St. Thomas Aquinas has talent from all over Broward, a legendary coach and a legacy, but in most big-time programs -- whether it's in college or even the NFL -- arrogance and complacency often share the same backfield.

The real secret is how these 15- to 18-year-olds keep their feet on the ground amid the bluster of one of the best seasons in Aquinas' storied history.

''It's probably because of the discipline the coaches have instilled in us,'' senior defensive lineman William Nesselt said with a matter of fact tone in his voice. ``We're confident, but never arrogant.''

But most coaches say the same thing, and yet powers are toppled each week.

How does a high school team that has outscored teams 548-72 not let up?

''Our coaches don't let us,'' linebacker Conor O'Neill said. ``They keep us grounded and make sure we never get ahead of ourselves. And we're never satisfied when we win.''

And they listen.

''Part of it is because we have so much respect for the coaches who are here,'' senior quarterback Ryan Becker said. ``They have been here a long time, and this is such a respected program. We respect them, and when they talk we are all ears.

''There's no complacency,'' he said. ``That's been the mentality since I have been here. We're expected to win, and if we don't you are going to hear about it for a year.''

Most of the confidence is handed down from George Smith, who has made Aquinas one of the top programs in the nation, and a huge part of that confidence is from the lore of playing at Aquinas.

''We have that St. Thomas swagger that has been known over the years,'' O'Neill said. ``We have confidence we can beat anyone in South Florida because of the history of the program. The program has made its name on the players in the past.

''When you come to St. Thomas you are expected to win,'' he said. ``We all knew that when we stepped in the door.''

No one wants to be the team that failed.

''All those past players brought St. Thomas a national reputation,'' receiver Duron Carter said. ``It's our responsibility to keep it going.''

They have. Aquinas is 12-0 and is rolling through the playoffs. The Raiders just played Dillard, perhaps the second-best 5A team in South Florida, and won 49-8. The last two 6A teams in Broward play in the quarterfinals Friday, and Aquinas beat Deerfield Beach and Miramar by a combined 114-12.

''We're never satisfied,'' Nesselt said. ``Giving up eight points to Dillard made me mad.''

They have scored at least 49 points seven times, and after defeating nationally ranked Elder 35-24 in Ohio in their opener, they have averaged 46.6 points and allowed only 4.3 points a game. Those scores would be even more lopsided if not for the mercy rule, which allows the clock to run continuously in the second half.

They face Stuart South Fork at home Friday in the 5A quarterfinals and are three victories from defending their state title.

They used a loss to Deerfield Beach to drive them to a state title a year ago, but they beat Deerfield 65-10 this season on national TV. Now they are just driving themselves.

''It shows the character of this team,'' O'Neill said. ``We don't need that loss like we had last year. We don't need that slap in the face. We know we are our own worst enemy.''

Nesselt agreed.

''I think the only team that can beat us this year is us,'' he said. ``But we have that fear in the back of our heads that we could lose. The coaches put it there. We are not going to get complacent. That's just the way it is at St. Thomas.''

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