It’s a brand, new season, and while everyone starts 0-0, there’s a reality that BCAA teams will find during the coming season. That reality is getting to Orlando for the state championships next December, will not be easy.

We all know that every year, St. Thomas Aquinas holds that flag for the BCAA, and even though first year head coach Rocco Casullo and his Raiders are very talented again, there are some other local teams to keep an eye on.

Here is a preview of each district that BCAA teams will be a part of this coming season as Florida changes several classifications.

5A-15
Cardinal Gibbons Chiefs
Dillard Panthers
Hallandale Chargers
Pompano Beach Tornadoes
SUMMARY: Cardinal Gibbons has more depth this year and figures to be in every game. Dillard, while very talented, is a year away from competing for a district title. Pompano Beach is loaded with athletes, but not enough to win a district that coach Dameon Jones and Hallandale has the athletes to win. The other team in this district is American Heritage.

15-6A
Fort Lauderdale Flying Ls
Hollywood Hills
Pine Charter Jaguars
Stranahan Dragons
SUMMARY: The past two years, Hollywood Hills and Stranahan have held down this district. But improved Fort Lauderdale and Pines Charter with top runner Jeremy Donaldson will also have a say in this competitive district. The other team in this district is Archbishop McCarthy.

7A-14
Boyd Anderson Cobras
Coconut Creek Cougars
Coral Gladcs Jaguars
Ely Tigers
Monarch Knights
Northeast Hurricanes
SUMMARY: This is one of those very competitive districts with enough talent that this shouldn’t be decided until the final games are played. Boyd Anderson has a new coach (Wayne Blair), Ely is out to prove that the spring loss to Miami Booker T. Washington is not the team you’ll see each Friday night during the fall, and Northeast, under the direction of Donnell Bennett, has the team to make a serious run this coming season. The Hurricanes came close last year!

7A-15
Cooper City Cowboys
McArthur Mustangs
Nova Titans
Plantation Colenels
South Broward Bulldogs
St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders
SUMMARY: Okay, on the surface, this does not look real competitive –with St. Thomas returning so many gifted and nationally-rated athletes. But Cooper City looked great last year, South Broward has won 19 games the past two seasons, Plantation is stacked on defense, and McArthur and Nova area both much improved. Even if the race is for that second playoff spot, it will be very exciting!

8A-11
Coral Springs Colts
Deerfield Beach Bucks
Douglas Eagles
Piper Bengals
South Plantation Paladins
Taravella Trojans
SUMMARY: If you asked any of the six head coaches in this district, all would say that they have a great chance to win a district that could be the most competitive – top to bottom – in the BCAA in 2011. Deerfield and Taravella looked like they were ready to cease a playoff spot with great spring and off season performances. But South Plantation, Piper, Coral Springs and Douglas all have the athletes to contend.

8A-12
Cypress Bay Lightning
Everglades Gators
Flanagan Falcons
Miramar Patriots
West Broward Bobcats
Western Wildcats
SUMMARY: This could be the “gateway” to the 8A state playoffs. With respect to the Miami-Dade County opponents, this is one of the most impressive districts you’ll find in the state of Florida. Cypress Bay and Miramar have been chosen as the favorites, and certainly their district meeting will be huge, but Everglades is well coached and has a great defense. Flanagan is fast and has the personnel to compete with the best!

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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