All the hard work that began last spring, moved to the summer, where camps and combines took place, and then two-a-days that taxed athletes in the heat of the Florida sun. It all comes down to this week, when the state playoffs begin across Florida.
This was certainly a year where BCAA teams left a lasting impression. In a season where programs began to establish themselves across the state, the next few weeks will validate the long hours and last second wins.
In a state that is certainly second to none when it comes to football, BCAA teams will head off this coming weekend to carry the flag for their schools, families, and of course the BCAA, which has promoted and rewarded these programs with publicity and an opportunity for colleges across the country to check out the talent we have.
As some players stay in shape and get ready for the annual North/South All-Star event that will take place at Lockhart Stadium on Thursday, Dec. 13, others will lead their programs into the playoffs in hopes of winning a game that many never gave them much chance to do.
The playoffs, while they are exciting, are often unforgiving. Teams who have had so much success during the regular season will now have to reach down and start over again. There are no guarantees, and certainly, there are no tomorrows for the loser.
Over the next few weeks, I will bring you inside each game that BCAA teams are involved in. We will break them down and even go out on a limb by giving our predictions, which are only for fun, and in no way should be taken in any negative way.
Having watched more football players and teams in this area than anyone this season, I can honestly say that we are in tremendous shape as the playoffs get started. The teams we have entering the playoffs will all have an opportunity to grab the spotlight. Even if it’s just for one week.
Here is a breakdown of the first round of the state playoffs:
6A
Douglas at Boyd Anderson: Has there been a more dominating team down the stretch than the Cobras? This is a team, on any given day, that can beat anyone in the state. Last year, they went two rounds deep.
The Eagles are a team to watch out for. Most who have followed quarterback David Noshay and his teammates are overlooking the final regular season game loss to Coconut Creek.
A potential upset, here?
LARRY’S PICK: Boyd Anderson 35, Douglas 13
Miami Norland at Cypress Bay: Make no mistakes, head coach Mark Guandolo and his Lightning have hit the ground running this season by winning 9 of 10 games and a first round playoff game at home.
If anyone know how to deal with Miami-Dade teams, it Guandolo, who coached at Southridge and Miami Monsignor Pace. The Vikings are talented, have size and speed and played in a very competitive district, but coaching wins this one!
LARRY’S PICK: Cypress Bay 28, Norland 13
Miramar at North Miami Beach: While the impressive Patriots came up short in the regular season finale against St. Thomas, this is a team, led by one of the BCAA’s best players, junior quarterback Eugene Smith, who have the ability to play against anyone when they don’t make mistakes.
The Chargers finished a perfect 10-0 season and are rated No. 2 in the state behind Northwestern. Coach Jeff Bertani’s team was 3-0 against the BCAA last year, and while Smith is on of the top players around, NMB senior running back Aaron Winchester may be the 6A state Player of the Year.
LARRY’S PICK: North Miami Beach 23, Miramar 21
South Plantation at Deerfield Beach (Saturday at Lockhart Stadium): Make no mistake, last week’s 10-7 win over the Bucks is no fluke. The Paladins have been one of the area’s hottest teams, beating Plantation, South Broward and Deerfield in the final game of the season.
Don’t let the final game performance by the banged up Bucks fool you. Even though they have some questions to answer, they will have the chance to do it this week.
LARRY’S PICK: Deerfield Beach 23, South Plantation 14
5A
Hollywood Hills at Dillard (Lockhart Stadium): Here is a classic matchup of two programs who have enjoyed success throughout the years.
Coach Scott Barnwell’s Spartans once again finished second to St. Thomas in the district, and had to come up with key wins down the stretch to advance to the state playoffs once again.
For Keith Franklin’s Panthers, an unbeaten district season and a rugged schedule has out them in a position to make some noise with junior running back Trabis Ward and a stingy defense.
LARRY’S PICK: Dillard 16, Hollywood Hills 13
Ely at St. Thomas Aquinas: Here is yet another matchup that most had predicted for a long time. While head coach James Jones and his Tigers were up and down this season, they did end the regular season with a huge win over Cardinal Gibbons behind Patrick Johnson.
The Raiders have met every challenge this season, winning yet another district as they look toward yet another 5A state championship appearance. St. Thomas is loaded on offense, and has come around at the right time on defense.
LARRY’S PICK: St. Thomas 45, Ely 12
4A
Hallandale at Naples Barron Collier: After a 1-26 stretch, there is no program in the state of Florida that has turned things around like first year head coach Dameon Jones and the Chargers.
As they head to Naples to take on an explosive team, the Chargers have to feel good about their chances as senior quarterback Alex Bailey and receiver Frankie Hammond look to show some explosion on their own.
LARRY’S PICK: Hallandale 35, Naples Barron Collier 30
3A
Cardinal Gibbons at Miami Monsignor Pace: Last year, the Chiefs went to Miami and pulled off a huge upset by beating the Spartans, but this year could be a different story. The Chiefs lost games to St. Thomas and Glades Central, but dropped a close game to Coconut Creek and then to Ely in the season finale.
If the game is close, Cardinal Gibbons and the nation’s top kicker, Blair Walsh, will have an advantage. But Pace has won seven straight games and are looking very good.
LARRY’S PICK: Pace 28, Cardinal Gibbons 12
There’s a look at the first round. As I said, we will follow our BCAA teams all the way to Orlando and have weekly information bits about each team.
You can reach Larry Blustein via E-Mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com, on radio each Thursday night on WQAM (560 AM) from 9-10 and on the internet on www.Floridafb.com.
