When the annual BCAA North vs. South All-Star game was played in the second week of December, it signaled the “second season” for a number of athletes who have worked hard to achieve that dream of being awarded a college athletic scholarship.

While some seniors have concluded their playing career, others want the opportunity to enhance their standing with colleges and universities, still looking for that one surprise player.

Being in an area that now is home to five different post season all-star events, athletes are getting another chance to impress. More and more schools are recruiting the region, because of the vast competition and talent. And out athletes come out as winners in the entire process.

The Nike Miami-Dade vs. South Florida event attracted numerous players from BCAA schools as well as from other areas of South Florida and the Treasure Coast. Miami-Dade won the competitive game, which allowed more and more players to get another film to send out to colleges.

PUBLIC VS. PRIVATE
This Friday evening at 7:30, McArthur High in Hollywood, will play host to the Public vs. Private All-Star game, for the second time in the game’s three year history.

Mustangs’ head coach Andrew Rhoden will lead a team that features Shenardo Bodie (OL, Boyd Anderson), Chris Couvillon (OL, Cooper City), Kevin Couvillon (OL, Cooper City), Anthony Hamilton (DB, Miramar), Breshad Harris (DE, Miramar), Jalen Jackson (LB, Northeast), Frantz Joseph (DL, Stranahan), Levatiae Kelly (WR, McArthur), Paul Klein (DE/DT, Cypress Bay), Henry Lambert (WR, Boyd Anderson), Daniel Lennon (OL, Miramar), Bruce Natson (WR, Boyd Anderson), Marquise Piton (LB, West Broward), Mark Rucker (LB, Miramar), Travis Symonette (DB, McArthur), James Taylor (DL, Stranahan), Joe Villar (QB, McArthur), Derrick Walker (RB, McArthur) and D’Quan Williams (DT, Miramar).

The Private squad, headed by Miami Archbishop Carroll head coach Rav Maisonet also has a few BCAA players on the squad.

The St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders are well represented with safety Vernon Harris, defensive back Jo Jo McClary, standout tight end Nico Shepherd and
Receiver Gavin Sinclair.

DOLPHINS/UNDER ARMOUR DADE VS. BROWARD
Next week we will have full rosters and information on the second Miami Dolphins Under Armour Miami-Dade vs. Broward game at Sun Life Stadium on Friday, Jan. 13th.

NATIONALLY SPEAKING
The BCAA has not been left out of the national games this post season. These are games that feature the elite players nationally.

The Offense/Defense game included University of Miami-bound receiver Malcolm Lewis (Miramar).

Flanagan receiver Justin Ferguson was the only local player who competed in the first ever Semper Fidelis Marine All-American Game on Jan. 3 in Arizona.

In Thursday’s Under Armour game in St. Petersburg, watch for local receiver Avery Johnson (Blanche Ely).

On Saturday, Jan. 7, Miramar defensive back Tracy Howard will be in the spotlight for Army All-American game in San Antonio. Last year, Dillard safety Wayne Lyons (Stanford) was in this game as well.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com. Blustein is the co-host of the High School Gridiron Show each Wednesday night from 8-9 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.

You can also follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/larryblustein