Ever since last spring when coaches across Broward County started planning for the 2010 season, the objective was to make it to this week. The first round of the Florida state playoffs.

Starting on Friday, several BCAA teams will try and keep that dream alive that began some seven months ago. Winning a game in the state playoffs is always an objective that coaches use to build for the future.

Winning just one game can make all the difference how a program approaches the off season.

Okay, here is a rundown of BCAA teams in the first round. Good luck to everyone:

6A
SOUTH
REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL
Western at Northeast: The Hurricanes have done a great job this season under Donnell Bennett, winning a district title and headed to the state playoffs for the second straight year against a Western team that had to fight to get in. BCAA PICK: Northeast 28, Western 20.

Deerfield Beach at Miramar: Its 2-8 vs. the defending 6A state champions, who just happen to be getting hot at the right time.
BCAA PICK: Miramar 45, Deerfield 6.

Miami Dr. Krop at Cypress Bay: Welcome to the “Lightning” Bowl, where two teams who have fought hard for recognition will clash in Weston with a second round game at stake. Cypress Bay will have the edge here.
BCAA PICK: Cypress Bay 27, Dr. Krop 14.

Everglades at North Miami Beach: The Gators played one of the most challenging schedules in the BCAA this year, but will it be enough against one of the more dangerous teams heading into the playoffs?
BCAA PICK: North Miami Beach 21, Everglades 16

5A
SOUTH
Boyd Anderson at Wellington: The Cobras have as much talent as anyone in the playoffs, and even a trip to Palm Beach County will not prevent a rematch with Ely.
BCAA PICK: Boyd Anderson 35, Wellington 14.

West Boca Raton at Blanche Ely: The Tigers have not played well at times this year, but look for all that to change for at least Round 1.
BCAA PICK: Ely 34, West Boca Raton 13.

South Broward at Cooper City: Great season for the Cowboys and head coach Art Taylor, but now the talent level gets more impressive and a first ever district title may have to be enough for this season as Kevin grooms and the Bulldogs are in town!
BCAA PICK: South Broward 28, Cooper City 7.

Coconut Creek at St. Thomas Aquinas: last year it was Coral Springs that had the chance to test the nationally-rated Raiders. It doesn’t appear that the Cougars will be able to stop this express!
BCAA PICK: St. Thomas Aquinas 52, Coconut Creek 7

4A
SOUTH
REGIONAL QUARTERFINAL
Stranahan at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer: Last year, the meeting between the two teams was not pretty. I really expect much of the same thing as the Panthers have bigger fish to fry to defend their state championship.
BCAA PICK: Dwyer 55, Stranahan 7.

Okeechobee at Hollywood Hills: For everything that went wrong last year and into the first part of this season, head coach Scott Barnwell and his Spartans are getting ready for a playoff victory against the Brahmans.
BCAA PICK: Hollywood Hills 35, Okeechobee 14.

3A
SOUTH
Merritt Island at Hallandale: After a great year, the district champion (first since 1985) Chargers attempt to extend the season one more week as the Mustangs head south for a key matchup.
BCAA PICK: Hallandale 20, Merritt Island 16.

2A
SOUTH
Cardinal Gibbons at Belle Glade Glades Central: Same thing as last year for the Chiefs who have played well this year, but certainly this week will test this team like they haven’t been challenged all year.

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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