It is now accepted that when it comes to District 16-5A, second place is usually the objective for teams such as Western, Cooper City, South Broward, Hollywood Hills, and this year's improving Mustangs of McArthur.

Mike Zarra

Make little mistake, you could see this turnaround coming, as recent as last year and into the summer when coach Mike Zarra's team began to show up at events and do well, putting in the time throughout the off-season. At the University of South Florida last summer, the Mustangs won seven times in the Sling and Shoot 7-on-7 event, which opened some eyes of the teams on hand and those who were on the Mustangs' schedule.

While no coach will ever admit it to his team or to the media, playing uphill against the nation's No. 1 team St. Thomas Aquinas every year is something that most have had to live with for years and years. The Raiders rarely lose a game – let alone one in a district they have dominated, so actually planning on winning a division that for now is a one-horse race is not being realistic.

McArthur will play at Dillard next Friday night in the first round of the state playoffs. Ironically, the last time the Mustangs made the playoffs, it was with current Dillard coach, Keith Franklin, at the helm. While many are not giving coach Zarra and his team a chance of getting to the second round of the playoffs, this is a team that has done what it's supposed to do. That means losing to St. Thomas and Hallandale were expected, but a loss at Coral Springs was tough to take, but the team rebounded.

When senior kicker Chris Secrest booted a game-winning field goal last Thursday to beat rival South Broward, the Mustangs were back in the playoffs. It was something that this team, even without its best player (linebacker) Odane Gordon, who was lost early in the year to a knee injury, had been working hard to achieve since Zarra took over.

While Secrest is being looked at by a number of colleges for his ability to kick and punt the ball, Gordon is waiting until he completely rehabs his injury before getting serious about colleges. Other seniors such as running back Marqueze Williams (5-8, 170), defensive back/receiver Jovanny Carvajal (5-10, 190), linebackers Kameron Baker (5-10, 205),  Patrick Paul (5-11, 200), tight end Jovan Murphy (5-10, 175), fullback Terry Brownlee (5-9, 205) and defensive lineman Lawrence Smith (6-3, 250).

The Mustangs have many proven seniors, but the underclassmen on this team will be the reason they will be in the mix over the next few years.

Quarterback Javon Smith (6-1, 205), a junior, is one of the most versatile athletes in his class. He is joined by receiver Denzel McCullum (6-3, 175), defensive back Tevin Funchess (5-9, 160), talented defensive end Traivon Bailey (6-2, 210) and impressive offensive lineman Brandon Collins, a 6-5, 265-pounder.

There are also sophomores such as defensive backs Nick North (6-0, 165) and Steven Montgomery (5-10, 165), and linebacker Mike Williamson (6-1, 190), who have already jumped onto the recruiting radar.

Freshmen defensive backs Phil Dames (6-1, 185) and Devon Morris (6-0, 175) are also players to keep an eye on over the next three years.

NEXT WEEK: The playoffs began and we will have a preview for you.

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).