As we are often reminded that just because this is not officially football season around Broward County, it doesn't stop area BCAA performers from getting an edge that will go a long way in making a difference over the next year.

The Mastrole Passing Academy Challenge attracted top-fight quarterbacks and receiving prospects to Lauderhill Sports Complex last Sunday from across Florida to learn, test and compete against some of the state's top prospects.

Abe Coleman

From Abe Coleman and Christian Rosseau from Hallandale to a number of others from across the BCAA, it was a day that gave nearly 100 athletes a huge edge over the competition. With former Cardinal Gibbons standout Ken Mastrole running the show, things really began to heat up.

"We put the word out about this event a few months back and athletes from across the state began to sign up," said Mastrole. "We brought kids in from St. Augustine, Sarasota, Fort Myers, Orlando, Land O'Lakes, Lake Wales, Tampa, Naples and Union County to compete, and it was tremendous."

In addition to Mastrole and his coaches who run events year round, former University of Miami standout receiver Magic Benton also took the receivers on hand through some drills that will help them improve and gain that edge.

"I only wish they had an event like this when I was going to school," Benton smiled. "What this does is not only teach these young men something new, but it also provides competition, which is extremely healthy."

In addition to Coleman and Rosseau, other BCAA players on hand included Brian Connerton (South Plantation), Drew Domino (St. Thomas), freshman TyQuan Fields (Ely), Northeast versatile standout Kivas Jones, Matt Kriechman (Monarch), Sean Nichols (Douglas), Sean Pratt (Plantation), Craig Vanek

Kivas Jones

(Pompano) and Keith Zyla (Plantation).

"When you can come out here and compete against some of the best in the state of Florida, it makes a huge difference," said Jones, who did well at quarterback, but can also plat tight end, receiver, defensive end and outside linebacker. "It was hot, we worked very hard out here, but in the end, had a lot of fun."

Mastrole, who hosts a number of clinics and camps throughout the year, called this event one of the best they had.

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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