Posted on Wednesday November 7, 2007 in The Herald
No. 13 Miramar (7-2)at No. 4 St. Thomas (8-1)
FRIDAY, 7:00 PM
BY BOB EMANUEL JR.
Eugene Smith, the veteran leader of Miramar's potent passing attack, is talented enough to keep a defensive coordinator sleepless.
On Friday night, St. Thomas Aquinas -- the Class 5A runner-up for the past three years -- gets its chance to stop the Miramar juggernaut.
The Patriots have been at full strength for just five complete games this season.
A brawl against Flanagan resulted in multiple suspensions and missed games.
In the five games that the team has been at full strength, Miramar scored a total of 245 points -- an astounding average of 49 per game.
Although the numbers are astounding, also consider the opposition.
Just two of those five defeated teams are in the playoffs -- Class 3A Miami Monsignor Pace and Class 6A Pompano Beach Blanche Ely.
None of the other four teams that Miramar faced will finish with a winning record.
St. Thomas, meanwhile, chugged along all year. The only hiccup came with a two-point loss at Deerfield Beach. But, history says the Raiders typically lose to the Bucks. Since the start of the 2004 season, St. Thomas lost just six games -- three to Lakeland in the 5A final and three to Deerfield in the regular season.
Aquinas is gifted with offensive firepower, although not to the degree of Miramar.
Look for a late play by the Patriots to decide the outcome of an otherwise even match up.
Both teams will use the game to fine-tune their personnel for a run at their respective state titles.
Bob's prediction: Miramar 34, St. Thomas Aquinas 28.
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