Kenneth Dillard had waited his turn. He realized that when linebackers Lavonte David, Sean Spence and Quavon Taylor graduated, he would have his chance to shine, and shine he did for Northwestern.

While he was expectedly somber after the Bulls lost to Sanford Seminole in an impressive 28-21 6A state title game at Orlando's Citrus Bowl, the 6-2, 190-pounder thought back to just how fortunate this senior class, one of the best of all time, really was.

This class, which represents 20 seniors who saw extensive playing time, had three consecutive state final appearances, two state championships and national title, the school's first, and a mind-boggling 43-2 record. For Dillard, you can add an early commitment to attend FIU, and you have what really adds up to a storybook career.

Forget the loss to the Seminoles, what this Northwestern football team accomplished in just the past three years alone, has been recognized as far away as California.

As impressive as this program was last year, winning it all, there were key losses on both sides of the ball, and that's the most impressive thing.

''Talent, talent and more talent,'' Dillard said. ``This is the type of program when it has a down year, it finishes second in the state. That's how many talented football players continue to come to school here.''

If you were expected some major drop-off for the Bulls in 2009, you better re-examine your opinion. This is going to be a major player for a state title, and the talent in the Classes of 2010 and 2011 is among the best in South Florida.

The Class of 2010 could rival Central's quality group. On offense, there are receivers Michael Lee Harris (6-1, 180) and Lorenzo Shinholster (5-11, 175), speedy running back Corvin Lamb (5-9, 185), kicker Jamal McClendon (6-2, 180), and linemen Corey Jackson (6-5, 280), Jon Jenkins (6-4, 260), Ricky Joseph (6-2, 300), Donald Senat 6-3, 250), Cornelius Williams (5-9, 200), Shankendrick Williams (6-3, 250) and prospect Torran Wilson (6-5, 300).

Defensively, the Bulls feature standout lineman Todd Chandler (6-0, 260) as well as Eugene Lott (6-0, 250). There are also quality secondary performers Brandon Joseph (5-9, 170), Alex Kelly (5-9, 185), impressive Khalid Marshall (5-9, 175) and Khambrel McGee (5-10, 175).

The Class of 2011 is also quite productive with quarter Teddy Bridgewater (6-3, 170) leading the way. Running back Israel Linder (5-10, 180) and lineman Terrence Carey (6-2, 245) will also add to a promising team.

On defense, end Lyndon Edwards (6-1, 185) saw extensive playing time this year. So did linebackers Demetrius Allen (6-0, 200) and Jermaine Reve (6-0, 185), who had a solid state championship game.

BOWL BOUND LOCALS, PART 2

With the college bowl season continuing, here are some more locals who will be taking part in bowl games across the country:

MOTOR CITY, Dec. 26

• Florida Atlantic: Ed Alexander, DB, 6-1, 172, So., Coral Springs; Michael Barasch, 5-9, 200, Fr., University School; Marcus Bartels, DB, 5-9, 175, Fr., Flanagan; Jeff Blanchard, RB, 5-9, 195, Jr., Olympic Heights; Edward Bradwell, DE, 6-1, 220, Jr., Dillard; Carldayle Brantley, DB, 6-1, 200, Sr., Central; Michael Cal, PK, 5-6, 163, So., Columbus; Andre Clark, LB, 6-1, 220, Sr., Monsignor Pace; Curtis Cross, DB, 5-10, 170, Fr., Glades Central; Kevin Cyrille, DL, 6-4, 275, Fr., Miami Beach; D'Ivory Edgecomb, RB, 5-10, 195, Sr., Plantation American Heritage; Chris Eterno, LB, 6-1, 190, Fr., St. Thomas Aquinas; Willie Floyd, RB, 5-9, 180, Chaminade-Madonna; Cleveland Gary Jr., DT, 6-1, 330, So., South Dade; Jarvis Givens, DT, 6-3, 300, Fr., Columbus; Mikey Groody, P, 5-11, 175, Fr., St. Thomas Aquinas; Patrick Gwynn, LB, 6-1, 201, So, Santaluces; Michael Hancock, DE, 6-7, 240, Sr., Coral Springs Christian; Brandon Hando, LB, 6-2, 219, Fr., Plantation American Heritage; Brentley Harstad, DB, 6-1, 178, Fr., Cypress Bay; Jason Haynes, LB, 5-11, 200, Fr., Stranahan; Vinnie Henderson, OT, 6-5, 300, Sr., South Plantation; Tarvoris Hill, DB, 6-0, 170, So., ; Avery Holley, WR, 6-0, 155, So., Ely; Central; Brandon Jackson, DE, 6-3, 270, Sr., Jervonte Jackson, DT, 6-5, 300, Sr., North Miami Beach; Jimmy Jean, DL, 6-2, 280, Fr., Northeast; Lester Jean, WR, 6-3, 195, So., Norland; A.J. Johnson, DL, 6-4, 265, Fr., Cardinal Gibbons; Greg Joseph, DB, 5-8, 175, Dr. Krop; Daniel Joseph, DT, 6-1, 250, So., Lake Worth; Frantz Joseph, LB, 6-3, 235, Sr., Fort Lauderdale; Chris Lena, OL, 6-4, 245, So., Royal Palm Beach; Kris Lena, OL, 6-4, 245, So., Royal Palm Beach; Warley Leroy, PK, 5-10, 175, Sr., Delray American Heritage; Jarvis Manley, RB, 5-5, 140, Fr., Norland; Joshua McClover, DE, 6-5, 220, So., Coconut Creek; Kevin Miller, OL, 6-3, 310, Jr., Northeast; Nick Osborne, OL, 6-3, 210, Fr., Calvary Christian; Ryan Paros, PK, 5-11. 180, Fr., Marathon; Alex Patee, LB, 6-2, 240, Fr., Hollywood Hills; Tavious Polo, DB, 5-10, 175, So., South Plantation; Mauricio Riquer, DT, 6-4, 296, So., South Plantation; John Rizzo, OL, 6-4, 300, Sr., Douglas; Antonio Rodriguez, DB, 5-11, 209, Fr., Coral Glades; Avionne Rolle, RB, 5-9, 180, Fr., Central; Jordan Sessa, OL, 6-5, 270, Fr., South Broward; Carl Spitale, OL, 6-8, 340, Jr., Royal Palm Beach; Robert St. Claire, DL, 6-4, 250, Forest Hill; Xavier Stinson, RB, 5-9, 229, Fr., Chaminade-Madonna; Rudy Taylor, LB, 6-1, 285, Sr., Chaminade-Madonna; Darian Williams, TE, 6-3, 188, Fr., Northeast; Lavoris Williams, OL, 6-4, 285, So., Dillard; Amos Wood, WR, 6-0, 180, Fr., Hollywood Hills; Brandon Zeeb, WR, 6-0, 195, So., Coconut Creek.

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