At the start of the season, as I walked along the sideline before the opener against Cardinal Gibbons, I saw St. Thomas Aquinas head coach George Smith, standing there with that upset look on his face.

That look that Smith wears is one that begs you not to rate his team too high despite the fact that you have one of the most electrifying offenses in the state of Florida. Smith has a right to play head games with reporters and those in recruiting services. He has the right to do it with me, although he knows what I’ll buy and what I won’t.

“We’ll be in trouble this year if we make too many mistakes,” Smith said. “You think I’m kidding.”

We all know that Smith likes to sandbag. He loves to keep the focus off the team and more on other things such as the new facility the Raiders used this season. State-of-the-art stadium and athletic center. It’s what St. Thomas should have.

After the team struggled in the opener at Cardinal Gibbons, doubt began to surface. Was this the team many were picking to get back to the 5A state final for the fourth straight year? Yes!

While things began to fall back into place with wins over South Plantation, Everglades, Hollywood Hills, and Cooper City, there was still that annual meeting with Deerfield Beach.

Having the Raiders’ number is something that very few teams can lay claim to. But when you talk about Deerfield Beach, a little uneasy feeling comes across those who have long been on the other end of frustrating games against the Bucks. St. Thomas team for generations know exactly what it feels like to be state rated, only to lose an often talented Deerfield Beach squad.

While the matchup with Deerfield was to be just another bump on a road that was sure to end up in Orlando, it was a game that sent Smith and the Raiders back to the defensive drawing board. That game, while it represents the lone setback (43-41) this season for St. Thomas, it also is in some ways, is directly responsible for St. Thomas heading toward Orlando for a meeting with unbeaten Kissimmee Osceola for the 5A state championship on Friday night at 7 in the Citrus Bowl.

After that loss to Deerfield, the Raiders were on a mission. That mission was to be holding the first place trophy in the Citrus Bowl on Dec. 14. To do it, they had to roll over South Broward, McArthur, Western and Miramar in the regular season, and Ely, Dillard, Palm Bay and Largo in the playoffs.

The Raiders have long carried the flag for this region. I found it exciting that we have a program that is loaded with talent and great coaching each year. And, while they haven’t always won state titles, at least the Raiders have been there with a chance to win it all.

As I walked away toward the Cardinal Gibbons sideline, I played back the talk that Smith and I had my mind, and believing in my ability to judge talent and people, this team is rewarded on Friday night with yet another state title.

LARRY’S PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 38, Kissimmee Osceola 22

BROWARD ALL-STAR GAME
Well, the practices are finished, the gameplans are in the books and now all they have to do it put on the uniform and get going this Thursday night in the Annual Broward All-Star game at Lockhart Stadium (7:00).

In addition to some great football provided by the BCAA schools, fans will also be treated to all-star bands and cheerleaders.

Having the opportunity to head out and watch these impressive athletes along with college coaches who were in town to find some athletes, I saw some very good football talent.

Here are some of the players to keep an eye on this Thursday night. For the South Squad:

Adedeji Adeoba, LB, 6-1, 205, Hollywood Hills: Yet another standout for a district playoff team. Had some key plays for the Spartans in big games toward the end of the season.

Colton Clevenger, S, 6-1, 185, Western: Has been one of the area’s top prospects since his sophomore season. A versatile athletes who will play this game for a long time.

Travis Cox, DB, 6-0, 175, South Plantation: From the first combine he attended to the key interceptions and fumble recoveries he had in the playoffs, this was a very special player.

Sean Curtis, RB, 6-0, 200, Cooper City: One of the top backs in Broward who did more than just carry the ball for the Cowboys.

Jared Darling, OL, 6-5, 285, Cypress Bay: One of the most gifted linemen in South Florida, this was a key player on a line that averaged over 300 yards rushing per game.

Mike Decaro, RB, 5-9, 170, Cypress Bay: Was easily one of the best running backs in South Florida, running for over 1,400 yards and scoring 22 touchdowns. Colleges are impressed with what they saw.

Frankie Hammond, Jr., 6-1, 160, Hallandale: Was there a bigger surprise in Broward County this year? Went from an unknown to one of the best receivers in the state as his commitment to the University of Florida will certainly back up.

Brentley Harstad, S, 6-0, 190, Cypress Bay: One of the premier players in the secondary, this is one of the top players on a unit that continued to improve all season.

Jeffrey Johnson, WR, 5-10, 165, Hallandale: If it wasn’t Frankie Hammond Jr., it was this gifted young man who continued to catch balls and make big plays. He finished with 33 receptions for over 500 yards.

Samuel Kelley, DL, 6-2, 280, Miramar: There may not have been a more dominating defensive lineman anywhere in the county this season. Sacks, pressures, stopping the run. He did it all, and was very impressive doing it.

Willie King, DE, 6-3, 210, Dillard: Yet another of the quick, athletic players that the Panthers are used to showcasing. He led a unit that finished among the top 10.

Danny Liddell, OL, 6-3, 265, South Broward: While he didn’t receive the attention that some of the area’s top linemen have, this could be one of Florida’s best center prospects, and colleges have already taken notice.

Jordan Rae, OL, 6-2, 260, Cypress Bay: From the start of the season, this was one of the most athletic and most impressive players this tremendous program had up front.
 
Chris Saladrigas, P, 6-0, 180, Cypress Bay: Finished as one of the top punters in South Florida with an impressive 45.4 yard per punt average, leading the Lightning in the second round of the playoffs.
 
Jordan Sessa, DL, 6-4, 265, South Broward: A three-year starter who was one of the top players for the Bulldogs on both sides of the ball. Was chosen as one of the state's top 100 juniors a year ago.
 
Aaron Strumski, DL, 6-2, 265, South Broward: Another of the two-way standouts this program produced over the past two years. Also played tight end and was regarded as one of the best blockers in the county.
 
Kenjay Trueblood, RB, 5-10, 185, Pines Charter: Accounted for over 800 total yards that capped off quite an impressive career as he now focuses on a collegiate career.
 
Robert Yanks, PK, 5-8, 175, Cooper City: Turned out to be one of the best kickers in a county that had its share of them. Has been selected to play in a national post season all-star event as well.

Here are some North players to watch as well:

Jonathan Aiken, WR, 6-4, 190, Piper: Was one of the big surprises for the Bengals in a season in which he caught 24 passes for 470 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Leonardo Barbosa, OL, 6-1, 235, Deerfield Beach: One of the strongest players on one of Broward’s best teams this season. His foot speed also allowed him to play any of the three line positions, which was a huge help for the Bucks.

Richard Cherichel, WR, 6-0, 170, Northeast: With 39 receptions for 539 yards and 7 touchdowns, this was one of the elite receivers in Broward County this year. Tremendous athlete with great hands and tremendous speed.

Kashawn Fraser, TE, 6-3, 215, Monarch: After playing the sport for the first time ever in high school, the reviews were impressive for this gifted athlete who caught the attention of several college recruiters.

Rodney Harrell, RB, 5-9, 200, Deerfield Beach: This three year standout has come up big for this football team in so many games this season. Was a true leader for the Bucks all year!

Kenny Jones, WR, 5-10, 175, Cardinal Gibbons: A threat to take it the distance on any given play, this is a speedster who had over 500 receiving yards for a team that made the state playoffs.

Evan Landi, QB, 6-3, 190, Coral Springs Charter: While he threw for over 700 yards, this University of South Florida commitment did more over the past three years on both sides of the ball to help the Panthers improve.

Chase McMann, 6-2, 215, Coral Springs: Has been one of the players the coaching staff have been raving about for the past two seasons. Has the opportunity to play this game at the next level.

Jayson Norman, WR, 6-0, 200, Monarch: With 27 catches for 454 yards and 8 touchdowns, this was one of the most productive receivers in Browarxd County this season. Colleges love his play!

David Noshay, QB, 6-1, 190, Douglas: Was there really a better overall offensive threat in Broward this season. Over 2,000 total yards and enough leadership to guide the Eagles into the playoffs, upending Boyd Anderson in the first round.

Joshua Philpart, WR, 6-0, 170, Deerfield Beach: With 38 catches for over 500 yards, this is the one player everyone looked to when a big plays was needed. Big time player came up big all season.

Tirrell Rennie, QB, 6-2, 160, Coconut Creek: One of the impressive players in the county this season with 1,512 yards and 14 touchdowns in the air, and 831 yards and 8 touchdowns on the ground for a team that just missed making the post season.

Quinton Robinson, WR, 6-3, 175, Coconut Creek: Finishing with 36 receptions for 812 yards and 7 touchdowns for a Cougar team that beat three playoff squads.

Andrew Smith, DE, 6-3, 240, Monarch: For the past two years, there may not be a better prospect at this position in South Florida. Headed to the University of Miami, this two-year starter is a prospect that many will continue to watch and be impressed by.

Jerral Stewart, DB, 5-9, 165, Deerfield Beach: Wasn’t just one of the top defensive players on the team, but his seven interceptions and numerous touchdown-saving plays kept the Bucks in the mix all year.

Tarus Thomas, DT, 5-11, 342, Boyd Anderson: A four year varsity performer who ended up being one of the top players on a unit that was among Broward’s best.

Martin Ukpai, QB, 6-2, 185, Fort Lauderdale: This two-year starter followed in the tradition of impressive quarterbacks the Flying Ls have been fortunate enough to have. Threw for 917 yards this year and over 2,000 in his career.

Shawn Williams, RB, 5-10, 170, Coconut Creek: With 34 catches for 564 yards, a 4.4 yard rushing average and 13 touchdowns, this was one of the most versatile weapons in Broward County.

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).