While many BCAA football players are staying home this summer, working to pay for cars, clothing and other things that become a priority in these tougher economic times, others are taking time away from the daily grind and making a lasting impression at camps throughout the nation.

I just returned from Deland, where players from Hollywood Hills and Everglades took part in the always impressive Down & Dirty Lineman Camp.

The event, which takes lineman of all size, through three days of grueling work in the heat and humidity of the summer, has turned out so many quality football players.

Both teams, along with Everglades line coach Christ Vagotis and Hallandale Defensive Coordinator Mike Conrad, worked the event and came away impressed at what Hollywood Hills and Everglades brought to a camp that annually attracts linemen from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Alabama, South Carolina and Tennessee. This year, a group from Edina, Mn. came from the cooler climates to experience heat like they don’t see much back home.

“I have worked this for so many years,” said Conrad. “I tell linemen back in Broward County all the time that this is the place to shine and learn from college and high school coaches.

Each week, until the start of the season, we will profile two schools in the BCAA as they get ready for summer.

COCONUT CREEK
While a coaching change was made, the Cougars still have the right athletic talent to make a serious run this season. Allen Jackson comes in from nearby Monarch after building the Knights over the past few years.

Among the seniors to keep an eye on this coming season include linebacker/receiver Jordan Fowler (6-0, 190), offensive tackle, defensive end Steevens Simeon (6-4, 215), defensive end Nathaniel Estes (6-3, 215), linebacker Jonas Celin (5-11, 215), running back Justin Williams (5-10, 185), cornerback Clinton Elkridge (5-10, 180) and lineman Broc McKinnis, a 6-0, 300-pounder.

Class of 2010 standout running back Marquis White (5-10, 175) is a player everyone is looking for great things from as well.

NORTHEAST
After a 5-5 season a year ago, the Hurricanes are ready to make a serious impact this season with talent on both sides of the ball.

Coach Adam Ratkevich starts his seventh year at the school and welcomes back senior defensive end David Gilbert (6-4, 215), free safety Isaac Geffrad (6-3, 187), linebacker Jacob Geffrad (6-2, 185), center Mike Flash (6-2, 305), running back Laurent Travis (5-9, 175) and linebacker Nick Monsalve, a 5-9, 205-pounder.

Junior quarterback A.J. Woodson (5-9, 185) is a player that the Hurricanes believe can lead them into the playoffs.

NEXT WEEK: While many local players head out to team camps, area conditioning is still taking center stage.

Want to know more about high school football? Check Larry Blustein’s weekly evaluations at www.floridafb.com. You can also reach him via E-Mail at Floridakids1@hotmail.com