Every year, BCAA teams head into the first round of the state playoffs with so much anticipation and hope, usually to watch those dreams come crashing back to earth.

As we start the first week of the 2011 FHSAA football playoffs - with the destination for all teams aimed at Orlando and the Citrus Bowl in December, there are some impressive matchups for some teams - while others may get to face reality and the end of what has been a great year.

When it comes to the state playoffs, there is no recipe for being able to hold you hands high in middle December, wearing those medals and helping to hoist that championship trophy. There is a lot of luck along the way, and the ball certainly bounces in some funny directions.

As we will - for as long as our BCAA teams last in the playoffs - each week will be filled with my predictions and breakdown of each game. All games begin at 7:30 p.m.:

5A
Cardinal Gibbons (8-2) at Miami Norland (10-0), North Miami Stadium, Friday: The Chiefs have done some great things this year. Coach Mike Morrill has assembled some very impressive young talent that has found a way to reach the playoffs again.

On the other side of the field are the Vikings who have University of Miami-bound standout Duke Johnson and a quality defense that was in the state title game a year ago. This is a very good team.

THE PICK: Norland 35, Cardinal Gibbons 14.

6A
Miami Belen Jesuit (7-3) at Stranahan (5-4), Lockhart Stadium, Friday: This seems to be a yearly thing for Joe Redmond and his Dragons. District champions once again, this is a program that has more than shown that compiling winning seasons has become the norm in southeast Fort Lauderdale.

The Wolverines come into this first round meeting, finishing second in the toughest district in the state to Miami Central, which beat Belen in the district title game in 4 Ots. This is a tough team to figure out, and Stranahan figures to give the Dragons a lift.

THE PICK: Belen Jesuit 35, Stranahan 21

Pembroke Pines Charter (6-4) at Miami Central (9-0), Traz Powell Stadium, Miami, Friday: Where do you start with this game? The Jaguars get the chance to compete in a state playoff game, which is so positive for head coach Steve Brunns and his program that has won some huge games this year.

The Rockets are the defending 6A state champions, have beaten teams such as Miami Booker T. Washington, 3-time defending state champion Cocoa, Northwestern, Cincinnati Elder, Miami Columbus, Carol City, Homestead and Belen Jesuit!

THE PICK: Central 48, Pines Charter 6

7A
Blanche Ely (8-2) at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (9-1), Friday: This emotional rollercoaster of a season started its way back up for the Tigers who were awarded a playoff position after Boyd Anderson had to forfeit games and the district crown. Coach Rodney Gray and his team will have a tough assignment, but are pleased to be around still playing football.

The Panthers have been here and done that - plenty over the past decade, and despite an early season loss to powerhouse Glades Central, have rebounded with great coaching and tremendous talent.

THE PICK: Dwyer 37, Ely 14.

Royal Palm Beach (7-3) at Northeast (7-3), Friday: Very interesting matchup with a very good Royal Palm Beach team that has turned things around.

The Hurricanes have found new life after starting off 0-4. Getting a forfeit win against Boyd Anderson and  a district title, this is a team may be dangerous to play at this point. Coach Donnell Bennett has speed, size and talent, and this is a team that could end up giving teams major headaches.

THE PICK: Northeast 27, Royal Palm Beach 20.
 
Miami Beach (6-4) at Cooper City (9-1), Friday: If you rolled out the roster of players who have come through the Miami Beach through the years, the Hi Tides would be very hard to beat. But Chad Ochocinco, Duane Starkes and Samari Rolle will not walk into Cooper City this week.

Coach Art Taylor and his team saw the dreams of an unbeaten season go down last week against Flanagan, but the Cowboys needed that game to get refocuses and make a serious run in the playoffs. With senior Camden Krohn getting it done, this team is back and rolling along.

THE PICK: Cooper City 33, Miami Beach 20.

St. Thomas Aquinas (8-2) at Hialeah American (6-4), Milander Stadium Hialeah, Friday: Can anyone show the Raiders the direction to a road game this early in the playoffs? It’s been over two decades since this football team has had to travel in the first round, and while things need to get better for head coach Rocco Casullo and his team, they need to avoid the mistakes and a team that shouldn’t be on the field with them.

Coach Corey Bell returns from his stint at University of Miami to turn the Patriots around, and while many coaches have not had success against the Raiders, Bell and his Edison team came into STA some years back and humiliated the Raiders. Don’t look for that against this time around.

THE PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 34, American 12

8A
Cypress Bay (7-3) at Taravella (9-1), Coral Springs, Friday: One of the most impressive first round games that puts two very well coached teams against one another.

The Trojans have really been a major surprise, winning the district after a strong off season performance. Head coach Dan Marguriet has been down this road before, and understands that the 9 wins you had in the regular season, really means little now.

Mark Guandolo and the Lightning took some lumps early, shook off a few injuries and have really looked great, combining a power offensive attack with a solid defensive unit, beating some very good teams down the stretch.

THE PICK: Cypress Bay 28, Taravella 22.

South Plantation (7-3) at Miramar (9-0), Friday: Nobody has done more with less experience than Doug Gatewood and his Paladins. This is a program that found a way to win games with solid defense and unleashing an offense that has proven it can move the ball.

But moving the ball and playing solid defense has become a trademark of the nationally-rated Patriots, who have surprised everyone this season, rising to a national level with huge wins against five playoff teams. After the tragic death of offensive lineman Isaiah Laurencin, this team has come together and really made a huge impact this year.

THE PICK: Miramar 49, South Plantation 7  

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.