Broward

LOOKING TO BE NO. 1: The Patriots' Khalid Walker, Jared Wheeler, and Brent Singleton. PATRICK FARRELL / MIAMI HERALD STAFF

Several of Broward's smaller schools, from Classes 4A through 1B, have a chance at major success in the playoffs this season, none more so than the two fighting to be No. 1 - American Heritage and Hallandale.

1. AMERICAN HERITAGE

American Heritage butted heads with Chaminade-Madonna for years, continually coming up short against its district rival. American Heritage bulled its way through the 2007 season, defeated Chaminade and finished the regular season undefeated. Before any championship dreams were hatched, however, Heritage lost in the second round of the playoffs, a lesson the team used to get better in 2008. "It was very disappointing, but it's a new year, my senior year," linebacker/running back Brent Singleton said. "We've got to come back and work harder. We lost our line. We lost a lot of stuff. . . . But, if we keep working, we have a chance. We're not there yet, but we've got to keep working, working hard." The Patriots plan to pass more this season, which is welcoming news for guard Jared Wheeler. "[Our opponents would] put nine people in front of the five offensive linemen," he said. "It was a little hard because we didn't really throw the ball. . . . You can't block all nine of them."

2. HALLANDALE

The Chargers received an influx of speed and talent through several transfers. Two transfers -- quarterback Victor Marc and cornerback Ricardo Dixon -- have the potential to become instant stars. Regardless of the rest of the team's results, Hallandale will be tested by one game this year -- against Miami Booker T. Washington. The Chargers thought they were ready for Booker T. last year, but lost two games by a combined 90-0.

3. CARDINAL GIBBONS

The expectations are lower than usual at Cardinal Gibbons following the departure of 24 seniors. The talent still exists, however. Look for quarterback Chris Schirripa to have a breakout season and for linebacker James Rogers to ensure the defense remains staunch.

4. PINE CREST

The Panthers are in the top 5, yet they will not make the playoffs. Pine Crest is in its second and final year as an independent and is ineligible for the postseason. It is a shame, too, because the Panthers would be favored if they were in Broward's Class 3A or 2A districts. Junior quarterback Nick Becker is quickly emerging as a force, and Pine Crest should win at least seven games.

5. UNIVERSITY

The Suns round out the top five. The transfer of quarterback Erik Applegate will help, as will the emergence of defensive lineman Tommy Steele. Although University is expected to do well this year, a playoff date with Pahokee looms with a shot at making it out of the region at stake.

6. PEMBROKE PINES

Coach Steve Bruns and his staff nearly engineered the biggest upset of 2007, when they took annual 3A powerhouse Glades Central to the final minutes in a one-point loss.

7. NOVA

New Titans coach Bill Hobbs often goes unmentioned in Cypress Bay's rise to prominence under Mark Guandolo in 2007. Many forget Hobbs cultivated a good portion of the talent at Cypress Bay. Look for him to quickly turn around Nova, although the playoffs are a long shot, with Hallandale and Miami Booker T. Washington at the top of the district.

8. FORT LAUDERDALE

The Flying L's likely will finish around .500 in a tough Class 4A, but are still better than many of Broward's smaller teams.

9. N. BROWARD PREP

Quarterback Brandon Doughty will put a charge into the Eagles' offense, and receiver Victor Keise will benefit the most.

10. ARCHBISHOP McCARTHY

McCarthy is starting to get a St. Thomas Aquinas feel about it. Coach John Timmins was a longtime Aquinas assistant, as was special teams coach Tim Conrad. Both are with the Mavericks for their first season. Last year's coach, Mike Spencer, was the coach at St. Thomas when George Smith stepped down in the 1990s. Spencer is now the defensive coordinator.