Here we go. The second season in high school football throughout the state of Florida is set to begin this week, and while every team in the playoffs believes in destiny, just 16 teams will end up in Orlando over two weekends to lay claim to a championship that carries as much weight as any crown in any state in the country.

With the St. Thomas Aquinas Raiders looking to defend their 5A state title, it appears that this year, coach George Smith and his football team have more at stake than winning back-to-back state titles. This year, this impress team has a great chance to win a national title. The first ever for Broward County in the sport.

While many have been talking about Venice being the team that could stand in the way, you may offer that if St. Thomas is to lose to any team, that program will have to catch the Raiders on an off night. This is a program that is so loaded, it would be a major upset for the Raiders not to win it all - again!

Look up and down the roster and you will find tremendous talent, great coaching and a strong belief that no team will beat them if they limit mistakes and turnovers. This is a team that hasn’t even turned up the entire volume yet, and with big play athletes such as Ohio St.-bound Duron Carter and Dwayne Difton catching the ball, Ryan Becker throwing and Gio Bernard and James White running, it would take a total team collapse not to carry out what many predicted from perhaps the best team Smith has ever had. If not the best, they are as prospects-rich as any in Raider history.

The defense that drew criticism last year is extremely strong, finishing off tackles and making plays behind senior defensive lineman William Nesselt, linebackers Vinnie Mauro and Conor O’Neill and a secondary that is one of the most athletic around.

The Raiders open at home this Friday night, hosting the always dangerous and athletic Coconut Creek Cougars, a team that clawed it way into the playoffs with a strong finish after an impressive start.

The Cougars will need to stay in the game by making tackles, limiting the big plays and not turning the ball over. If they can stick to those important pre-game goals, this will be a game. If not, look for the talented Raiders to do what they’ve done 10 times this year. Dominate! BLU'S PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 44, Coconut Creek 14.

While St. Thomas has already drawn up a battle plan that the Raiders hope last for five more weeks, there are other local teams who have hopes and dreams just as well. Remember, everyone is even as of this week. One loss will send you home. One victory signals another week.

3A
Fort Lauderdale Cardinal Gibbons at Miami Monsignor Pace: The Spartans have been very impressive down the stretch with wins against Miami Edison and 1A Archbishop Carroll while the Chiefs figure to give them a solid game, using a four-point loss to No. 1 Glades Central as motivation. Steve Schirippa has opened the offense with a balance running game and junior receiver Sean Corker. The defense is young, but improving.  BLU'S PICK: Miami Pace 28, Cardinal Gibbons 17.

Hallandale Football

4A
Hallandale at Naples Barron Collier: Last year, the Chargers finished second in the district and went to Barron Collier and came away with a win. This is a much improved team with speed on both sides of the ball, and the motivation of getting another game with BTW, which narrowly beat them for the district crown. The Chargers rely on speedster Korvic Neat (1,000 plus yards), quarterback Victor Mark and a defense as athletic as any. BLU'S PICK: Hallandale 40, Barron Collier 28.




5A
Hollywood McArthur at Fort Lauderdale Dillard: This is a game that really tells the story of two teams who have worked hard to get to the top. The Mustangs hit rock bottom after being a yearly participant in the state playoffs. Ironically, the last time McArthur appeared in post season play, current Dillard coach Keith Franklin took them there. The Panthers are loaded and will be too much with senior Trabis Ward running the ball, but keep in mind, the Mustangs are young and coach Mike Zarra has a tremendous, young staff. BLU'S PICK: Dillard 37, McArthur 13.

6A
Coral Springs Taravella at Boyd Anderson: Last year, the Cobras were upset by Douglas in the first round, and coach Mark James knows that anything can happen in a game where the opponent has the two-time Broward County rushing champion in junior Devon Wright. The Cobras rely on a quarterback Jackie Walker to open things up, and when he does, Travis Reynolds is usually on the other end. Junior safety Demar Dorsey recently committed to the University of Florida. He is very talented. BLU'S PICK: Boyd Anderson 28, Taravella 14.

Plantation at Deerfield Beach: Here is the story of two teams that may be moving in different directions. The Bucks are thin and have lost the momentum they had before losing to St. Thomas and Boyd Anderson - while Plantation has been playing competitive football. If junior running back Cassius McDowell returns for Deerfield it will help. This kid is a talent and is perfect compliment to quarterback Denard Robinson. The Colonels feature University of Miami commitment Brandon McGee, sophomore quarterback Immoni Carswell and a defense that is loaded with athletes. BLU'S PICK: Deerfield Beach 23, Plantation 16.

North Miami Beach at Weston Cypress Bay: Is there a more impressive team that coach Mark Guandolo’s Lightning right now? Since returning from Texas, where they lost their only game of the year to Katy, this team has been rolling along. Whether it’s University of Pittsburgh-bound speedy running back Jason Douglas, Craig Dee or a defense that is led by defensive back Josh Smith, linebackers Shane Gordon and Austin Gamble, or defensive end/outside linebacker Phil Walker, the Lightning are talented. NMB is the team that knocked this team out of the playoffs last year in the second round. Not this year! BLU'S PICK: Cypress Bay 37, North Miami Beach 23.

Miramar at Miami Carol City: This is one of those strange games where players and coaches know each other very well. The tough part of facing West Virginia-bound quarterback Eugene Smith and the once beaten Patriots in the opening round is the motivation that coach Damon Cogdell and his team have after being humiliated in the season finale against St. Thomas. Coach Harold Barnwell has brought the Chiefs back to the playoffs, which is great for this longtime powerhouse. A classic Dade/Broward border war! BLU'S PICK: Carol City 28, Miramar 21.

NEXT WEEK: The playoffs continue, and we’ll have all the action for you.

You can reach Larry Blustein via e-mail at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. He can also be heard every Thursday night (9-10) on the Miami Dolphins High School Gridiron Report on WQAM (560 AM).