From the time they were knocked out of the playoff race late last November, there had been a thirst, a hunger, if you will, to get back to the state championship game for Miramar’s Patriots. The hunger, served up with some major adversity, grew this team up.

This has indeed been a season in which every member of the Patriot football family will never forget. It has been the best of times, and of course, the worst of times for a program that had served notice to the state two years ago, that its first title would not be the last one.

After Northeast ended the dreams up repeating as a state champions, the Patriots began to refocus and understand what brought them that first state title - a convincing win over Deland.

It became about every player on the team giving everything they had - year round - to ensure that this program would be at a level where not playing for a state title - would not be acceptable.

Head coach Damon Cogdell had to change an entire thought process of a program that has always had its share of athletes, but not enough to get them to that next level. Winning the district, while important, was not the focus that Cogdell brought back to his alma mater.

What has transformed over the past four years is a program that still produces top-flight athletes such as Tracy Howard, but can also have enough quality to go along with it, that gets the team to the next level.

In the past when the Patriots had three or four high quality football prospects, the supporting cast was not talented enough to help carry the team. Things have changed.

The off season watched this team take part in camps, combines and 7-on-7 events that brought them together. Then, just as the team was ready to start final preparation for the season, tragedy hit when popular and talented football prospect, Isaiah Laurencin passed away after working out. It set this program back. It took a major emotional toll.

The season was dedicated to the memory of Laurencin, who was a Division 1 offensive line recruit. This team fought through plenty of adversity, but always found a way to hang tough.

Even in the 31-20 loss to the Tampa Plant Panthers in last Saturday night’s 8A state championship at Orlando’s Citrus Bowl, Miramar fought hard, getting the game close late, but couldn’t finish things off. No crime. This is a team that is loaded with talent. Enough to overcome the loss of 15 seniors who have played a key role in the 13-1 season, it remains to be seen.

With a junior varsity that dominated and went unbeaten, the Patriots are going to need to start tapping into that success - sooner than later, especially on an offensive line.

While the “Dark Side Defense” did let up more points than they had all year, the performances were solid once again with Bryan Williams, Jermaine Grace, Trevon Coley, Mark Rucker, Levan Porter, Anthony Hamilton, Marrell Jackson and Mr. Everything, Tracy Howard, coming up with huge play after huge play.

Congratulations to Coach Cogdell and the Patriots. The best team in the BCAA - and one of the elite programs in the state of Florida and nationally.

Have any feedback - or something to add? Direct all E-Mails to Floridakids1@aol.com. Catch Larry Blustein each and every Tuesday night for the Maroone High School Gridiron Report from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Also follow as at Twitter @larryblustein.