As spring football begins across the state of Florida this week, there are
going to many questions answered as many of the teams and athletes
embark on an action-packed summer.
Spring has always been a time, especially in this region of the state, where
many scholarships are actually awarded. College coaches from every
region of the country head toward Broward with the idea of discovering the
next elite performer.
The numbers have now backed up the fact that the BCAA is one of the
strongest football-playing conferences in the state of Florida, and for that
reason, the importance of spring football is magnified.
Heading into the spring, there will be a number of schools to keep an eye
on. Here are 10 programs to check out this spring – watching and seeing
what they have for a district title run:
Boyd Anderson (7A): Coach Wayne Blair came in and set down the law
from the first day, and as he starts his second season with the Cobras, this
is certainly a team to keep an eye on – with major prospects all over the
field. Do not be surprised with anything this team accomplishes!
Cardinal Gibbons (5A): After finishing second in the district a year ago,
this could be the best team the Chiefs and coach Mike Morrill have had
in years. Stocked with quality seniors, but also has one of the best 2014
classes in the BCAA as well.
Cypress Bay (8A): Huge offensive line, three-year starters on both sides of
the ball and you have a program that has a real chance of making its first
ever state title appearance. Coach Mark Guandolo has been putting this
team together since he arrived, and the Lightning have responded.
Blanche Ely (7A): Charles Hafley comes back to where he made a name
for himself to coach his alma mater, a program that always has its share of
quality football talent. Tough district and region, but when the Tigers roll out
talent, they are usually a cut above the rest. Stand by for the Halfey Era.
Hallandale (5A): Huge disappointment last year, and while the defensive
secondary has moved on to the collegiate level along with a few other
pieces, you can never count coach Dameon Jones and his Chargers out.
There are athletes who can make major statements with a strong spring
and solid off season. This team plays in a challenging district – with first
round games against Miami Norland or Jackson.
McArthur (7A): Last year, it was Cooper that shocked the world, winning
this district that St. Thomas has owned for over two decades. This time
around, the Mustangs and coach Andrew Rhoden had quietly built a very
good team, and if we remember this program in years gone by, the talent is
always on hand.
Miramar (8A): To totally count the Patriots out of the race for a state title
is actually admitting that you do not know how much talent this program
has. Young athletes have been waiting the chance to show that they can
be3 the next Gene Smith, Tracy Howard or Ivan McCartney. Coach Damon
Cogdell knows the route to Orlando.
Northeast (7A): When you look at the talent across the BCAA, it's very
hard to ignore a program that has as much talent as any. Coach Donnell
Bennett's Hurricanes got off to a slow start in 2011, so that is something
that needs to be corrected in the spring and into the summer. Very rugged
district and region.
St. Thomas Aquinas (7A): Missing from the Orlando state championship roll
call for the first time in many years last December, second year head coach
Rocco Casullo and his program are solid on offense and special teams –
and quick and aggressive on defense, with stars everywhere.
Taravella (8A): Talk about a program that has tapped into the northwest
Broward youth football programs and have made it a success. Coach
Dan Marguriet's Trojans have senior leadership mixed with a number of
very good Class of 2014 (juniors) and Class of 2015 (sophomores) on the
roster.
Have something to add to this column or any other Larry Blustein writes,
just drop him a not at FloridaKids1@hotmail.com. You can catch Larry each
week on WQAM (560 AM) on the South Florida High School Sports Report
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