenton.com.
Listed below are the nominess and a little on each game:
DON BOSCO PREP (N.J.) AT MANATEE, 9/16
The Jersey-based Ironmen are ranked No. 1 in the nation by MaxPreps and have won 35 straight games.
MANATEE AT OUR LADY OF GOOD COUNSEL (Md.), 9/2
Ranked 15th in the nation by MaxPreps, Good Counsel should challenge a Hurricanes team that plays outside the state for the second straight year.
SOUTHEAST AT MANATEE, 9/30
The perennial classic turns 30 this year. The Noles were up 24-7 at the half last year before the Canes rallied for a 31-24 win, so this year's game has plenty to live up to.
PALMETTO AT SOUTHEAST, 11/4
This neighborhood rivalry got a jolt in 2007, when the Tigers beat Southeast for the first time. It will be even bigger this year - the teams are now Class 5A-District 10 foes, and this marks the final game of district play for each team.
VENICE AT MANATEE, 10/21
The Hurricanes beat the Indians twice last year - once for the district title, and then again in the Class 5A-Region 3 semifinals. District realignments had no effect on this rivalry, as Manatee and Venice moved to Class 7A-District 10.
LAKEWOOD RANCH AT BRADEN RIVER, 9/2
It's not quite at the same level as Manatee-Southeast, but this backyard battle in East Manatee county was ratcheted up a notch last fall when the Mustangs beat the Pirates for the first time.
WAUCHULA HARDEE AT PALMETTO, 10/21
One of the state's most historic rivalries now has playoff implications - both teams compete in Class 5A-District 10.
OUT-OF-DOOR ACADEMY AT SAINT STEPHEN'S, 11/4
With Bradenton Christian in its own district, this game will decide small-school area bragging rights, as well as who takes home the Headmaster's Cup.
BAYSHORE AT PALMETTO, 10/7
Another local rivalry that means a little more now that both teams are district foes.
RIVERVIEW AT MANATEE, 9/9
It's no longer a district game. But it will be interesting watching someone other than John Sprague lead the Rams into Hawkins Stadium.
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