The days of losing Southridge players to other schools has to end. To be able to compete locally with Killian and Homestead, and regionally with Northwestern, Columbus, Central, Carol City and North Miami Beach, they need to have the athletes that grow up in the area.

''We need to make it important to be a Spartan again,'' he stressed. ``The players have to know that putting on that uniform is a privilege. One that you want to put on and any other schools uniform just won't feel right.''

While Burrows has been successful in the past, he understands what needs to be done, and isn't too proud to touch a little bit of the past to find the right combination.

''I talk to Coach Soldinger a lot about how he ran his program,'' Burrows smiled. ``From practice to game preparation and how to do things the right way. He won here, carved out quite a successful coaching career and still has the respect from everyone -- young and old. Who better to seek advice from.''

NEED TALENTED ATHLETES

To bring Southridge football back, attracting talented student-athletes is a must. Rising seniors include quarterback Jermaine Kelson, receivers Roshawn Wilson and Lavaughn Whigham, linemen Jordan McCray and brother, Justin McCray, and gifted running back Hosey Williams, who transferred from Southwest before his former coach was hired.

On the defensive side of the ball, tackles Carl Waters, Jacoby Sessions, Michael Pope and Darren Handy are gifted. So is linebacker Michael Aguilera, cornerbacks Sam McKinnon and Phillip Warren, and safeties Jordan McCoy and speedy Chandler McKinnon.

The Class of 2011 is also talented with defensive tackle Tommy Miles, free safety Gerod Holliman, linebacker Anthony Flowers and defensive back Andrew Johnson gaining valuable experience.

From the moment Burrows took the job, you could hear rumblings from throughout the county from those who understood that there is a great chance that the Southridge Spartans are once again on the map, and for those who have followed high school football in this area for decades, there's reason to smile.

DOLPHINS ACADEMY 7-ON-7, JUNE 8-9

Last year, the Edison Red Raiders surprised an impressive field of teams and won the first Miami Dolphins Academy 7-on-7 tournament at Bamford Park in Davie, earning a trip to New Orleans. Who will represent the region this year?

With the success of the event last year and the number of requests that were made for this year's event, the high school football tournament has been expanded over two days (half day seminar and full day of football) with double the teams that competed from the South Florida area last year.

On June 8-9, the Miami Dolphins Academy welcomes some of the best high school 7-on-7 players to an event that will guarantee four games in a single-elimination tournament. The winning team will represent South Florida and the Miami Dolphins with an all expenses paid trip to the NFL National Championships.

This event was covered -- start to finish -- by The Miami Herald and Elite Scouting Services last year and opened the way for many to receive college exposure during a time when coaches cannot get out and scout the athletes.

Teams will be allowed to have no more than 15 players participate (please note, the tournament champion will only be allowed to travel 12 players and two coaches to the national tournament).

The two-day event includes a half day seminar held on the campus of Nova University School followed by a full day of 7-on-7 competition at Central Park in Plantation.

Only athletes that participate in the seminar will participate in the tournament.

This is a great opportunity for each school to showcase its program to not only South Florida but the nation.

Space is limited to 50 teams and that number has almost been reached.

Coaches, if you are interested in this tournament, this is what you need to do:

• Have athletes fill out the waiver forms.

• Produce a copy of the athletes physical form (no originals).

• Coaches fill out coach's info form.

• Per FHSAA rules, athletes can not wear your school jersey or any part of the school uniform when participating.

To register or if you have any questions, please contact the Miami Dolphins Youth and Community Programs Department by calling 954-452-7129 or e-mailing youthprograms@dolphins.nfl.com.

LET US KNOW ABOUT ATHLETES

Don't forget that we are always looking to help our area recruits for the current Class of 2010, 2011 and 2012.

All you have to do is send a DVD and information about the athlete to: Larry Blustein, P.O. Box 3181, Hallandale Beach, Fl. 33009.

Larry Blustein is co-host of the Miami Dolphins Gridiron Show every Thursday evening from 8-9 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? E-mail lblustein@MiamiHerald.com.

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