In March, I was intrigued to learn that two powerhouse schools in South Florida would open their 2012 season against one another. I am referring to St. Thomas Aquinas and Columbus on Friday, August 31 at 7:00 p.m. Instead of playing at one of the high school area stadiums, this game will take place at Sun Life Stadium which can accommodate what many expect will be large crowds.
Both teams finished the 2011 season with 10-3 records. Aquinas season ended in the Class 7A regional finals only to lose to Dwyer, while Columbus fell one game shy of reaching last year’s Class 8A state final after falling short against Miramar. This game is significant in many ways. Most importantly it is an early test which will give the winner a huge boost as they progress through the season.
Considering both schools have tough games during the following two weeks. (St. Thomas plays Cypress Bay and Bosco Prep (N.J.) and Columbus plays Belen Jesuit and Southridge), they both deserve credit for not scheduling what some may refer to as a lower echelon school. I know other Miami area schools would relish the opportunity to play against a national elite program such as St. Thomas, so consider this a step in the right direction from the Broward School. In these tight economic times, and with the expansive talent in the area, some schools only need to look at their neighboring county to find that special game.
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