In 2010, when Weston Cypress Bay (8-2) lost a 3 point heartbreaker to the eventual champion Miami Central in the state semifinal, they had peace of mind knowing that many of their key offensive players were only sophomores and then they would eventually get their chance again. As we begin the 2012 playoff season, QB, Jaranta Lewis, C, Jason Rae, RB Matt Dayes and WR, Alex Montgomery are now seniors. The District 12-8A Champions enter this game with optimism, following an 8-2 record with only losses to the state #1 ranked Bradenton Manatee and perennial power, St. Thomas. In addition, to the names mentioned above, Josh Kaiser, Marquese Dudley-Gordon, Jason Rae, Nico Marley, Deion Hallmon, Dylan Rupert and many others have helped the Lightning dominate opponents. Some believe Cypress Bay can win Region 3-8A and possibly make the trip to Orlando.
While Deerfield Beach (5-5) lost their first four games, the 11-8A district runner-up is not the same team that lost to Cypress Bay 29-6 in the season opener. If not for two short FG misses in the 11-8A Tiebreaker, the Bucks would have won the district. This team’s offense is led by running backs Aeron McNeal and Brandon Powell. McNeal seems to provide positive yardage every time he touches the ball, while Powell consistently provides big gains, whether it be as a rusher, receiver and kick returner. Powell is a game-changer.
*** While Deerfield Beach suffered a devastating loss to St. Thomas last week, if Cypress Bay expects an easy win in round 1, they must stop Powell.
 Which Miramar will we see when they play at South Plantation?
Although Miramar finished the season only 6-4 and is the runner-up for District 12-8A, I expect South Plantation (9-1) to have challenges stopping Miramar on both sides of the ball. If not for a play of poor judgment by a Miramar player against rival, Cypress Bay, they may have won that game which would have awarded them the district title. Since that day, they have won 4 of their last 5 games which included a win against St. Thomas. I expect RB Eric Pittman and RB Cameron Rigby to be able to run the ball with effectiveness if given enough touches, while LB Jermaine Grace and the defense adjust to South Plantation QB John Franklin and RB Alex Collins.
*** For South Plantation to win this game their defense must not give up big plays and Franklin must utilize other players to help him run the offense besides Collins.
How far will Columbus go in 8A?
With Coral Gables, Dr. Krop, and North Miami Beach as possible 1st or 2nd round opponents, the Explorers (6-4) should slide through the playoffs until they reach round 3. At that point, it is possible Columbus would have to play South Dade or Killian, where the Cougars narrowly beat them in week 11. The advantage for them is that at most they will only meet one 16-6A opponent. The Explorers other three losses were to Central, Northwestern and St. Thomas. Some feel the season would end for Columbus at this point. Nonetheless, whoever advances from Miami-Dade County would only need to defeat the Broward or Palm Beach Champion in this classification to advance to state.
