Whether or not St. Thomas Aquinas is the 10th best team in the state of Florida or not in July, does it really matter? What about being one of the top junior prospects or one of the fastest-rising seniors players?

Those are questions that football fans across Broward will be asking over the next few weeks as the 2010 edition of Friday Night Football Magazine-Florida will hit the shelves.

The high school version of Athlons, Street & Smith and Lindy’s once again becomes to only magazine to cover the entire state of Florida, and when it comes to the BCAA players, coaching and teams, things appear to be fair.

BCAA athletes appear in the pre-season top 50 seniors across the state with Rashad Greene, Marcus Roberson and Bobby Hart (St. Thomas Aquinas), Kevin Grooms (South Broward), Bryant Dubose (Northeast), Wayne Lyons (Dillard), Kent Turene (Boyd Anderson) and Ryan Shazier (Plantation) among the best in the state.

The top 50 for the Class of 2012 also includes local players such as Jelani Thomas (St. Thomas Aquinas), Brandon Butler (Boyd Anderson) and Cardinal Gibbons linebacker Erick Hallmon.

“The one thing about Broward County athletes is so many of them emerge away from the spring and summer camps,” said Corey Long, Editor of the magazine. “Usually, Broward athletes start to make an impact in the season and in all-star games at the end of the year.”

Long admits that not being chosen as a pre-season standout doesn’t mean that you won’t succeed. He has been around long enough to know that while some players peak as sophomores and juniors, many do not live up to the senior billing, which already opens the door for another athlete to emerge and grab the spotlight.

A number of players are also listed as top 10 at their positions such as receiver Phillip Dorsett of St. Thomas Aquinas and tight end Mike Frattiani of West Broward. There is also defensive tackle Niles Lawrence-Stample of Nova and Jeremy Cash of Plantation.

From the team standpoint, St. Thomas is No. 10. Defending 6A state champion Miramar are 23rd.

The magazine also lists the TOP FIVE best at each position, with St. Thomas being the No. 2 receiving unit, No. 3 secondary and No. 3 offensive line. Boyd Anderson (No. 2) and Miramar (No. 5) were also listed in the defensive secondary category.

St. Thomas coaching staff, always steady and ready for any opponent, was among the top coaching staffs in the state.

While the opinions in the magazine are just a few people, it is nice when your area is recognized for so many positives. Congratulations to the BCAA and the tremendous programs that continue produce outstanding student/athletes!

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.