In Palm Beach County, it's the Boynton Beach Bulldogs and the Delray Rocks. Broward has long admired what has gone on at Lauderdale Lakes, where the Vikings have dominated through the years. In Miami-Dade, youth football's mecca of all feeder systems is Scott Lake.

Located a mile from Norland High, this is a park that has crafted many a football player to begin the journey to the next level. It's this square piece of real estate at N.W. 179th St. and 17th Ave. that started Randy Shannon's career. It's the hallowed ground where the late Derrick Thomas started and out learned before moving south.

The names are endless. The talent is enormous. Show up on any given day and you will see the next Kenny Phillips, Darren Smith, Santana Moss, Mike McKenzie and Elvis Dumerville, who all started for the Vikings.

'This park is the real `Field of Dreams,' '' said longtime coach Martin Maultsby, who is the president of this impressive park. ``You can look at any park you want, anywhere in the country and will never find anything close to what we have had here.

''When you can boast players such as Sinorice Moss, Torie Cox, Rudy Barber, Kantroy Barber, Glenn Sharpe and Delvin Brown,'' there is really nothing else to say,'' Maultsby said.

FUTURE STARS

On any night during the 16 weeks this team plays as part of the South Florida Youth Football League, you can come and watch the future unfold right in front of you. While this program has produced a record number of players in the many decades it has been around and running as the Vikings and the Green Machine back in the 70s, there has been plenty of competition to deal with.

Within just five miles of Scott Lake, there is North Dade, North County, Miami Gardens, Carol City and powerhouse Bunche Park, which is similar to the Vikings in the number of high schools the athletes end up at.

''This is not just about Miami-Dade County,'' said Miramar coach Damon Cogdell, who played at Scott Lake. ``There are kids out here that represent both counties. This is a park that develops the athletes who come out here. Great coaches who are devoted and passionate.''

You won't get negative feedback from Ethnic Sands or Sanford Samuel about the strength of the teams. Both have sons playing in the league -- and standout running Rodrick Perriman, the nephew of former UM and NFL great Brett Perriman, is one of the players to watch. He is a student at Northwestern. Sands played in the league as well.

Check out many high school rosters in South Florida this year and you will see talent, bred on these fields, making a difference. Players such as Greg Harris (lineman, Krop), Antonio Trahan (receiver, American), Leroy Anderson (linebacker, Central), Allen Singleton (linebacker, Norland), Kendrick Barnes (running back, North Miami), Gareef Glashin (running back) and Allen Hearns (Ath) from Carol City, Hassan Williams (Edison), Marquis Jackson (receiver), and Miramar standouts Darius Silas (receiver), Jamal Bass (linebacker) and defensive back Ryan Owens.

In addition to the those players mentioned, Scott Lake graduates will also be on football fields at Pace with Trevon Griffin (QB/DB), Deandre Johnson, (RB), Derrick Hopkins (DB) and running back Edward Smallwood, Jackson with quarterback Rashard Stewart and Booker T. Washington with standout receivers Quinton Dunbar and Andre Edwards.

Edison, which is on the rise as well, has made use of athletes such as quarterback Donovan Jackson QB Miami Edison, receiver Darius Johnson and linebacker Chauncey Grace.

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