If you've been reading my columns over the past few years, you will understand why it's important for me to cover high school football year round.

During a time when much of the spotlight is away from the sport, athletes are working hard to ensure that the season ahead will be better than the year before.

One of the coaches who I have had the pleasure of watching through the years is Veryl Floyd. Whether at Delray Beach Atlantic or Boynton Beach High, this is a coach who has truly taught the game the right way.

A few months ago, Floyd took over a Coral Glades program that has been searching for identity, and while the talent at the school has improved, reaching the goal of making the playoffs moved a bit closer to becoming reality.

Last weekend, I had the pleasure of watching yet another 7-on-7 tournament, and Coral Glades took part in the event that was held in the Palm Springs community of West Palm Beach. With teams from as far away as Miami and Fort Pierce and as close as Santaluces (Lantana) and Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer.

The Jaguars went to the event to test the 2008 offense, where sophomore quarterback

Santos Walcott

There is also senior running back Santos Walcott, a 5-11, 180-pounder, who has the ability to attract colleges, and defensive back Kevin Crawl, a 5-7, 150-poun speedster who is learning all the time.

Other seniors expected to make an impact this coming season includes tight end/safety Robert Ramsey (6-2, 210) and receiver/cornerback Sylvester Flowers (5-9, 180).

As Floyd is using this summer to get to know his players, his workouts back at the school are intense. This is a coach who has been there in the past, and has built programs from the ground up. He also getting the support from the administration and parents who have formed a very impressive booster club.

Watching this team play against the likes of Palm Beach Gardens and Dwyer, you get a sense that the ability is there. The one thing that really needs to be drummed into this team is hard work will pay off in the end, making sacrifices and showing up to workouts is a must.

The team does have unity, and with young players such as Class of 2011 quarterback Christopher Haire (6-1, 175) and his brother, tight end/safety Brandon Haire (6-2, 175), the lessons learned now will pay off down the line.

Other sophomores expected to help are receiver Kevin Greisel (5-10, 155) and Michael Valdes (5-6, 140).

CARRYING THE BCAA FLAG
Several area athlete have been traveling across the country this summer, and when they return, many will have some impressive stories to tell.

Miramar quarterback Eugene Smith will spend four days in California as the only Broward County passer ever invited to the prestigious Elite-11 event. Ely cornerback Michael Carter has also been busy, attending several events.

NEXT WEEK: We will continue to shine the spotlight on our local athletes.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).