Miami Archbishop Carroll coach Jorge Zagales remembers the feeling in his stomach after a 28-21 loss to Tampa Catholic in the Class 2A South Region final last year.

That setback against a team that lost in the state championship game to Madison County has driven Zagales and his team to work harder.

Zagales, who was a standout at Miami Belen Jesuit, has learned plenty about football and what makes the difference during the course of a season: hard work. It is working out daily in the weight room and being in the best condition possible. It has brought unity to this program.

Zagales, in his fourth year at Archbishop Carroll, traces his coaching skills to his days at Belen and what his coach, Richard Stuart, taught him about the game and how to maximize a team's potential.

Zagales believes this year's team has a chance to make school history.

''I can probably tell you, with all honesty, that there isn't a small school that works harder than we do,'' Zagales said. ``We have learned to parlay what success we've had in a short period of time by using that small weight room and being in better condition. It's proven that the harder you work, the better you will be in the end.''

When the preseason rankings came out earlier this week, Madison County, Tampa Catholic and even Plantation American Heritage, which Archbishop Carroll routed in a regional semifinal, were listed.

But not Archbishop Carroll, which has talent on both sides of the ball and enough senior leadership to easily navigate the rough waters in Class 2A this season.

''This isn't about talking or making any bold predictions,'' said senior receiver Rodney Smith, who, at 6-6, 208, is one of three players who have been offered major college scholarships. ``What this senior class represents is four years together and building to this point.''

Smith, who will attend FSU next year, might be the marquee player on the team this season. Smith is surrounded by athletes who have worked as hard as he has.

''Long hours in the weight room, conditioning and spending plenty of time together is the key to why we believe that we have a great shot to make it to the state championship game,'' said Danny Palacio, a 6-3, 307-pound offensive lineman and three-year starter.

In addition to Smith, others seniors who have made college commitments include quarterback/cornerback Cory Ammons (6-1, 175), who will attend UCF, and running back/safety Terrance Taylor, a 6-0, 174-pounder who will be headed to Rutgers.

The senior class also includes fullback/linebacker Julian Armor (5-9, 174); defensive end Shawn Leslie (5-11, 212); tight end Alex Hernandez (5-11, 175); running back/cornerback Nicolai Junco (5-8, 155); safety Dillon Roche (5-11, 180); running back/linebacker David Gonzalez (6-1, 199); halfback/cornerback Greg Darling (5-11, 170); linebacker Leamsi Horta (5-10, 170); quarterback/defensive back Chanz Mack (6-0, 191), a transfer from Doral; receiver/defensive back Ray Irizarry (5-10, 169); and fullback/linebacker David Ribero (5-11, 190).

''When you look at this team, you look at players who have made sacrifices to get better along the way,'' said Ribero, who has been getting looks from Hofstra and New Hampshire.

For a more in-depth Larry Blustein column, go to Miami Herald.com/recruiting. Blustein is co-host of the Miami Dolphins Gridiron Show every Thursday evening from 9-10 on WQAM (560 AM). Have a comment? Contact Larry at lblu stein@MiamiHerald.com

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