Okay, the travel is over, the games against teams out of the region and district are winding down, and this Thursday night the games involving BCAA teams will not get interesting.

While a few teams will jump into district play, there are other games that will certainly peak the interest of football fans throughout the county.

In a week that will see some local powers in action, there are quite a few interest games that will capture everyone’s imagination.

GAME OF THE WEEK

St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders (1-0) at Boyd Anderson Cobras (2-0): This is one of those games that when mistakes are kept to a minimum could be a huge contest.

The Raiders opened with a nationally-televised win two weeks ago in Dallas against Skyline. Quarterback Jake Rudock was impressive, the defense was sound and it looked a lot like the STA teams that we have become used to.

After beating Cypress Bay in the opener, Cobras came back last week and had to struggle against a much-improved Northeast squad. Still, when they face off against the Raiders, things will be much different.

Look for emotions to play a big part, and like last year, mistakes and penalties played a huge part.

THE PICK: While we would like to think that the Cobras are at home and will have an advantage, St. Thomas already knows how to play on the “road”. If the mistakes are kept to a minimum, we have a game. If not, it business as usual. St. Thomas Aquinas 30, Boyd Anderson 14

Everglades Gators (2-0) at Miramar (0-1): Please do not sleep on the Gators! This is a team that many have not talked about, and while they are traveling to play at the defending 6A state champions, this is a contest that many should not take for granted.

While the Patriots lost a heart-breaker in overtime at Dallas DeSoto, they better not let their guard down because they will be 0-2! This Everglades team is for real, and remembers the last two seasons when they should have walked away from Miramar with a win.

THE PICK: This one will be huge. Everglades has a tremendous defense that the Patriots also have. Matthew Vincent could be the difference. Miramar, 21, Everglades 20.

Other games to keep an eye on this week. Because of Yom Kippur, some schools have the week off:

THURSDAY
Cardinal Gibbons at University School, 7
West Broward at Coral Glades, 7
Piper at Coral Springs, 7
Cypress Bay at Deerfield Beach, 7
Northeast at Dillard, 7
South Broward at Douglas, 7
Taravella at Blanche Ely, 7
Nova at Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7
South Plantation at Hallandale
Pines Charter at McArthur, 7
Pompano Beach at Somerset Academy, 7

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