The Storm Within: Hurricanes Clash in Annual Red & White Scrimmage

Hawkins Stadium was alive with energy on Wednesday night, May 14, as the Manatee High School Hurricanes stormed the field for their annual Red & White Spring Scrimmage — a long-standing tradition that signals the winds of the upcoming season are starting to swirl.

The evening kicked off with a community barbecue at 6:00 PM, where fans, families, and alumni gathered under the Florida sunset to share good food and high hopes for the season ahead. Just an hour later, the main event took center stage.

The scrimmage featured the Hurricanes' best offense donning the iconic red home jerseys, while the defense stood tall in crisp white away uniforms. It was a true storm surge of talent — Manatee’s best offense versus its fiercest defense in a full-contact showcase of grit, speed, and football IQ.

From the opening snap, the offensive squad set the tone, consistently finding the end zone and moving the chains with confidence. Both the first and second-team units saw action, giving coaches and fans alike a valuable preview of the depth and talent waiting to erupt this fall.

The defense didn’t make it easy, delivering hard hits, tight coverage, and glimpses of shutdown potential — but on this night, the red jerseys had the upper hand. Even so, both sides of the ball showed promise, laying a strong foundation for what’s to come.

Adding to the atmosphere were dozens of Hurricane alumni, who came back home to support the next generation of gridiron greatness. Their presence underscored what this scrimmage has always represented — not just a game, but a celebration of tradition, unity, and pride in the red, white, and blue.

As the scoreboard went dark and the lights cooled over Joe Kinnan Field, one thing was clear: the Hurricanes are hungry, talented, and ready to chase greatness.

Next up: The Spring Game against the Gulf Coast Sharks of Naples

When: Wednesday, May 21 | Kickoff: 7:00 PM | Where: Hawkins Stadium

Come out and support your Canes as they continue building momentum for a dominant 2025 fall season. The storm is coming — and it starts now. 🌪️🏈