Friday Night Football Preview

Area teams return to non-district action this week after inclement weather forced the cancellation of four games last week.

ODA traveled to Booker for a rare Thursday night contest Sept. 12. The Thunder, who already lost running back Drew Fineberg, suffered another hit last week when starters Austin Hoppe and Max Provost both left the game with injuries.

Riverview at Venice and Braden River at Southeast highlight this week’s Friday night slate. The Rams, who haven’t beaten the Indians since 2006, will face former quarterback Dominic Marino for the first time since he transferred to Venice last winter. Venice edged past Riverview last season, and the Rams have had this game circled on the calendar for months.

Braden River traveled to Port Charlotte last week, but the team never made it onto the field. The Pirates travel to Southeast for the first time since 2010. Braden River will look to its defense to stop Seminoles running back Courtney Allen, who has rushed for 269 yards in two games.

Be sure to follow Jen Blanco on Twitter at Jen_Observer and on Facebook at Jen Blanco (Observer) for live updates on all of tonight’s action.