If you’ve been involved in any Miramar-St. Thomas Aquinas football games in the past three years, you will know there is always hype for the BCAA’s No.1 and No. 2 teams.

Okay, let the hype machine begin. It’s the week that everyone has been pointing to - since last year at this time. It’s St. Thomas Aquinas, No. 1 in the state among 7A schools, No. 1 in the nation and undefeated, vs. the Miramar Patriots, who with a state title two years ago, has joined that special group.

This is the game that every year is supposed to be that unique moment - like Deerfield Beach had - the last time the Raiders lost to a local team.

This is that game where the athletes the Patriots have can stand toe-to-toe with a program that has beaten national powers Prattville, Camden County, Byrnes, Dallas Skyline and most recently De La Salle of California. Okay!

For those who love to break the “game of the year” down for Thursday night (7) at St. Thomas, we’ll start on offense, where the Patriots have the player (Cameron Hudge) who has more varsity snaps, but cannot move the chains as often as senior Max Lescano. The running game is effective at Miramar. It’s the Raiders’ heart and soul! The receivers at St. Thomas are good and learning. They have quality and more than capable performers. The Patriots have a pair who have been offered by 65 BCS schools.

Now, we come to the position that St. Thomas faithful have long relied on - the offensive line. Having watched both, you can see where St. Thomas may have seven D1 prospects, and Miramar, one, maybe two. Watch how this unit makes this team go. They are fun to watch.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Raiders win games with a front seven that has NO equal in the state, and perhaps the country. They will be tested by the Patriots’ line. Perhaps the biggest test to date, and that’s where the game will be won or lost.

Defensively, Miramar has athletes up front and play makers galore at linebacker, but again, this is where it will all come down to. Stopping the Raiders will require keeping an eye on both running backs and a quarterback who continues to move the chains.

The Raiders always have an advantage in special teams, but the Patriots are not far behind with young difference makers waiting for their chance.

Because of Yom Kippur, the BCAA schedule has shifted to Thursday only this week. Here is a look at the rest of the schedule:

The Miramar-St. Thomas game is just one that will take the spotlight this week, here is a look at some others, which includes district games:

Coral Glades at Coral Springs, 7
Pompano Beach at Dillard, 7
Taravella at Everglades, 7
McArthur at Fort Lauderdale (Lockhart), 7
Plantation at Hollywood Hills (McArthur), 7
Piper at Monarch (Coconut Creek), 7
Archbishop McCarthy at Pines Charter (Flanagan), 7
Mater Academy at Coral Springs Charter (Mullins Park), 7
Stranahan at Western, 7
Hallandale at American Heritage, 7:30

Have any feedback - or something to add? Direct all E-Mails to Floridakids1@aol.com. Catch Larry Blustein each and every Tuesday night for the Maroone High School Gridiron Report from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Also follow as at Twitter @larryblustein.