While a positive spring and summer may not completely turn the McArthur football fortunes around, you have to give the Mustangs and head coach Andrew Rhoden plenty of credit for not sitting around and conceding that the current 16-game losing streak will continue when play begins at the end of August.

Even with players who were around last year when head coach David Beckford and the Mustangs suffered through a season in which they were outscored, 413-56, there is a new attitude in West Hollywood. One that promises to bring a better and more competitive brand of football this fall.

In a number of off season camps and 7-on-7 tournaments, the Mustangs have been able to make a statement, using tremendous athletes and an inspired coach who believes things will be a lot better.

"People will be surprised at how much this team has improved," Rhoden said. "the players on this team are buying in to what we are doing to get things turned back around."

McArthur does have talent, and the program has enough quality players in the school district to compete. They were one of the elite teams a decade ago, taking powers such as St. Thomas and Dwyer to the wire under head coach Keith Franklin.

Even finishing in top 8 of last weekend's Nike South Florida event at Amelia Earhardt Park in Hialeah, this is a program that competed hard, losing some tough matchups against against quality teams such as Jupiter Christian, Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer, Hallandale, Miami Booker T. Washington, Palm Beach Gardens, Miami Coral Reef, North Miami, Blanche Ely, Miami Norland, Flanagan, Coral Springs, Stuart Martin County, Miami Braddock and Dillard

Among the seniors in the Class of 2012 who should make a difference include running back Derrick Walker (5-10, 185), linebacker Devon Morris (6-2, 220), receiver Lavattea Kelly (6-1, 175), defensive back Travius Symonette (5-11, 165) and receiver Dalawrence Orr (6-3, 180).

"We have a solid group of seniors," said Rhoden. "Athletes who want to win and take a leadership role."

The Class of 2013 is also in tremendous hands with linebacker Jeremy Benjamin (6-3, 220), running back Jabari Graves (5-10, 190) and defensive back Steven Chica, a 5-11, 165-pounder who had six interceptions a year ago as a sophomore. There is also Class of 2014 defensive back Damion Richardson, a promising 6-1, 170-pounder.

"This is really going to be a special year for this team," Rhoden said. "The young kids are really maturing this off season."

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.

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