Hurricanes Storm Past Sharks in Spring Game Showcase

May 21 | Gulf Coast High School | Final Score: Manatee 35, Gulf Coast 22

In a high-energy spring showdown under the lights of Gulf Coast High School, the Manatee Hurricanes flexed their offensive muscles and made a statement with a 35-22 victory over the Gulf Coast Sharks. From the opening whistle, the Hurricanes brought the thunder, showcasing a balanced attack and a fast, physical brand of football that has become synonymous with the Manatee name.

Manatee struck early and often, putting up two first-quarter touchdowns — a bruising 17-yard run followed by a goal-line punch-in from three yards out — giving them a quick 14-0 lead. Gulf Coast responded with a 2-yard touchdown and a successful two-point conversion to cut into the lead in the second quarter. But the Hurricanes answered right back, airing it out for a 14-yard touchdown pass to take a 21-8 advantage into halftime.

The second half was more of the same from the 'Canes — punishing runs, efficient passing, and a defense that refused to break. Manatee racked up 243 rushing yards on 37 carries and added 103 passing yards through the air. The offense converted 5 of 9 third-down attempts and was a perfect 1-for-1 on fourth down.

Gulf Coast’s defense simply had no answer for the relentless ground game, highlighted by chunk plays and red zone dominance.

Despite a pair of late scores from the Sharks, including an 8-yard touchdown run and a 7-yard dash with another successful two-point try, Manatee’s control never truly wavered. The final blow came in the fourth quarter on a 1-yard scoring run that pushed the Hurricanes to 35 points and sealed the win.

Defensively, the Hurricanes stood tall — forcing two critical turnovers including a fumble recovery and an interception that shifted momentum. Special teams were solid as well, converting all five PATs and pinning the Sharks deep on multiple kickoffs.

Game Stats Snapshot

• Total Yards: Manatee 346 | Gulf Coast 249

• Passing Yards: Manatee 103 | Gulf Coast 74

• Rushing Yards: Manatee 243 | Gulf Coast 175

• First Downs: Manatee 19 | Gulf Coast 14

• Turnovers: Manatee 0 | Gulf Coast 2

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Manatee now turns its focus to preparing for fall, where expectations will no doubt be high following this spring performance. The Hurricanes look ready — fast, physical, and full of potential. As the countdown to fall kickoff begins, one thing’s for certain: the storm is coming.