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Football: Bradenton Manatee 55, Palm Harbor University 17

 
Published Oct. 8, 2016

PALM HARBOR — Palm Harbor University ran into a buzz saw Saturday morning in the form of Bradenton Manatee. After dismantling Class 8A, District 6 opponents Alonso and Steinbrenner the past two weeks by a combined score of 101-7, Manatee set its sights on PHU and rolled to another easy district victory.

Key drive: It may have been the one that didn't amount to any points. Palm Harbor U. (2-3, 2-2) started off the game's opening drive at its own 14-yard line. Twelve plays later the Hurricanes were in a first-and-goal situation on Manatee's 2-yard line. On the ensuing play, Palm Harbor quarterback Cameron Mouton threw an ill-advised pass into the end zone that was intercepted by Manatee strong safety Josh Betts. Manatee (4-2, 3-0) took full advantage of the turnover and on its first play. Quarterback AJ Colagiovanni hit Tarique Milton on a short pass, then went 80 yards for the game's first touchdown. It seemed to be a back breaker to start off the game.

Stars of the game: In a losing effort, Mouton played admirably. The senior signal caller completed 23 of 37 passes for 299 yards, with two touchdowns against one interception.… Not to be outdone was Colagiovanni, who completed 15 of 22 passes for 319 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was Milton, who snagged 10 receptions for a stellar 198 yards and two touchdowns.

Stats of the game: Manatee's front seven wasn't having anything to do with the run game, shutting down PHU's ground attack to the tune of 30 yards on 18 attempts. … PHU was outgained 431-347 in total offensive yardage and had 19 first downs compared to Manatee's 14.

Final word: "Anytime your driving down the field and everything is going good and you make a mental error, it definitely takes the winds out of your sails." — Palm Harbor University coach Reggie Crume on the opening drive