As teams begin to thin out in the race for a Florida state football championship, we are now seeing the best of the Sunshine State. Athletes who are talked about across the nation as being the top prospects. Welcome to South Florida football.

The brand that is carried across the country by athletes who grew up on fields from Key West to the Palm Beaches, is taking center stage, and so far, the show has been impressive.

For some of the smaller schools (1A, 1B, 2A, 2B), this evening marks the opportunity to play for a state crown next weekend in Orlando. The following week, the other four classes (3A, 4A, 5A, 6A) will clash at the Citrus Bowl, which makes it a two weekend talent fest.

South Florida will be represented in all classes Friday night as this region of the state bids to repeat on last year's six team champions.

At a time when colleges are scrambling to add players for the Class of 2009, there is a keen eye toward the future as Class of 2010 players have started to accept offers -- with the Class of 2011 on deck -- quickly.

A FULL-TIME SPORT

The dynamics of recruiting has changed a great deal, and now, 11th-graders are sealing their future at the age of 17. It has come to the point that every school needs to put in 24/7/365 in recruiting players, and with all the exposure athletes are receiving, the extra games are doing everyone good.

While highly sought-after players such as Eugene Smith (West Virginia) of Miramar, standout running back Lamar Miller (University of Miami) out of Killian and Palm Beach Gardens Dwyer Class of 2010 standout Matt Elam (Florida) have already committed, there are dozens of players, like St. Thomas quarterback Ryan Becker, athlete Wayne Times (Northwestern) and so many other are exposing colleges to extra practices and games to further evaluate.

There are 14 teams still in the hunt from Jupiter Christian (1B) to Killian (6A). While that group of teams is loaded for the future, there are many Class of 2009 players still without scholarships, and the extra weeks have started to open some eyes.

''Take a look at the game Wayne Times had last week against Central,'' said Corey Long, Editor of Florida Football Magazine. ``If not for the offseason, many would remember him as being a backup quarterback who can play receiver. It was because of his overall player that Northwestern won that game.''

The playoffs are for athletes such as Deerfield Beach's Denard Robinson and junior running back Cassius McDowell, who are among the best athletes in the country. All they have done in two years of postseason action is watch their stock rise through the roof. Their teammates are also benefiting from the game with Miramar, who has a number of quality juniors, but will be looking to give seniors like running back Orwin Etkins a chance to showcase his impressive running style.

A LOT OF TALENT

The Northwestern game with Killian will be one of those usual talent fest. Defensive back Keith Reaser, linebacker Jamal Robinson, quarterback Ricky Rowe of Killian as well as junior defensive back Richard Leonard and Class of 2011 standout linebacker Arrington Jenkins could use more exposure as can many of their teammates.

The Bulls already saw the stock of Times, juniors Todd Chandler (University of Miami verbal) and receiver Michaelee Harris go up along with 2011 prospect Teddy Bridgewater. There is also speedy junior Corvin Lamb, senior safety Tevin McCaskill and junior defensive back Khalid Marshall, who have made the most of postseason play.

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