If the Flanagan Falcons are going to do something that most who follow high school football, doubted would happen, this would be the week to do it.

Coming off a tough loss at always tough Lakeland, coach Don Simon’s squad will look to gain a huge advantage this Thursday night (7:00) against Cypress Bay.

The district opener for both teams comes after a week when the Lightning got its groove back with a win at South Broward - and Flanagan - which got out to a 14-0 at Lakeland, eventually dropped a 23-14 decision to a team that has the talent to get back to state.

This is a Flanagan team that didn’t get to this point overnight. Simon and his coaches figured the only way to compete against the likes of Cypress Bay, West Broward, Everglades, Western and district favorite Miramar was to get better, and they did.

Starting with off season events such as camps, combines and 7-on-7 tournaments, the Falcons showcased some promising players. Through the first three weeks of the regular season, Simon and his team realizes that while win over Cypress Bay is not essential, it would go a long way in giving this program the opportunity to make the 8A playoffs.

With starting receiver Justin Ferguson (6-2, 205) headed to Notre Dame next year, this is a team that has more than its share of quality football talent.

The senior class has been where the leadership and experience of this team has come through. With the emergence of quarterback Justin Bennett (6-1, 195), receivers Jeremy Smith (5-9, 165) and Lazaro Posada (6-0, 180), and running back Brian Sanon, this is a unit that can score.

The offensive line also has senior leadership with Sean Rau (5-11, 265), Justin Smith (6-0, 255) and Thomas Rau, a 5-11, 255-pounder.

While Ferguson is a punishing, big receiver, Smith stretches the field with his outstanding speed. He also uses that quickness on special teams.

On defense, the Falcons remain talented with safety Demetrius Ates (6-0, 170), linebackers Caleb Coello (5-10, 190) and Joel Wimbley (6-0, 235), defensive end Anthony Morel (5-10, 205) and lineman Djibril Sow (6-3, 305).

NAVY FLORIDIANS
When the University of South Caroline narrowly escaped the Naval Academy last Saturday in Columbia, a few BCAA graduates were on the sidelines.

Among those were Cardinal Gibbons freshman defensive end Daniel Ring and St. Thomas Aquinas linebacker Vinnie Mauro.

Here is a look at the games coming up this week, featuring BCAA programs:

THURSDAY
Taravella at Deerfield Beach, 7
Cardinal Gibbons at Pompano Beach, 7
Coral Springs at Douglas, 7
Western at Everglades, 7
Inlet Grove at Coral Springs Charter, 7

FRIDAY
McArthur at Orlando Dr. Phillips, 7
South Plantation at Piper, 7
South Broward at Plantation, 7
West Broward at Miramar, 7
Dillard at Hallandale, 7
Nova at Cooper City, 7
Monarch at Coral Glades, 7
Archbishop McCarthy at Stranahan (Lockhart), 7
Coconut Creek at Blanche Ely, 7
Boyd Anderson at Northeast, 7
Fort Lauderdale at Hollywood Hills (McArthur), 7
Concord De La Salle (Ca.) at St. Thomas Aquinas, 8

Have any feedback - or something to add? Direct all E-Mails to Floridakids1@aol.com. Catch Larry Blustein each and every Tuesday night for the Maroone High School Gridiron Report from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Also follow as at Twitter @larryblustein.