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Published: November 18 2011

Powerhouse and St. Thomas Aquinas football are practically synonymous.

The private Catholic high school has six state championships to its name, been runner-up seven times, won 24 district championships, 20 regional championships, and was named mythical National High School champions two out of the past three years. Last year, St. Thomas won the Broward County All Sports trophy for the 30th season straight.

This year, though, has been difficult. After starting strong, with four wins in a row, Aquinas suffered its first home-field loss in five years against Miramar, and ended with an 8-2 regular-season record.

It might've been expected that things would be a bit bumpy, even for a football program built on discipline, determination, and dedication. It has given rise to famous football stars such as Brian Piccolo and Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin. But this is its first season without its legendary coach, George Smith, who retired in February after heading the program for 34 years.

Under Smith, the Raiders achieved an overall record of 361-66. He led them through three perfect 15-0 seasons. And while he focused on drills and credited consistency of coaching for his success, he wasn’t afraid to try something new – like having his players do Pilates in the off-season in 2008. That year they went 15-0 and were ranked first in the nation by all seven National polls.

During his three decades of coaching, over 580 players went on to play in college, with 30 going on to become pros.

Still, 8-2 is nothing to sneeze at. And just about any other high school would be proud to finish as well, especially with the deliberately difficult schedule Smith set for them against nationally ranked contenders from across the nation.

But all eyes are on new head coach Rocco Casullo, who served as Defensive Coordinator for four years under Smith.

Expectations also stood extremely high for senior quarterback Max Lescano, a talented athlete who exhibited solid leadership qualities and a gift for reading defenses, and defensive end Jalani Hamilton, who committed to the University of Miami in June.

And while they may have been a bit erratic during the regular season, the team heads into the playoffs with good chances. They have a talented running game with seniors Dami Ayoola and Joseph Rizzo, and juniors Fred Coppet and Marquis Magwood, and coach Jay Connolly's offensive line remains consistently strong.

Aquinas advanced to the playoff semifinals Friday night in trademark Raiders style. They routed Hialeah American 58-14.

That pits them against rival Cooper City, which stunned Aquinas when it handed the Raiders their second regular season defeat last month. Next game: Nov. 25.