September 5, 2012

FV Staff
FlaVarsity.com

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Despite an impressive showing on national television, the Manatee Hurricanes did not claim the No. 1 spot in the latest RivalsHigh100 rankings released today.

In fact, the 'Canes were passed by Loganville (Ga.) Grayson, which routed Miami Central 35-3.

Manatee ended the first half of its nationally televised game tied with Miramar 6-6, with the offense generating only two field goals.

The second half, however, was a different story.

Blake Keller and Cord Sandberg keyed a 35-point outburst that put the game away. Keller blocked two punts, scoring on one - and Sandberg led the offense to four touchdowns on five second-half possessions.

Keller, playing the game just 48 hours after learning of his child-hood friend Isaac Grubb's death, dominated the game in the memory of Grubb.

Grubb fell to his death during the Tennessee-North Carolina State game at the Georgia Dome on Friday. Keller's grandparents live across the street from Grubb's family - and Keller often played with Grubb when the family would visit.

"All I kept thinking was that I had to do something to keep his memory alive," Keller told the Bradenton Herald after the Manatee win. "You have to live life everyday to your full potential because you never know when it will be taken from you. You go hard all the time in his game, and good things will happen."

Keller performed masterfully, recording two blocked punts (one for a touchdown) and 2.5 sacks. The UCF commit is a senior and rated three-stars by Rivals.com

Manatee is one of 12 teams from Florida ranked in the RivalsHigh100.

The Hurricanes remain No. 1 in the FlaVarsity Top 25 - released each Wednesday.

RivalsHigh100 Complete rankings