Jamie DeMoney has covered high school sports and recruiting for more than 15 years. He has compiled the National Prep Poll for World Features Syndicate and the Associated Press since 1999 and has also compiled high school rankings for Sporting News and RISE. DeMoney is a graduate of the University of Iowa School of Journalism, and a member of the Football Writers Association of America and the United States Basketball Writers Association.
Saturday, July 19, 2008
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 82 West Springfield
82. West Springfield (Springfield, Va.)
Last season’s record: 10-3, lost in Division 6 quarterfinals
Coach: Bill Renner
Key players: QB Bryn Renner (6-3, 190, Sr.), RB Brandon Bailey (6-0, 185, Sr.), OL Corey MacRae (6-3, 245, Sr.), DE John Lockwood (6-3, 245, Sr.), LB Scott Van Buren (6-0, 210, Sr.), WR Andy Stallings (5-10, 180, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Experience
Question mark: Special teams, secondary
Outlook: The Spartans return 15 starters including Renner, who committed to North Carolina after throwing for over 2,700 yards with 32 TDs and only seven INTs last season. He also ran for over 500 yards and 10 TDs. Stallings was on the receiving end for 70 of Renner’s passes last season, including 11 that went for six points. Bailey, who ran for over 1,400 yards and 14 TDs, brings balance to the West Springfield attack. Lockwood was a productive force on the defensive line, notching 15 sacks and 90 tackles.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 at StoneBridge, Sept. 5 vs. Edison, Sept. 12 at Robinson
Last season’s record: 7-4, lost in second round Class A playoffs
Coach: Tom Jaworski
Key players: RB/DB Brad Heldt (6-0, 170, Sr.), QB Alex Hook (6-2, 175, Sr.), OT Jon Lechner (6-6, 320, Sr.), WR Ryan Briggs (6-2, 190, Sr.), DT Jeff Uher (6-2, 270, Jr.), DT Chris Snyder (6-3, 235, Sr.), DL Scott Criss (6-5, 250, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Experience on defense and at QB
Question mark: Inexperience on OL
Outlook: The Junior Jays are looking to add another state championship trophy to their already impressive collection. Prep has nine in 37 years under Jaworski, the most recent coming in 2004, and 27 total crowns since 1932. There are 13 returning starters, including eight on defense. Heldt has produced big time in his career at Prep, leading the team in tackles and running for over 1,000 yards his junior season. Hook has 4.55 speed and enters his third year as the starting QB. Briggs, who has committed to play baseball at the University of Virginia, led the team in receptions a year ago.The Junior Jays will be strong up front on both sides of the ball with Lechner, Uher and Criss -- all are Division I prospects.
Toughest games: Sept. 5 vs. Millard North, Sept. 19 vs. Omaha Central, Oct. 13 vs. Millard South
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 84 Glades Central
84. Glades Central (Belle Glade, Fla.) Last season’s record: 11-2, lost in Class 3A quarterfinals Coach: Jessie Hester Key players: WR Rantavious Wooten (6-0, 185, Sr.), OL Rupert Bryan (6-1, 240, Sr.), OL Henry Orelus (6-3, 295, Sr.), QB Leron Thomas (6-2, 175, Jr.), RB Antonio McCoulde (5-8, 175, Sr.) Biggest strength: Passing game, offense Question mark: Special teams Outlook: Hester, a former NFL receiver for the Raiders, Colts and Rams in his first season as high alma mater's head coach, inherits a high-powered offense. Wooten is a highly routed receiver with several offers from big-time colleges. This will be Thomas’ first full year as starting quarterback, but he had an impressive outing in the Raiders’ 54-46 spring game victory over No. 89 Miami Central. The offensive line has two solid pieces in place with Florida State verbal Orelus and the quick-footed Bryan. Few prep football programs across the country can match the success of Glades Central the last four decades. The Raiders have won six state titles and produced a whopping 30 NFL players since 1967. Toughest games: Oct. 3 vs. Dwyer, Nov. 14 at Pahokee
Key players: DB/RB Jansen Watson (5-9, 175, Sr.), DE B.J. Butler (6-3, 230, Jr.), LB Anthony Gandy (6-1, 205, Jr.), LB Marc Deas (6-1, 185, Jr.), OL Ricky Archer (6-3, 265, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Young but experienced defense
Question mark: Young and inexperienced offense
Outlook: In last year’s 5A championship game loss to St. Thomas Aquinas, Osceola started eight sophomores on defense. That young and talented nucleus of players will carry the Kowboys early in the year while a largely inexperienced offense comes together. Butler, who has started since his freshman year, had six sacks a year ago and Gandy had eight. Deas recorded 110 tackles. Rolson is 22-4 in two years at Osceola after taking over a program that had endured back-to-back losing seasons.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Palm Bay, Oct. 24 at LakeGibson, Nov. 7 vs. Lakeland
86. Notre Dame (Sherman Oaks, Calif.) Last season’s record: 8-3, lost in first round of CIF-SS Pac-5 playoffs Coach: Kevin Rooney Key players: LB Jordan Barrett (6-3, 225, Sr.), DB Tom Drachkovitch (6-0, 210, Sr.), WR James Flynn (6-0, 175, Sr.), WR Chris McNeill (6-0, 170, Sr.), LB Ace Ward (6-0, 205, Sr.), OL Ben Gottschalk (6-4, 255, Jr.) Biggest strength: Linebackers, receivers Question mark: Inexperience on both lines and at QB, RB and DB Outlook: The Knights will bid for their first CIF title since winning three in a row from 2002-04, but they will have to survive the rugged Pac-5 playoff bracket to accomplish the job. Defensively, Notre Dame is in solid shape with six starters returning. Barrett is a three-year regular and an outstanding athlete. Drachkovitch is a big-time hitter who earned first-team all-league plaudits last season. Offensively, Gottschalk will lead a young but talented group of blockers. The receiving corps is in great shape with the return of both leading receivers in Flynn and McNeill. Toughest games: Sept. 26 vs. Birmingham, Oct. 3 vs. Saugus, Oct. 10 vs. Servite, Oct. 31 at Crespi, Nov. 8 at Loyola
Last season’s record: 11-2, lost first round of 4A playoffs
Coach: Mark Schmidt
Key players: TE/LB Mark Carrezola (6-3, 251, Sr.), DE/TE Jay Colbert (6-2, 231, Sr.), OT/DT Dan Shirey (6-3, 275, Sr.), RB/LB Corey Majors (6-1, 210, So.), Dan Wenklewicz (6-1, 280, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Experience on offensive and defensive lines
Question mark: Inexperience in offensive backfield and secondary
Outlook: The Redskins could emerge as the team to beat in suburban Philadelphia’s difficult District One. Six offensive starters are back including Carrezola, a Rutgers recruit and three-year starter. Colbert, who runs the 100 meters in track, is also a Division I prospect. Shirey is a physical presence on the inside of Neshaminy’s defensive line. With time, Majors has a chance to develop into a special player.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Souderton, Sept. 5 at Hatboro-Horsham, Oct. 31 vs. Pennsbury
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 88 Miami Central
88. Central (Miami) Last season’s record: 7-3, lost first round of 6A playoffs Coach: Telly Lockett Key players: WR Jerious Williams (6-4, 180, Sr.), QB Jeffrey Godfrey (5-11, 175, Jr.), OL Derrick Jean (6-3, 255, Sr.), OL Sean Brown (6-1, 285, Jr.), RB Brandon Gainer (6-0, 190, So.), WR Jamaal Fleming (6-2, 180, Sr.) Biggest strength: Size, speed Question mark: Experience Outlook: The Rockets expect to overtake rival Miami Northwestern as the top 6A team in Dade County this season under first-year coach Lockett, who happens to be a former Northwestern assistant. Central was beaten 54-46 by Glades Central in a spring scrimmage, but the Rockets offense showed just how explosive it could be this season. Godfrey, who was third team All-Dade as a sophomore, should have a big year throwing to Williams and Fleming. Gainer made an impact as a freshman, averaging 8 yards per carry and scoring four touchdowns. Toughest games: Sept. 12 vs. Booker T. Washington, Oct. 4 at Norland, Oct. 31 at Northwestern, Nov. 8 at North Miami Beach
Outlook:In the last 19 seasons under Herrington, Hart has won six CIF crowns and finished second four times, most recently last year. During that span, the school has also produced eight Division I QBs. That fact should help comfort Hart fans going into a season when Souza and Sholes were still battling it out for the starting nod under center during 7-on7 drills. Regardless of who earns the QB job, he will work behind a veteran offensive line with four starters returning. The skill positions are equally experienced and very talented with Diamond, Borland, and track and field standout Glasnow.
Toughest games: Oct. 11 at Loyola, Oct. 17 vs. Saugus, Oct. 24 at Canyon, Oct. 31 at Valencia
90. Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.) Last season’s record: 8-3, lost in second round Division 2 playoffs Coach: Al Fracassa Key players: DT Peter Plaskey (6-4, 238, Sr.), DB Jimmy Pickens (6-0, 185, So.), LB Shamari Benton (6-1, 190, Sr.), FB Shaquille Marshall (6-0, 215, Sr.), WR/DB Kevonte Martin (6-1, 178, Jr.), K Ryan Kelly (5-9, 160, Sr.) Biggest strength: Depth, special teams, skill positions Question mark: Offensive line Outlook: The Warriors have enough talent and experience to deliver legendary coach Fracassa (373 wins) his eighth state championship. There are 12 returning starters including Pickens, who had 62 tackles and three INTs as a freshman. Martin also made a big impact as an underclassman returning punts and kicks. Plaskey plays with great aggression and is one of the top prep lacrosse players in Michigan. Benton has good speed and is a three-year starter at LB. Toughest games: Sept. 6 at Muskegon, Sept. 12 at Penn (Ind.), Sept. 20 vs. Catholic Central, Sept. 27 vs. St. Mary’s Prep
91. Coldwater (Ohio) Last season’s record: 14-1, Division IV champion Coach: John Reed Key players: LB/FB Adam Homan (6-2, 230, Sr.), QB/DB Cory Klenke (6-1, 180, Sr.), RB/DB Tony Harlamert (6-0, 180, Sr.), WR/DB Zach Kaup (6-0, 185, Sr.) Biggest strength: Returning skill players Question mark: Three new starting offensive linemen Outlook: Youngstown Mooney had reached the No. 8 ranking in the National Prep Poll when Coldwater shocked the Cardinals, 28-27, in last year’s Division IV state final. The championship, their second in three years, capped a season where the Cavaliers outscored opponents by a combined score of 652-220 – and that included a 35-14 loss to regionally ranked Marion Local early in the season. Thirteen starters (including both kickers) from the Mooney game are back, including Ohio State recruit Homan. Klenke, who had more than 3,000 combined passing and rushing yards in ‘07, had a huge game on both sides of the ball against Mooney. Harlamert scored 40 total touchdowns and earned all-state accolades as a junior.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 vs. Marion Local, Sept. 19 at Anna, Oct. 3 at St. Henry
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 92 Blue Springs South
92. South (Blue Springs, Mo.)
Last season’s record: 9-1, did not qualify for playoffs
Coach: Greg Oder
Key players: QB Blaine Dalton (6-1, 192, Sr.), WR Nathan Ingram (6-3, 185, Sr.), OL Randy Haller (6-2, 235, Sr.), K Brian Geraghty (6-0, 190, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Large senior class
Question mark: Zero returning defensive starters
Outlook: How does a team crack the preseason PrepNation 101 rankings without even one returning starter on defense? It helps when said team returns at least one exceptional player on the other side of the ball. With Dalton, the Jaguars do precisely that. The Missouri recruit has a 22-1 record as a starter and led South to the Class 6 state title as a sophomore. He had more than 2,000 combined passing and rushing yards and 20 touchdowns in only 10 games as a junior. The athletic Ingram is a reliable target. Geraghty converted 50 of 52 PATs and made four field goals in ’07.
Toughest games: Aug. 31 vs. Rockhurst (ESPN), Sept. 5 at Park Hill, Sept. 12 at Raymore-Peculiar, Oct. 17 vs. Blue Springs
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 93 St. Rita
93. St. Rita (Chicago) Last season’s record: 10-4, lost in second round 7A playoffs, won Prep Bowl (quasi private vs. public city championship) Coach: Todd Kuska Key players: LB Martin Hopkins (6-3, 233, Sr.), DB Dave Marciano (5-10, 195, Sr.), RB/DB Danny Dispensa (6-0, 185, Sr.), WR Dan O’Niell (6-2, 180, Sr.), DB Alex Vitakavskas (6-2, 185, Sr.) Biggest strength: Defensive secondary, skill positions Question mark: Three new starters on the offensive line and new starting QB Outlook: The Mustangs are well-fortified to challenge for a second state title in three seasons. Not only are seven starters back on defense, last year’s leading rusher and receiver are among the three regulars returning on offense. Dispensa carried the ball 115 times for 877 yards (7.6 average) and 13 TDs. O’Neill, who has great hands and runs good routes, caught 21 passes and nine were for touchdowns. Toughest games: Aug. 31 vs. Lakota West (Ohio) at Kirk Herbstreit Challenge in Cincinnati, Sept. 19 vs. Mount Carmel, Sept. 26 at Providence Catholic
Key players: OT Colby Berna (6-4, 290, Sr.), OT Tyler McKee (6-3, 280, Sr.), LB/FB Cody Hammer (5-10, 228, Sr.), DB/WR Franco Broyles (6-0, 175, Sr.), DT Addison Ginnaven (6-0, 295, Sr.), DB Bobby Petrino (5-9, 180, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Size, experience
Question mark: Depth
Outlook: The combination of Berna and McKee will continue to make life difficult for opposing defensive linemen. One of the top three prospects in the state, Berna made his hometown happy when he verbally committed to the University of Arkansas this winter. The aptly named Hammer plays the game with brute force on both sides of the ball. The Purple Dogs’ secondary features two descendants from the UA coaching tree in Broyles (grandson of former Arkansas coach and athletic director Frank Broyles) and Petrino (son of current Arkansas coach Bobby Petrino).
Toughest games: Aug. 25 vs. Shiloh Christian, Sept. 5 vs. Little Rock Central, Sept. 12 at Jefferson City (Mo.), Oct. 3 at Springdale, Oct. 17 vs. Fort Smith Southside
95. Northside (Warner Robins, Ga.) Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 4A champion Coach: Conrad Nix Key players: DE Abry Jones (6-4, 260, Sr.), LB Eric Fields (6-2, 220, Sr.), DB K.J. Morton (5-11, 175, Sr.), DT Greg Clark (6-4, 265, So.) Biggest strength: Experience on defense Question mark: Inexperience on offense Outlook: The Eagles’ return to Class 5A football will be anything but easy. Northside will compete in Region 1-AAAAA -- which is probably the state’s toughest -- after going 54-3 the last four years and winning back-to-back 4A championships. The defense is packed with talent and experience with Georgia verbal Jones and the Clemson-bound Fields. They might need to force some low-scoring affairs while a youthful offense with just four returning starters forms a cohesive unit. Toughest games: Sept. 5 vs. Booker T. Washington (Miami), Sept. 19 vs. Valdosta, Oct. 3 at Lowndes, Oct. 10 at Coffee, Oct. 31 vs. Warner Robins
Last season’s record: 10-3, lost in Class 5A/I region semifinals
Coach:Corby Meekins
Key players: QB Jacoby Walker (6-2, 190, Jr.), WR Ja’Mes Logan (6-1, 180, Sr.), WR Adam Watson (5-10, 165, Sr.), DE Aaron Harris (6-2, 205, Jr.), WR Barry Ford (6-0, 175)
Biggest strength: Passing game
Question mark: Defense
Outlook: The Mustangs return all-district performers at QB and two WR spots from an offense that scored 31 or more points nine times last season. Walker threw for more than 1,300 yards with 20 TDs last season. Expect a big year out of Logan, whose brother Nook Logan plays baseball for the Washington Nationals. Harris brings great quickness to the defensive line.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 at West Brook, Oct. 4 at KleinForest
97. Dorman (Roebuck, S.C.) Last season’s record: 10-3, lost in Class 4A/I quarterfinals Coach: Dave Gutshall Key players: DB Taylor Sowell (5-10, 190, Sr.), OT Brandon Thomas (6-4, 275, Sr.), WR/DB Walt Canty (6-1, 195, Sr.), QB Johnny Foster (5-11, 170, Jr.), WR Charon Peake (6-3, 170, So.) Biggest strength: Skill positions Question mark: Defensive front seven Outlook: Eleven underclassmen started or played major roles for the Cavaliers, which is reason for a lot of optimism in ’08. North Carolina verbal Sowell and Canty form the core of a top-flight defensive secondary. Foster, in his second year as starting QB, will look often to fellow underclassmen Peake. Thomas, a Clemson commitment, is the cornerstone of Dorman’s offensive line. Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Gaffney, Sept. 12 vs. Greenwood, Oct. 24 vs. Byrnes
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 98 St. Joseph's Prep
98. St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) Last season’s record: 10-3, lost in Catholic Red final Coach: Gil Brooks Key players: OT Mark Arcidiacono (6-5, 270, Sr.), LB/FB Mike Pereira (6-1, 234, Sr.), OG Mike Pinicotti (6-3, 285, Sr.), QB Mark Giubilato (6-2, 220, Sr.), DT Andy Marshalick (6-1, 270, Sr.) Biggest strength: Offensive line, defensive line Question mark: Defensive secondary, wide receivers Outlook: For the second straight year, the Hawks were upset in the postseason in ’07 but they were able to extend their regular season league winning streak to 55 games. SJP also dropped early season contests to suburban power North Penn and nationally ranked Don Bosco Prep (N.J.). Eleven starters are back including Penn State recruit Arcidiacono. Giubilato was the backup quarterback last season but still was offered and has accepted a scholarship offer to play at nearby Temple. He is a good athlete and is expected to be one of the top weapons in SJP’s running attack this fall. Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Parkland, Sept. 6 vs. St. Anthony (N.Y.), Sept. 12 at North Penn, Oct. 17 at O’Hara, Nov. 1 vs. Roman Catholic
Last season’s record: 12-1, lost in Class 5A semifinals
Coach: Dave Logan
Key players: TE Ryan Hewitt (6-3, 215, Sr.), RB Adonis Ameen-Moore (5-11, 190, Soph.), DB Alex Logan (6-3, 200, Sr.), OL Dewayne Perosky (6-2, 265, Jr.), LB Hunter Foraker (6-2, 215, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Team speed, tradition
Question mark: Size on defense, inexperience on O-line and WR
Outlook: The Mustangs must replace 10 players who earned scholarships last season, including four who went Division I. Three returning starters on each side of the ball will dot the Mullen lineup including Stanford commit Hewitt on offense and highly recruited safety Logan on defense. Ameen-Moore showed the look of a future star when he saw the field as a freshman. Perosky is the leader of a young but talented group of blockers.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. Rockhurst (Mo.), Oct. 10 vs. Cherry Creek, Oct. 24 at Grandview
Last season’s record: 6-5, lost in first round Division 6 playoffs
Coach: Gerry Pannoni
Key players:WR/DB Calder Street (5-11, 180, Sr.), OT Luke Bowanko (6-6, 270, Sr.), OT David Wisda (6-5, 260, Sr.), TE Zack Glatter (6-5, 250, Sr.), DE/OG Mike Upham (6-3, 240, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Size and experience on both lines
Question mark: Inexperience at skill positions
Outlook: The Wildcats should have what it takes to compete for the top spot in the seven-team Concord District, which has produced the Division 6 state champion or runner-up in eight consecutive seasons. Fourteen starters return from a team that lost by more than 7 points only once. The experienced group features Bowanko, who has committed to Virginia.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 at Herndon, Oct. 3 at Robinson, Oct. 10 vs. Oakton, Oct. 31 at Westfield
101. Hutchinson (Kan.) Last season’s record: 13-0, Class 6A champion Coach: Randy Dreiling Key players: DE Forrest Stucky (6-1, 225, Sr.), LB Nate Dreiling (6-3, 190, Sr.), RB Deveon Dinwiddie (5-9, 165, Jr.), RB Josh Smith (5-9, 200, Jr.) Biggest strength: Offensive backfield, defensive front seven Question mark: Inexperience on offensive line Outlook: The Salt Hawks move down a class this season after having thoroughly dominated Kansas 6A football recently, with four consecutive state championships and a 36-game winning streak entering the ’08 campaign. Stuckey and Dreiling are defensive stalwarts while Dinwiddie and Smith were key components to Hutch’s powerful rushing attack as sophomores. Toughest games: Sept. 5 at Rockhurst (Mo.), Oct. 24 vs. McPherson
PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: 51 teams that just missed the cut (Part II: K-Z)
Before we begin counting down the PrepNation 101 Preseason High School Football Rankings, let’s start by recognizing 50 other top teams that just missed the cut. Here is the final 26 of those 51, in alphabetical order:
Katy (Texas), 16-0 last season: Only six starters return from the No. 3 team in last season’s final National Prep Poll, but the Tigers will still field an experienced team in ’08. Seniors are expected to earn starting spots at all but four positions. The group is led by all-district DE Micah Marks (6-2, 250).
LakeHamilton (Pearcy, Ark.), 12-1 last season: Last year the Wolves were averaging 40 points per game before getting shut out by Texarkana, 13-0, in the 6A championship game. Fourteen starters, including the nucleus of the offense, are back. Tulsa-bound QB Phillip Butterfield (6-2, 205) threw for nearly 3,000 yards.
LakeTravis (Austin, Texas), 15-1 last season: Former Stephenville head coach Chad Morris brings a 135-25 career record to LakeTravis, the defending Class 4A/II state champion. Eleven starters are back led by a pair of Texas verbals in QB Garrett Gilbert (6-3, 190) and OT Paden Kelley (6-5, 275).
Lakewood (Calif.), 7-4 last season: Arizona-bound LB Trevor Erno (6-2, 226) is one of 11 returning starters for the Lancers, a darkhorse contender in the CIF Southern Section’s brutally tough Pac-5 division.
Male (Louisville, Ky.), 10-3 last season: Veteran coach Bob Redman (who is two wins shy of 300) welcomes back seven starters on each side of the ball. The group of led by state 100-meters champion Justin Green (6-0, 185, RB/DB), an OhioState verbal.
Mentor (Ohio), 11-3 last season: The Cardinals are coming off back-to-back losses in the Division I state championship game. The ’08 squad returns only two offensive starters but might be even better on defense with a group led by DE Ben Pike (6-3, 225), DB Nick Krantz (6-1, 190) and DB Tim Moore (6-0, 185).
Millard South (Omaha, Neb.), 7-4 last season: The Patriots return 15 total starters and will be explosive on offense. All-state WR Ty Kildow (5-9, 175) caught 44 passes for 976 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Big-time talent Vondrae Tostenson (6-4, 205) is hoping for a breakthrough senior season after missing most of last year with a knee injury.
MontgomeryBellAcademy (Nashville, Tenn.), 13-0 last season: Four starters on each side of the ball are back for the Big Red, who will take on traditional Ohio power Moeller at the Kirk Herbstreit Challenge August 31 in Cincinnati. OT Wesley Johnson (6-5, 250) holds offers from multiple SEC programs.
Norcross (Ga.), 10-2 last season: The Blue Devils return 12 starters but graduated three players who signed with big-time Division I programs. The offense will depend on senior RB D.J. Adams (5-10, 210), who ran for 1,462 yards and 13 TDs last year, and highly touted WR/DE Prince Kent (6-3, 195).
North Gwinnett (Suwanee, Ga.), 13-2 last season: The Bulldogs were decimated by graduation on defense but have some key components back on offense around which to build. Senior QB Mikey Tamburo (6-2, 190) was first team all-state last season, completing 68 percent of his passes for 2,311 yards and 19 touchdowns.
Northwestern (Miami), 15-0 last season: Perhaps no team in the country was hurt as much by graduation than the Bulls, who finished last year ranked No. 2 in the National Prep Poll. Ten Northwestern players signed with Division I colleges in February, including eight with the Miami Hurricanes. West Virginia verbal RB Daquan Hargett (5-9, 170) is the top returning weapon on offense and big-hitting S Tevin McCaskill (6-1, 190) will lead the defense.
Northwestern (Rock Hill, S.C.), 12-2 last season: The Trojans reached the 4A/I state semifinals in ’07 before losing, 14-0, to eventual champion Byrnes. Several key members of that team return including leading tackler LB Jerell Miller (5-10, 210).
Pace (Fla.), 13-1 last season: The Patriots should contend for the Class 4A state championship this season. Six offensive starters return including senior QB Aaron Munoz (6-0, 190), a Louisiana-Monroe verbal who passed for more than 1,900 yards and 19 TDs in ’07.
Parkersburg (W.Va.), 13-1 last season: The Big Reds have won 27 of their last 28 games with back-to-back Class AAA state championships but face a big rebuilding task this season. Twenty-two seniors graduated leaving only six players with starting experience on the roster.
