As the Florida high school football playoffs head into the third week of play, there are two BCAA programs that still remain in the hunt for a title.

After Northeast lost to Dwyer in Palm Beach Gardens in a 7A match-up, Cypress Bay dropped its second game of the year to Miramar in 8A play, and Cooper City lost its rematch with St. Thomas Aquinas in a 7A playoff contest, the nationally rated Patriots and always steady Raiders remain for that elusive state title.

PATRIOTS ROLL ALONG
Coach Damon Cogdell and his undefeated Patriots came to play last Friday night against a Cypress Bay team that really had improved since the last meeting, but this was a game where Miramar knew that to win this game, defense and ball control would pave the way.

From the start of the season, this was a Miramar program that figured to be in the mix, and for those who follow high school football, a third round game was exactly what was expected.

While Tracy Howard and the “Dark Side” defense get much of the publicity, one of the huge factors why the Patriots are still around is the play of senior quarterback Cameron Hudge.

One of the leading passers in Broward County, Hudge accounted for 124 total yards and three scores — two rushing and one passing — all in the first half. He also found University of Miami-bound receiver Malcolm Lewis for a score.

GETTING RESPECT BACK
After losing for the second time to a BCAA team this year, St. Thomas Aquinas had to dig deep and call on all that national experience that has given the Raiders such notoriety through the years.

Losing to Miramar in a mistake-filled game, pride and a district title was on the line when the Raiders hosted Cooper City. But much like the for loss to Miramar in 20 years, St. Thomas once again played giveaway, losing in stunning fashion to Cooper City, which had everyone talking.

This is a St. Thomas team that never loses twice in a season, and if it does, it’s to a national power - or in the state title game. That loss, with the reality that getting to Orlando would have to be done on the road, put the Raiders on the defensive.

After beating Deerfield Beach on the road to end the regular season, head coach Rocco Casullo, looking to extend his first season at the helm, beat Hialeah American, setting up that rematch with the Cowboys.

Before a jam-packed Cooper City Stadium, revenge was the order of the night. But Art Taylor’s team stood right there and wouldn’t give in until mistakes and a lack of offense opened the door for a 27-10 win.

Junior running back Fred “Box” Coppet, who failed to get it going in the first meeting, had 140 of the Raiders’ 285 rushing yards, which will be needed if this team is going to continue playing.

With two teams left in the mix, here is a look at this week’s third round matchups:

8A 
Palm Beach Gardens (9-2) at Miramar (11-0), Friday, 7:30: There is no doubt that the Patriots have a huge advantage here, playing at home and going against a Gator team that runs the ball, playing into Miramar’s hot defensive hand.

With the best offensive line in Florida, which is proven every week, and quarterback who makes plays, the Patriots are indeed looking good to play in the region finals next week.

THE PICK: Miramar 34, Palm Beach Gardens 12

7A
Fort Lauderdale St. Thomas Aquinas (10-2) at Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer (11-1), Friday, 7:30: Okay, where do you start, here? We’ll begin with this match-up, and while many have been looking for this game to be a reality since the classes were made 10 months ago, now that the game is here, you are dealing with two different teams.

Dwyer, under head coach Jack Daniels, has been a team that never settles. They are fast, big and well coached, and like the Raiders, have played a challenging schedule, losing to national power Glades Central on Labor Day.

The thing that has separated Dwyer from other teams is the way they play in every aspect of the game, including special teams where St. Thomas always has an advantage.

This is yet another back against the wall game for the “Rod Warriors”, but this so different in many ways. This is a team that can deliver a huge blow to any team because of the talent they continue to produce.

May be St. Thomas’s toughest game of the year, and when you look back at Prattville, Concord De Las Salle, Miramar and Cooper City, that is saying a lot. Unlike the previous teams mentioned, the Panthers have the ability to dominate any team. But there is a belief that the Raiders will keep it close!

THE PICK: Dwyer 30, St. Thomas 20

EDITOR’S NOTE: We are a perfect 12-0, picking playoff games. Unfortunately, it spelled the end for a number of BCAA programs.

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.