Lost in the “chance of a lifetime” opportunity last Friday night at Sun Life Stadium in the second Dolphins Under Armour Miami-Dade vs. Broward all-star football game was the final score.

With bragging rights at stake, the Miami-Dade squad, for the second straight year, won the contest, 36-26, but if you were a player, coach or one of the 5,000-plus fans, it really didn’t matter.

What the game was all about was rewarding and showcasing some of south Florida’s top prospects. Some with scholarship offers in hand – while others were out to impress, and use the game for momentum, heading into the final weeks before National Signing Day.

This was indeed a first class operation. Not only were the players and coaches on both squads treated to the same things the Miami Dolphins have each week, but it was also about promoting the players and having former and present Miami Dolphins on hand to cheer on the high school athletes.

The BCAA squad had a number of talented players, who really watched their stock rise. Obviously, Notre Dame-bound receiver  
Justin Ferguson, made quite an impression. He showed why he is regarded as one of the top players in the country. But he wasn’t alone.

One of great stories in the game is Stranahan quarterback Otis Brown. The 6-2, 190-pounder has overcome health problems and a school transfer to change his fortunes.

No matter what direction you watched the game from, you were proud of the football talent that the BCAA had. Players such as FIU-bound punter Chris Ayers (South Broward), University of Iowa commitment defensive end Daumantas Venckus (Cypress Bay) as well as South Plantation defensive back Chris Morley (Memphis), Northeast linebacker Kevis Jones (Wake Forest), Nova defensive back Chauncey Lanier (U-Conn) and Blanche Ely receiver Darren Allen.

Other athletes who turned heads were St. Thomas receiver Nico Shepherd, Dillard linebacker John Rachal, Hallandale defensive back Dashad Tucker, Blanche Ely linebacker Charlie Thompson, Miramar linebacker Mark Rucker and many more.

The post season has been filled with so many opportunities for these young men to showcase their many skills. Along with the upcoming Small College Fair, the chances to land that elusive college scholarship.

“We knew coming into this game what a thrill it would be for the coaches, players and parents,” said Dolphins Director of Youth Programs. “This franchise is committed to the youth and high school athletes of Southern Florida.”

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 8-9 on WQAM (560 AM) or www.wqam.com.

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