Four Football Teams from Sarasota and Manatee Counties in State Final Four for First Time

The excitement is building as four high schools from Sarasota and Manatee counties make their way to the Florida High School Athletic Association State Championships, marking a historic moment for both counties. Last year, three schools from the area – Venice, Booker, and Cardinal Mooney – participated, with the Cougars taking home the title.

This year, these three schools are joined by the Manatee Hurricanes, led by legendary coach Joe Kinnan, who are aiming to secure their first championship since 2011. Venice has become a familiar face in the Final Four, with Coach John Peacock clinching his ninth regional title in the last decade with a recent win against West Orange.

Each of these teams dominated their regional opponents, showcasing the talent and strength of their respective programs. According to Peacock, the competition varied based on the regions each team faced. He highlighted Cardinal Mooney’s tough journey in Class 2A-Region 3, where they had to defeat strong opponents like Bishop Verot twice in a challenging season.

Booker also faced some hurdles on their road to the Final Four, with Hardee, Boca Ciega, and Nature Coast as their regional matchups. Meanwhile, Manatee overcame Pinellas Park, Immokalee, and Riverdale before earning the opportunity to host St. Thomas Aquinas in the state semifinal.

Coach Jacquez Green emphasized the importance of matchups in football, noting that success against one team doesn’t guarantee the same outcome against another. He praised his team’s depth and versatility, pointing out that this year’s squad has more playmakers compared to the previous season.

As the teams gear up for the upcoming games, fans can catch all the action live on the NFHS Network. To make streaming games easier, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune is offering a special promo code, HER20, for a discount on an annual subscription to the service. With access to not just football but all high school sports covered by the NFHS, fans can enjoy a year-round streaming experience starting from this season to the 2025 fall season.

Don’t miss out on the thrilling matches as these talented teams battle it out for the championship title. Visit nfhsnetwork.com and apply the promo code HER20 at checkout to start streaming Florida high school sports today.