Many who follow high school football believe that the last week of the regular season is truly a waste of time. Not one game means anything in the standings or will have a bearing on the playoff race, which has always been determined.

There was a time when the final week of the regular season had plenty of drama, but now, it comes down to many playoff-bound teams resting some of their starters to ensure that they will be ready to go.

I am one who would much rather see the final week hold the key to the playoff future, but the state of Florida determined a few years back that the playoff picture needs to be settled before the final week, so they will have plenty of time to set officials for first round games, etc.

I can understand how the state needs to have everything in order, and while many schools in the BCAA already know where they will be headed in week No. 1 of the playoffs, which I will follow right through to the state championships, there are some storied matchups taking place in the final week.

For teams such as Fort Lauderdale, not headed to post season play, the final game against Stranahan, the 16-4A District champions, means a lot. It’s the longest rivalry in Broward County, and while the two programs went in different directions this year, this is always a very competitive game with alumni from the past 60 plus classes coming out to watch and cheer on the Dragons and Flying Ls.

This is a game that back in the Gold Coast Conference days of football really meant a lot, and it was usually the last game of the year that would signal bragging rights throughout the year.

The Stranahan-Fort Lauderdale matchup has produced some wild finishes and memorable players who went on to become successful in other areas of life.

This is a game that is not as intense as it once was, but there will be plenty at stake this year for both teams - as far as pride!

Rivalry Week in the BCAA also includes some other season-ending clashes that will peak the interest of fans as well as fellow students.

Since the early 1970s, McArthur and Hollywood Hills have always had some great meeting, and while both have been in the same district each year, this season watched the Spartans move down to 4A and reach the playoffs, while the Mustangs had a frustrating season.

When these two rivals get together on Friday night at Cooper City High Stadium, emotions will being in the air as McArthur will try and end a very tough season on a positive note.

Just five short weeks ago, many were thinking that McArthur had one of its best teams in years. Then came the fourth quarter meltdown to South Broward and the season went downhill from there.

Hollywood Hills finished second to Stranahan and will now travel to play one of the state’s elite teams in the first round, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer.

Another final week rivalry that demands attention is the city meeting between Coral Springs and Taravella. It’ the third rivalry game of the week that pit’s a playoff team (Coral Springs) against a program that fell on some tough times this year.

This is a game that will attract several generations of fans who will be out to salute the seniors for a job well done.

While many would much rather see he high drama of the last week of the regular season, others are content to settle in and watch a competitive game that means more than playoffs. It’s called pride!

Next week, we will start our Road To Orlando with a look at the local teams who will be involved in the playoffs, and I may even give you my predictions, which I’m sure you just cannot wait for.

Here are some other games to check out this Thursday and Friday around the BCAA. There are some good ones, including a nationally-televised contest:

THURSDAY
Coral Glades at Western
Everglades at Plantation
Monarch at West Broward (Cooper City)
Piper at South Broward

FRIDAY
Northeast at Ely
Archbishop McCarthy at Nova
Deerfield Beach at Boyd Anderson
Monsignor Pace at Cardinal Gibbons, 4 p.m.
Coconut Creek at Douglas
Cooper City at Flanagan
Pembroke Pines Charter at Coral Springs Charter (Coral Glades)
Cypress Bay at St. Thomas Aquinas, 8 p.m.
Dillard at Miramar

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).