While the first week of the state football playoffs is always filled with the unexpected, eight BCAA programs managed to make it to the second round as the competition level begins to rise and the stakes are much higher.
A number of surprises always usher in the state playoffs, and last week was certainly no exception.
As we broke down last week’s first round of the playoffs, we will do so once again this week as we put our “impressive” 9-2 record on the line with some mighty exciting post Thanksgiving games slated for Friday.
Here is a look at the matchups:
6A
Miramar (8-3) at Northeast (7-4): Make no mistake, head coach Donnell Bennett and his team remember last year’s first round game when the Patriots took the Hurricanes apart.
This time around, there is plenty of talent on both sides of the field, and this one should really be a test of what team makes the least mistakes.
Even though you would love to pick the Hurricanes at home, the respect part comes into play, and Miramar is still the defending 6A state champs!
BCAA PICK: Miramar 24, Northeast 21.
North Miami Beach (8-3) at Cypress Bay (9-2): This is one of those games that matches two tremendous coaches in Mark Guandolo of Cypress Bay and Jeff Bertani from North Miami Beach.
Last week, the Lightning had no problem in beating Dr. Krop, while the Chargers rolled to a win against Everglades. This is one of those games that could go either way, but home field is always important.
BCAA PICK: Cypress Bay 33, North Miami Beach 27.
5A
Lauderdale Lakes Boyd Anderson (8-3) at Pompano Beach Blanche Ely (9-2), Lockhart: The first time these two teams played - for the district title - it was exciting and came down to the wire. This time around, expect much of the same.
This is easily the matchup of the week as both programs survived opening round games to get to this point, and while Ely won the regular season meeting and came away with yet another district crown, this one may be a little different.
THE PICK: Boyd Anderson 28, Ely 26.
Cooper City (8-3) at St. Thomas Aquinas (11-0): First of all a huge congratulations for the Cowboys and Coach Art Taylor for a great season and a first ever post season win against a very talented South Broward football team. This season has been fun and set the table for a very impressive future.
For the Raiders, the objective is a tad different than winning a playoff game. This is a program that expects national exposure every year, and certainly this season is no exception. In every game this season, the objective has been to wear down the opponent!
BCAA PICK: St. Thomas 48, Cooper City 7.
4A
Hollywood Hills (7-4) at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (10-1): Well, well, look who is back and making some playoff noise! Head coach Scott Barnwell and his team took care of Okeechobee in the first round of the playoffs with a sound running game and a stingy defense.
The Spartans did everything over the past few weeks to keep this program in the spotlight. Unfortunately, the road gets very, very tough as the trip to Palm Beach Gardens to play one of the country’s best teams will be very hard to digest!
BCAA PICK: Dwyer 40, Hollywood Hills 14
Happy Thanksgiving to all of our loyal readers. Thank you for following us each week right here on BCAA Sports.
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 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.
You can also follow us on Twitter at: www.twitter.com/larryblustein |
