SEASON OUTLOOK
Defensive end Jelani Hamilton is a top recruit and will be a playmaker on the Raiders' defensive line.
Photo by Stuart Browning
Toughest game: Prattville (Ala.). While California powerhouse De La Salle looms in September, Aquinas' toughest game may be its Aug. 26 showdown with No. 6 Prattville, a game the Raiders will play on the road in Birmingham.
Top local contenders: Fellow Fort Lauderdale private school University, which lost in triple overtime in the 2B final last season to Trinity Catholic, should be just as strong in 2011. In Dade County, Columbus should stand out among Miami schools.
Right guard Bradford Mills brings
experience to a young offensive line.
Photo by Stuart Browning
Between Rudock, Greene and Dorsett, this team lost a tremendous amount of offensive firepower that will be difficult to replace, at least initially. Young players will have to step up immediately for the Raiders to have success against Prattville.
Overall outlook: This perennial powerhouse will continue to thrive under new head coach Rocco Casullo, who spent 10 years as an assistant under George Smith. The Raiders will challenge Armwood as the top team in Florida and remain among the nation's elite.
Coach quote: "You never know. Our first month is brutal. Prattville, Cypress Bay, De La Salle, Miramar. We play four teams in the Top 50 in the nation. Our kids have been there before and they understand what it takes. If we stay healthy, with the talent we have in the lower grades, I think eventually we could be pretty good. But we need a lot of guys to step up."
- Rocco Casullo
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