PLAYERS TO WATCH:

SOUTHEAST: Southeast; DB Eric Thompson, WR Jacob Sannon, RB Courtney Allen, QB Miles Braxton-Johnson

PALMETTO: Sr. LB Austin Cavey, WR Cory Crawford, WR Shaquille Harris, RB Joshua Hicks, DL Joshua Laylew, Sr. QB Spencer Atkins

THE OUTLOOK: It's going to be interesting to see how the Tigers bounce back from the thumping suffered at the hands of Manatee - but then again, everyone's suffered a 'thumping' at the hands of Manatee this year.

Including Southeast. The Seminoles lost to the Hurricanes 52-13 earlier in the season and have put together a four-game winning streak.

Palmetto must find some quick-strike offense - because if the Tigers let Southeast hang around, Courtney Allen becomes a factor. Allen has 1169 yards and 15 touchdowns for the 'Noles and is a factor coming out of the backfield - with 9 catches for 113 yards and a score. Braxton-Johnson has thrown for over 1000 yards and 13 scores - so the Seminoles do have balance. His favorite target is Jacob Sannon - with 33 catches for 576 yards and eight touchdowns.

On the flip side, Palmetto has been a juggernaut up until running into the buzz saw known as Manatee.

The Tigers were averaging 356 yards a game total offense, but were held to just 83 by the Hurricane defense.

If Palmetto can get back on track - it will be behind JR. RB Joshua Hicks and WRs Shaq Harris (18 catches - six TD's) and Corey Crawford (who also lines up at RB).

Palmetto coach Dave Marino told the Bradenton Herald after the loss to Manatee - "We're going to see what kind of character we have on this team. We're either going to fight back and win a championship, or this will linger on and then we'll go in as a runner-up. And that's a tough road right there."

Indeed it is - and we'll see which Palmetto team shows up Friday.

Prediction: Southeast 24 Palmetto 21

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