Posted on Fri, May. 09, 2008

Pembroke Pines Charter spent much of the past month playing with a target on its back.

The Jaguars -- who are undefeated and fresh off impressive tournament victories in Kissimmee and California -- were anointed the nation's top team by USA Today.

Although the players appreciate and embrace the ranking, most believe the achievement will ring hollow if they are unable to win their next two games -- including Friday's state semifinal against Glen St. Mary Baker County -- to finish 31-0 and Class 4A state champions.

''We still have more to do, but everything from this year is a great accomplishment in itself,'' Pines Charter senior shortstop Kandyce Redondo said. ``Yeah, we still have more work to do.''

Said senior outfielder Alicia Sisco: ``The one thing I'll remember is winning the California tournament. That was the best feeling so far. I hope states is going to be the best feeling of the whole year. It's been a lot of fun and a lot of work. We know if we work hard, we'll get our state championship like we've been dreaming of.''

Teams have shied away from some of the grand expectations this year. The Delray Beach American Heritage girls' soccer was undefeated and ranked atop the nation entering the Class 2A state championship game. Yet, the Stallions took their only loss of the season in the final.

Players and coaches jokingly allude to the New England Patriots -- who went 18-0 before losing the Super Bowl in February -- when discussing the situation.

Since the ranking's release in April, teams the Jaguars defeated handily earlier in the season gave them a more staunch challenge the second time around.

Pembroke Pines Charter defeated Jensen Beach by the mercy rule and twice beat Archbishop McCarthy by six runs during the season. Yet, the Jaguars defeated both by 3-0 scores in regional play.

''Every team is out for us,'' Pines Charter senior outfielder Shayla Jackson said. ``That just made us play harder.

``We know every team is going to be up for us because of our ranking.''

Knowing it will get the best from its opposition assists with the team's preparation.

''I think it helps,'' Jaguars pitcher/first baseman Audrey Broyles said. ``We know everybody is out there to kind of push us off the top. Everybody is out there to get us. Everybody wants to beat us because they know our rank and everything. I think it makes us more determined.''

Said Sisco: ``It's pressure, but I think we deserve it. Even if we're No. 1 or not No. 1, we're still going to play the same and do our best.''

Join Miami Herald Sports Writer Bob Emanuel Jr. on his live blog during Friday afternoon's Class 4A state semifinal between Pembroke Pines Charter and Glen St. Mary's Baker County on www.miami herald.com/sports/hssports. Game time is 2 p.m.