As summer practice began this week, there is reason to be very excited about the next few months.

With Miramar joining St. Thomas Aquinas as BCAA teams to bring home a state title, there is a sense that football in this region of the state is now being regarded as some of the best in Florida.

Last year, the Patriots stunned everyone by winning the 6A state title, while the Raiders fell short of the goal of winning that 5A crown.

While the summer helped a number of teams improve and get better, I am giving you the top 10 teams to keep an eye on as the season draws closer.

1. St. Thomas Aquinas (5A): With quarterback Jake Rudock and receivers Phil Dorsett and Rashad Greene, the Raiders will score points as a quality defense looks to come together.

2. Miramar (6A): Was last year’s state title a fluke? Is there any way this tremendous program can repeat its impressive and improbable by beating Miami-Dade County powers Central and Northwestern? The answer will come in December.

3. Plantation (6A): This is one team that has enough talent and quality coaching to make a serious run. Great defense, athletic offense and a sense that this is the year that Steve Davis and the Colonels turn the corner with players such as Florida commitment Ryan Shazier.

4. Blanche Ely (5A): Those who followed this team last year and into the summer, you can understand why the Tigers are confident - even with St. Thomas in the way. One of the best coached and most talented teams in the BCAA.

5. Everglades (6A): There is little doubt now that head coach Josh Shapiro and his Gators can compete against anyone, and with a district championship under their belts, they are ready for the next step.

6. Boyd Anderson (5A): Even as head coach Mark James steps aside, there may not be a more talented team that the Cobras, who have another quality program filled with athletes.

7. South Broward (5A): The good news is that the Bulldogs return one of the best football players in the state in Kevin Grooms and a number of quality athletes who helped to pave the way for a 10-win season in 2009. The bad news is they are still in the same district as St. Thomas!

8. Cypress Bay (6A): A year after finishing second in the district with a young and inexperienced team, the Lightning have restocked with quality athletes and an impressive offensive line. Stand by!

9. Deerfield (6A): While the Bucks are no longer the favorites in 6A, there is reason to believe that this could be a very impressive year with transfers Mike Williamson and Seitu Smith sparking this quality program.

10. Dillard (5A): This has to be the year that head coach Manny Martin and his Panthers finally turn the corner with senior safety Wayne Lyons leading the way.

MAKING MAJOR STRIDES: Hallandale (3A), Flanagan (6A), Hollywood Hills (4A), Northeast (6A).

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.