The high school football hierarchy has become steady at the top in Sarasota and Manatee counties. However, the bottom half of this list has been in flux, and has changed yet again this week.
There are some upcoming games that can shake up everything, including this week with No. 2 Venice and No. 4 Riverview facing off.
Here are the high school football power rankings after Week 7:
Games played through Friday, Oct. 3, 2025.
Watch Florida HS football games live on NFHS Network
1. Cardinal Mooney (5-1)
Last week: 49-28 win over Clearwater Central Catholic
Analysis: The Cougars put their high-octane offense to the test this past week and responded with 49 points, tying its season high mark. Cardinal Mooney has faced a stiff schedule, but needs to stay locked in as it has two district games over the next three weeks.
2. Venice (3-3)
Last week: 27-17 loss to IMG Academy National
Analysis: Venice’s record isn’t pretty, but the Indians don’t care about that at this point in the season, especially because they have faced some of the best high school football teams in the state. That record can be all but thrown out the window if Venice wins this week against Riverview, which would put it in the driver’s seat for a district championship.
3. Booker (6-1)
Last week: 27-20 win over Sebring
Analysis: Booker has now won six straight games, and it had to fight to keep its streak alive this past week. It’s imperative for the Tornadoes to keep winning as its next two games, at St. Petersburg Gibbs and at Boca Ciega, will decide the district.
4. Riverview (6-0-1)
Last week: 54-14 win over IMG Academy Junior National
Analysis: Riverview has performed far better this season in its first year under coach Mark Cristiani, especially in a tie against Naples and a win over Palmetto. Its other games, however, have come against weak competition. The Rams will have a chance to prove they can win against one of the best this week against Venice.
5. Palmetto (4-1)
Last week: Open week
Analysis: Palmetto has dominated its opponents this season except for one game, a 38-35 loss to Riverview. Unfortunately for the Tigers, that loss has held them back from a higher ranking all season. With games against Lennard, Miami Northwestern and Manatee remaining, the Tigers can improve their standing with a statement win or two.
6. Parrish Community (5-1)
Last week: 12-3 win over Winter Haven
Analysis: Parrish’s defense has thrived in all but one game this year, and it showed out in a big spot against Winter Haven. The Bulls have allowed just 30 total points across their five wins this season. Though it will be tough to win a district title after falling to Palmetto, the Bulls are in a spot where they can still make the regional playoffs.
7. Manatee (3-4)
Last week: 35-0 loss to Columbia
Analysis: Manatee fell victim to its schedule yet again last week. The Hurricanes are a good team that scheduled above its weight class this year. Though that has not paid off in the regular season, it could in the postseason, and the district is winnable.
8. Bayshore (4-3)
Last week: 41-0 loss to Hawthorne
Analysis: It’s hard to get a read on the Bruins this season. On one hand, they’ve already won four times the games they won all of last season, and have looked impressive when doing it. On the other hand, they have lost in blowout fashion (and have been shut out) in three losses to Parrish, Booker and Hawthorne.
9. Southeast (5-1)
Last week: 42-0 win over DeSoto County
Analysis: The Seminoles didn’t prove anything with a blowout win over a hapless Bulldogs team this past week, but it’s hard to find much fault with Southeast beyond their light schedule. Southeast has bullied most of its opponents this year, and with just one loss on its record, the Seminoles could bump up a spot or two with some more convincing wins down the stretch.
10. Sarasota (4-2)
Last week: 41-37 win over Lakewood Ranch
Analysis: The Sailors’ spot in these rankings is starting to grow more precarious as the weeks go on. Their defense now appears to be suspect after allowing 56 points to Riverview and 37 points to Lakewood Ranch in back-to-back weeks. However, Sarasota has found a way to win more times than it’s lost.
This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Sarasota, Manatee high school football Power Rankings after Week 7
Reporting by Vinnie Portell, Sarasota Herald-Tribune / Sarasota Herald-Tribune
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