Okay football fans. We have given you more information than you ever imagined that you would need to fully prepare for the season ahead. Now, we are ready to get this 2010 campaign.

This Thursday night, the months of practice and hard work will be put to the test as teams across the BCAA will kick it off for real.

There are always some very good matchups that usher in the new season, and after some very interesting kickoff classics, it sets the tone for what appears to be one of the best years yet.

Here is a look at some of the key games for the first week of the season:
CYPRESS BAY VS. BOYD ANDERSON: This game has come down to the wire the past two years, but this season the Cobras come into the game with a new coach and the same usual outstanding athletes.

The Lightning are looking to get back in the mix after a playoff appearance last season. They have some very young athletes who can make a real impact.
BCAA PREDICTION: Boyd Anderson 28, Cypress Bay 24

HALLANDALE VS. SOUTH BROWARD: Here is a game that back in the day was one of the huge neighborhood matchups, and now with both teams looking for playoff appearances, this could be a return to the way it used to be.

The Bulldogs are coming off a 10-2 season and have plenty of talent. The Chargers were winless a year ago, but head coach Damien Jones returns and has put together quite an impressive group of players.
BCAA PREDICTION: South Broward 24, Hallandale 20

ST. THOMAS AQUINAS VS. DALLAS SKYLINE: The Raiders have made it an annual tradition of playing in the Herbstreit Classic and coming away with an opening night win, and this year, while the scene shifts to Dallas Stadium, the Raiders are still favored to beat a Skyline team that lost in Florida last week to Glades Central, 6-0.

The Raiders are loaded once again with offensive weapons and a defense that is young but came together in the kickoff classic against Coral Glades.

BCAA PREDICTION: St. Thomas Aquinas 42, Skyline 7

Here is a look at the remainder of the opening week schedule…….
THURSDAY
Western vs. West Broward
Stranahan vs. Blanche Ely

FRIDAY
Taravella vs. Cardinal Gibbons
Flanagan vs. Pembroke Pines Charter
Coral Springs vs. Fort Lauderdale
University School vs. Nova
Plantation vs. Northeast
McArthur vs. Cooper City
Miami Belen Jesuit vs. Hollywood Hills
Deerfield Beach vs. Coconut Creek
Coral Glades vs. Piper
Everglades vs. South Plantation
Douglas vs. Monarch

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.