Sarasota-Manatee High Schools' Legendary Football Champions Revealed!

The pride of Sarasota and Manatee counties shines brightly on the high school football scene, with a remarkable history of championship victories. In total, 14 teams from these areas have clinched FHSAA state titles, showcasing the rich talent and competitive spirit that define Florida high school football. Herald-Tribune highlights some of the standout teams that have etched their names into the record books.

The journey began in 1972 with the Cardinal Mooney High School team, under the leadership of Coach John Heath Sr. This team marked a historic milestone by becoming the first from Sarasota to secure a state title, triumphing in the Class A championship against Wewahitchka with a score of 18-12. They boasted an impressive scoring record, amassing 342 points in just eight games while allowing a mere six points.

Manatee County Breakthroughs

Just three years later, Palmetto High School made its mark as the first team from Manatee County to lift the state trophy, coached by Frank Turner. After a rocky start with three losses after a 7-0 record, they rallied in the playoffs and edged out Jasper Hamilton 13-11 in the Class 2A title game.

As time marched on, Manatee High School became a juggernaut under the guidance of Coach Joe Kinnan. The team clinched their first title in 1983, finishing the season undefeated at 14-0 by defeating Miami Southridge 27-21 in the Class 4A finals. Subsequent championships in 1985 and 1989 further solidified their legacy, showcasing a depth of talent that included future stars at Florida and Florida State.

The Evolution of Champions

Southeast High School entered the championship conversation with their first title in 1993, wrapping up a perfect season at 15-0, after defeating Panama City Bay 20-17. The team repeated their success in 1994, finishing the season as nationally ranked No. 1 after bouncing back from an early loss and taking the Class 5A title against Ocala Vanguard with a 19-17 scoreline.

The new millennium brought fresh glory; in 2000, Venice High School celebrated its first title, finishing undefeated at 10-0, crushing Palm Beach Dwyer 77-14 in a record-setting Class 7A title game. Fast forward to 2011, and Manatee High claimed its last state title, dominating Jacksonville First Coast 40-0.

Venice made waves again in the following years, capturing titles in 2017 and 2020, and most recently, Cardinal Mooney seized their second title in program history in 2023 by defeating Trinity Christian, further blurring the lines of past and present achievements in high school football.

A Look Ahead

As we reflect on the storied history of these high school football teams, one can’t help but be excited about the future. Current teams are poised for their chance at glory, and with such a robust legacy to draw from, their ambitions remain high. What does the next chapter hold for these champions of Sarasota and Manatee counties? It’s anyone’s guess, but Florida football fans will certainly be watching closely.

For more details on the recent championship outcomes across various classifications, check out the comprehensive list provided by Florida Gridiron Preps.