PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 54 Camden County

54. Camden County (Kingsland, Ga.)
Last season’s record: 12-2, lost in Class 5A semifinals
Coach: Jeff Herron
Key players: WR D.D. Smith (6-2, 180, Sr.), DB Mike Green (6-0, 175, Sr.), QB/DB Christian Milstead (6-0, 170, Sr.), DB Robert Williams (6-0, 185, Sr.), RB Greg Baker (5-10, 175, Sr.), FB Marquevious Myers (6-1, 225, Sr.), LB Ty Booth (5-10, 200, Sr.), OC Nick Siemer (6-3, 280, Sr.), LB DeWaine Coleman (5-9, 160, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Returning skill players, linebackers and offensive linemen
Question mark: Inexperience at QB and DL, special teams
Outlook: The Wildcats return six offensive and seven defensive starters after losing, 10-0, to eventual state champion Lowndes in the state semifinals. The bulk of the experience on offense is with the linemen, led by Siemer. Milstead moves from safety to pilot the Wing-T attack. Baker was tops on the team in rushing last season with 669 yards and scored 11 touchdowns. All five starting linebackers return from a defense that yielded only 75 points in 14 games. Coleman might not be the biggest of the group, but he had 71 tackles including seven for losses.
Toughest games: Aug. 23 vs. Norcross, Sept. 12 at Hoover (Ala.)

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 55 Oceanside

55. Oceanside (Calif.)

Last season’s record: 13-1, CIF San Diego Division II and state Division II champion

Coach: John Carroll

Key players: QB Jordan Wynn (6-2, 175, Sr.), OT/DT Brian Schwenke (6-4, 250, Sr.), OL/DL Thomas Molesi (6-1, 260, Sr.), WR Osmond Nicholas (6-2, 200, Sr.), WR/DB J.J. Whittaker (5-9, 160, Jr.), LB/DE Justin Va’enna (6-0, 235, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Passing game, linebackers, secondary

Question mark: Depth

Outlook: The Pirates nabbed their first state bowl championship and eighth CIF section crown last season. Five starters on each side of the ball return led by Colorado-bound quarterback Wynn. As a junior, he completed 166-of-283 passes (59 percent) for 2,589 yards and 21 touchdowns. The offensive line should be strong with the return of Molesi and California recruit Schwenke. The receiving corps are in good shape with Whittaker and San Diego State commit Nicholas returning to duty. Va-enna will bring leadership and toughness to the defense.

Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. Mira Mesa

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 56 Lakeland

56. Lakeland (Fla.)
Last season’s record: 10-2, lost in second round of Class 5A playoffs
Coach: Bill Castle
Key players: QB Jarred Haggins (5-10, 170, Jr.), LB Jordan Jones (6-1, 220, Jr.), LB Quayshawn Nealy (6-0, 200, Jr.), OG Corey Swanson (6-3, 265, Sr.), OL Brenton Clayton (6-2, 310, Sr.), DE Deonate’ Gary (5-11, 215, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Team speed
Question mark: Inexperience
Outlook: The Dreadnaughts, who return three starters on each side of the ball, are young but have talent and experience in key positions. Lakeland could seriously challenge for its fourth state title since 2004 if a reliable running back emerges to complement Haggins in the veer option attack. As a sophomore, Haggins led the team in total yards and accounted for 15 touchdowns. The offensive line should be a strength again with Swanson and Clayton anchoring the interior. The defense features are pair of talented linebackers in Jones and Nealy, who shared the team lead in tackles as sophomores with 112 a piece. Gary added 71 tackles including a whopping 31 for losses.
Toughest games: Sept. 1 vs. Pittsburgh Central Catholic (at Wheeling, W.Va.), Sept. 26 vs. Boyd Anderson, Oct. 3 vs. Miami Killian, Oct. 10 at Lake Gibson, Nov. 7 at No. 85 Osceola

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 57 Long Beach Poly

57. Poly (Long Beach, Calif.)

Last season’s record: 13-1, CIF-SS Pac-5 champion

Coach: Raul Lara

Key players: QB Morgan Fennell (6-1, 185, Sr.), RB Melvin Richardson (5-10, 205, Sr.), RB Daveon Barner (5-8, 165, Sr.), DB Stan McKay (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB Kenny Tuiloma (5-10, 205, Sr.), DB Darius Williams-Fox (5-8, 170, Sr.), DE Iuta Tepa (6-2, 210, Sr.), OL Tyller Robinson (6-4, 315, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Returning RBs and QB

Question mark: Inexperience at OL and DL

Outlook: The Jackrabbits return nine starters from the inaugural championship team from California’s toughest playoff division, the Pac-5. Thirteen players from that team earned scholarships, including nine who signed with Division I and IAA colleges. The nerve center of the offense has plenty of experience with the return of Fennell. As a junior, he completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,013 yards and nine touchdowns. The running game will challenge defenses with a double shot of talented backs. Richardson ran 128 times for 1,316 yards (10 average) and 15 touchdowns last season. Change-of-pace back Barner averaged 6 yards a carry. McKay, Tuiloma, Williams-Fox and Tepa are holdovers from a dominant defense that allowed only 3 points total in the final two games of the playoffs.

Toughest games: Aug. 30 at Miami Northwestern, Sept. 26 at Carson, Oct. 3 at Lakewood, Oct. 10 vs. No. 61 St. Bonaventure

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 58 St. Peter's Prep

58. St. Peter’s Prep (Jersey City, N.J.)
Last season’s record: 11-1, Non-Public Group IV runner-up
Coach: Rich Hansen
Key players: RB Nyshier Oliver (5-10, 185, Sr.), OG Khalil Wilkes (6-3, 285, Sr.), OT Sean Pearson (6-5, 310, Sr.), LB Dan Hansen (5-11, 195, Sr.), DB Corey Davis (5-10, 170, Sr.), DE Anthony Blake (6-0, 260, Sr.), OT Jake Kauffman (6-6, 315, Jr.), DT Darryl Greene (6-0, 315, Sr.), QB Justin Perez (5-10, 180, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Speed, size, experience
Question mark: QB
Outlook: It was the end of an era when three-time all-state performer Will Hill signed with the Florida Gators last February. Hill led St. Peter's Prep to a 34-2 record in three seasons as the Marauders' starting QB and accounted for 88 touchdowns and more than 7,500 yards of total offense. Even with Hill's departure, there is plenty of talent returning this season. Eight starters are back on each side of the ball including Oliver, who is committed to Tennessee. Last season he ran for 1,380 yards and scored 26 touchdowns. The offensive line has good size and ability with Wilkes, Pearson, and up-and-coming tackle Kauffman. On defense, Greene is a tremendous runstopping nose tackle. Hansen led the squad in tackles as a junior with 86.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 vs. St. Joseph Regional, Sept. 20 at Good Counsel (Md.)

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 59 Oaks Christian

59. Oaks Christian (Westlake Village, Calif.)

Last season’s record: 11-3, CIF-SS Northwest champion

Coach: Bill Redell

Key players: RB/LB Malcolm Jones (6-0, 210, Jr.), DE/TE Chris Coyle (6-3, 215, Sr.), LB Zach Stout (6-2, 220, Jr.), DT/OL Cassius Marsh (6-2, 270, Jr.), OT Erik Kohler (6-4, 260, Jr.), LB/OL Tanner Maddux (6-0, 220, Sr.), QB Tony Macarena (6-0, 210, Sr.), QB Nate Montana (6-2, 175, Jr.), QB/LB Trevor Gretzky (6-2, 180, Jr.)

Biggest strength: Speed, experience

Question mark: Depth

Outlook: Eight starters return on each side of the ball for the Lions, who have won five consecutive section titles. Jones, already a three-year starter, was an impact player as a sophomore with 2,025 rushing yards on 236 carries (8.5 average) and 29 total touchdowns on offense with 69 tackles, two sacks and an interception on defense. Coyle, an Arizona State recruit, added 10 sacks and Stout led the team with 111 tackles. The offensive line is young but seasoned with returning starters Marsh, Kohler and Maddux. The most publicized story at Oaks Christian during the offseason was the battle for the starting QB position. Macarena, who transferred from St. Bonaventure during the offseason, is the starter going into fall drills. But he will be pushed hard by De La Salle transfer Montana (son of NFL Hall of Famer Joe Montana) and Gretzky (son of NHL legend Wayne Gretzky).

Toughest games: Sept. 26 at Chaminade, Oct. 3 vs. Venice

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 60 Arlington Bowie

60. Bowie (Arlington, Texas)
Last season’s record: 12-2, lost in Class 5A/I region finals
Coach: Kenny Perry
Key players: QB Christian Matthews (6-3, 185, Sr.), DB Dexter Linton (5-11, 180, Sr.), LB Chris Hank (6-0, 220, Sr.), OG Jamaal Lewis (6-3, 290, Sr.), DE Demetrius Chambers (6-0, 230, Sr.), WR Trae Hawkins (5-8, 160, Jr.), WR Montre Nelson (6-3, 210, Jr.), DE Donovan Vestal (6-5, 210, Jr.)
Biggest strength: QB position, team speed
Question mark: Inexperience
Outlook: A pair of Kansas recruits lead the Volunteers, who have only four other starters returning. Matthews was named district MVP as a junior after completing 64 percent of his passes for 2,806 yards and 26 touchdowns. He also ran for 629 yards and nine scores. Fellow future Jayhawk Linton, who has excellent speed, had 95 tackles, made three interceptions, and blocked two kicks. Lewis, a first team all-district selection, is one of two returning starters on the offensive line. All-district pick Hank will captain a young but talented defense. Nelson and Vestal are a two juniors with tremendous potential.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 vs. Skyline

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 61 St. Bonaventure

61. St. Bonaventure (Ventura, Calif.)

Last season’s record: 14-1, CIF-SS Northern and Division III state champion

Coach: Todd Therrien

Key players: RB/DB Patrick Hall (6-1, 185, Sr.), WR/DB Isaiah Burton (5-9, 160, Sr.), WR Drew Gibson (6-2, 180, Sr.), WR/DB J.B. Dock (5-11, 165, Sr.), DB Xavier Ramos (6-0, 185, Sr.), LB Dylan Davis (6-0, 210, Jr.), WR/DB Tieler Souza (6-0, 170 Jr.)

Biggest strength: Skill position players

Question mark: Linemen

Outlook: The Seraphs will look to exploit the athletic ability of Hall on both sides of the ball as well as on special teams. As a junior, the USC recruit gained nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards and recorded 70 tackles and two interceptions. Burton, Gibson, Dock and Souza are talented group of receivers. The secondary features many of those same skilled players along with Ramos. Davis was second on the team in tackles as a sophomore.

Toughest games: Sept. 5 vs. Santa Margarita, Sept. 26 vs. Crespi, Oct. 10 at No. 57 Long Beach Poly

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 62 Booker T. Washington

62. Booker T. Washington (Miami)
Last season’s record: 14-0, Class 4A champion
Coach: Earl Tillman
Key players: QB Torrance Moise (5-8, 165, Sr.), RB Eduardo Clements (5-10, 185, Jr.), WR/DB Natturner Harris (6-0, 155, Sr.), OL Jose Jose (6-3, 322, Jr.), WR Lindon Trail (6-4, 185, Sr.), LB Gerald Taylor (6-1, 220, Sr.), WR Emmanuel Noel (5-9, 160, Sr.), LB Keenan Frazier (5-11, 200, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Offensive skill positions
Question mark: Inexperience on defense
Outlook: Only four starters are back for first-year head coach Tillman but it includes the field general, Moise, who took over the QB position due to an injury in Game 2 last season and led the Tornadoes to their first state championship. Moise will be surrounded by a highly talented offensive support cast. Clements is a big-time running back who first broke onto the scene with a 200-yard rushing performance in a playoff game his freshman year. The receiving corps are very stacked with the return of Harris, Noel and the angular Trail. The offensive line will be built around strongman Jose. From a personnel perspective, BTW’s defense will bare little resemblance to the ’07 unit that allowed only 66 points in 14 games. Taylor and Frazier will lead a young but talented group on that side of the ball.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. No. 63 Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.), Sept. 5 at No. 95 Northside (Warner Robins, Ga.), Sept. 12 at No. 88 Miami Central, Sept. 19 at Miami Northwestern

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 63 Hamilton

63. Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)

Last season’s record: 12-1, lost in 5A/I semifinals

Coach: Steve Belles

Key players: LB Anthony Jones (6-1, 220, Sr.), WR Andrew Terrell (5-11, 180, Sr.), DT Michael Sylvestre (6-1, 245, Sr.), DB Ryan Milus (5-10, 160, Sr.), LB Rueben Robinson (6-1, 215, Sr.), LB Justin Rosales (5-8, 185, Sr.), DB Devon Carrington (6-2, 180, Jr.), QB Zak Hambach (6-2, 190, Sr.), RB Dante Alexander (5-10, 205, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Experience on defense

Question mark: Inexperience on offensive line

Outlook: The Huskies begin the season playing arguably their three most difficult games. After a trip to Miami to battle defending Florida 4A champion Booker T. Washington, the Huskies will face defending Arizona 5A/I champ Brophy followed by a trip to in-state 4A power Centennial. It will be a tough test for an inexperienced offense with only three starters, but should further galvanize a strong defense that has eight veterans returning. Jones is a tremendous athlete with a 42-inch vertical jump. He had 94 tackles and six sacks as a junior. Robinson, an Oregon State recruit, added 92 tackles, three sacks and three interceptions. The secondary is strong with the highly athletic Carrington patrolling at free safety. On offense, Terrell led the team in receiving last year with 786 yards and also 611 yards on kick returns. Hambach and Alexander will be first-year starters in the backfield.

Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Booker T. Washington (Miami), Sept. 5 vs. No. 74 Brophy Prep, Sept. 12 at Centennial, Sept. 26 at Red Mountain, Nov. 7 at Chandler

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 64 North Allegheny

64. North Allegheny (Wexford, Pa.)
Last season’s record: 11-1, lost in WPIAL semifinals
Coach: Art Walker
Key players: QB Mike Locke (6-1, 199, Sr.), OT Ryan Schleiper (6-5, 280, Sr.), OT Mike Vuono (6-3, 275, Sr.), WR Brian Austin (5-9, 165, Sr.), DB Jackson Boyd (6-1, 195, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Experience on offense
Question mark: Inexperience on defense
Outlook: The Tigers return several key pieces from a team whose only loss was by 1 point to Gateway in the WPIAL playoffs. Five starters are back on offense including Locke, a good athlete with a strong arm who threw for over 1,000 yards as a junior. Both starting offensive tackles are also back in place. Schleiper has more than one scholarship offers at this point and Vuono is developing into a Division I prospect, as well. This could be a breakout year for Austin, who ran a 10.78 time to place third in the 100 meters this spring at the state track meet. Defensively, only two starters are back led by Boyd , who had 92 tackles and four interceptions.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 at Upper St. Clair, Sept. 19 vs. Penn Hills

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 65 Converse Judson

65. Judson (Converse, Texas)
Last season’s record: 11-5, Class 5A/I runner-up
Coach: Jim Rackley
Key players: LB Chris McAllister (6-2, 215, Sr.), LB William Thornton (6-0, 200, Sr.), DB Erik Brown (5-10, 180, Sr.), OT Ameer Townes (6-0, 300, Sr.), QB Chris Patton (5-11, 165, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defense
Question mark: Inexperience on offense
Outlook: Eight defensive starters return for the Rockets, who have won six state championships and played for another five titles since 1980. It’s a talented group that helped push nationally ranked Euless Trinity to its limit before losing, 13-10, in last season’s 5A/I final. Judson will be particularly strong at linebacker. McAllister, a Texas recruit, led the defense with 83 tackles including 10 for losses as a junior. Thornton also made plenty of big stops and earned all-district plaudits. Brown is a Division I cornerback prospect who intercepted seven passes. All-district tackle Townes leads an offensive line with only one returning starter. Patton brings 4.5 speed to the QB position, but has no starting experience.
Toughest games: Aug. 28 vs. Warren, Sept. 5 at Smithson Valley, Sept. 12 vs. Pflugerville

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 66 John Curtis Christian

66. John Curtis Christian (River Ridge, La.)

Last season’s record: 12-2, Class 2A champion

Coach: J.T. Curtis

Key players: RB/LB Kenny Cain (5-11, 210, Sr.), DT Walker Ashburn (6-2, 265, Jr.), DB/WR Jonathan McKnight (6-0, 170, Jr.), OG George Alonzo (6-0, 300, Sr.), OG Shane Conraddy (6-1, 250, Sr.), LB Jonathan Pippin (6-0, 210, Sr.), LB Matt Stansbury (5-11, 195, Sr.), DT Mike Henry (6-5, 270, Sr.), QB Evan Ingram (6-1, 220, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Defense

Question mark: Inexperience on offense

Outlook: Last season the Patriots added their fourth consecutive state championship and 10th in 12 years. There are nine starters back including McKnight, younger brother of Joe (now at USC) and a fellow two-way playmaker with excellent speed and quickness. Cain is a big, physical back who moved from LB to RB and ran for 1,200 yards. At QB is Ingram, a strong-armed transfer who sat out last season. A strong nucleus returns from a defense that allowed only 65 points in the Patriots’ final 10 games. Ashburn played great in the postseason and was named defensive MVP of the state championship game. Hard-hitting linebackers Pippin and Stansbury each totaled more than 100 tackles last season.

Toughest games: Sept. 1 vs. Euless Trinity (Texas), Sept. 11 vs. East St. John, Sept. 26 at Blount (Ala.), Oct. 4 vs. No. 75 North Miami Beach (Fla.), Oct. 31 at St. James

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 67 Los Alamitos

67. Los Alamitos (Calif.)
Last season’s record: 7-3, did not qualify for the playoffs
Coach: John Barnes
Key players: QB Clark Evans (6-4, 205, Sr.), WR Darryl Jenkins (6-0, 175, Sr.), RB Nathan Castaneda (5-9, 175, Sr.), WR Paul Richardson (6-0, 180, Sr.), DB Josh Barut (5-11, 175, Jr.), LB Anthony Napoles (6-0, 200, Sr.), WR Jon Cheri (5-9, 160, Sr.)
Biggest strength: QB, receivers
Question mark: Offensive line
Outlook: Despite missing the postseason last season, Barnes has led the Griffins to four CIF titles since 1991 and is the winningest football coach in Orange County history. A talented group of skilled players returns led by Evans. As a junior, the Colorado recruit completed 60 percent of his passes for 2,118 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also ran for 952 yards and 15 scores. Evans’ top three receivers also return with Richardson, Cheri and Jenkins, who led the team with 53 receptions for 816 yards. On defense, a pair of all-league selections are back in Barut and Napoles
Toughest games: Oct. 23 vs. Edison, Nov. 7 vs. Esperanza

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 68 Abilene

68. Abilene (Texas)

Last season’s record: 13-2, Class 5A/II semifinalist

Coach: Steve Warren

Key players: LB Chris Williams (6-1, 220, Sr.), QB Stephen Warren (6-2, 180, Sr.), DB Keith Carroll (6-0, 170, Sr.), RB Zach Bass (6-0, 165, Sr.), DB Karsten Goodman (6-1, 180, Jr.), OL Alec Egan (6-5, 230, Sr.), OL Drew Carroll (6-3, 260, Jr.)

Biggest strength: Experience on defense

Question mark: Receivers

Outlook: The Eagles were an overtime loss to Pflugerville in the semifinals away from playing for their first state championship since 1956. Nine starters are back including seven on defense. The unit is led by four-year starter Williams, a highly routed recruit who made 30 tackles for losses and had 11 sacks. He was named the 5A state defensive player of the year last season, a rare honor for an underclassman. A pair of all-district safeties also return to the defense with Keith Carroll and Goodman. An inexperienced offensive unit will be piloted by Warren, the coach’s son. He completed 64 percent of his passes for 700 yards and six touchdowns while sharing the quarterback duties as a junior.

Toughest games: Sept. 5 at Plano East, Sept. 19 vs. Tyler Lee

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 69 Evangel Christian

69. Evangel Christian (Shreveport, La.)
Last season’s record: 11-3, lost in Class 2A semifinals
Coach: John Bachman
Key players: QB Dez Duron (5-10, 182, Sr.), RB/WR Cederrick Tyson (5-9, 193, Sr.), WR/DB Quinn Giles (5-11, 197, Sr.), DB Trey Wilson (6-0, 188, Sr.), DT Blake Cogswell (5-10, 276, Sr.), LB Ray Johnson (5-10, 222, Sr.), DT Kuinton Jackson (6-5, 300, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defense, experience, special teams
Question mark: Offensive line
Outlook: There are 16 starters back for the Eagles, who seek their 12th state championship since 1993. Duron, a fine athlete who finished second at the state track meet in the 800 meters, had 3,083 passing yards and 28 touchdowns as junior. Tyson, a four-year starter, had more than 1,300 combined rushing and receiving yards and also completed six passes. Giles and Wilson are Division I prospects with excellent speed. The defensive front is like a brick wall with the return of Louisiana-Monroe recruit Cogswell and Jackson, a talented transfer from Northwood. Johnson had more than 100 tackles a year ago.
Toughest games: Sept. 5 vs. Shiloh Christian (Ark.), Sept. 19 at Lake Travis (Texas), Oct. 17 at Bastrop

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 70 St. Xavier

70. St. Xavier (Louisville, Ky.)

Last season’s record: 14-1, Class 6A runner-up

Coach: Mike Glaser

Key players: RB Rolandan “Deuce” Finch (5-10, 201, Sr.), DB/WR D.J. Hall (5-11, 203, Sr.), DE Trevor Foy (6-7, 251, Sr.), OT Seth Harvey (6-4, 323, Sr.), DB Zach Kamber (5-9, 170, Sr.)

Biggest strength: RB

Question mark: Inexperience at QB and LB

Outlook: For the second time in three years, St. Xavier defeated its archrival Trinity during the regular season but were beaten by the Shamrocks in the state championship game. St. X and Trinity have combined to win 13 titles since 1990, with only five belonging to the Tigers and the most recent was in 2004. Finch’s return is a tremendous building block for an offensive unit that returns only three starters. As a junior, he ran for over 1,600 yards with 15 touchdowns. The lone veteran in the trenches is Harvey. On defense, there is a bit more experience beginning with two-way athlete Hall. Look for a big senior season from Foy, who also started as a junior and is solid Division I prospect.

Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. Male, Sept. 26 vs. Manual, Oct. 3 vs. Trinity, Oct. 24 at Pleasure Ridge Park

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 71 Carmel

71. Carmel (Ind.)

Last season’s record: 13-2, Class 5A champion

Coach: Mo Moriarty

Key players: QB Morgan Newton (6-4, 215, Sr.), RB Kurt Freytag (6-2, 220, Sr.), OT Brooks Michel (6-7, 285, Sr.), DB Joe Rippe (6-2, 190, Sr.), LB Brian East (6-1, 185, Jr.)

Biggest strength: QB position

Question mark: Inexperience at LB

Outlook: Six starters return on each side of the ball for the Greyhounds including four Division I prospects. Opposing defenses again will have their hands full with Newton, who passed for 1,883 yards and ran for 750 yards with 32 total touchdowns last season. Freytag will become the primary ball carrier after running for 949 yards and 11 touchdowns as a fullback. Minnesota recruit Michel is one of two returning starters on the offensive line. Rippe was named all-state after leading the defense with six interceptions.

Toughest games: Aug. 22 vs. Cathedral, Sept. 5 at Center Grove, Oct. 3 at Warren Central, Oct. 17 vs. Ben Davis

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 72 Bear Creek

72. Bear Creek (Lakewood, Colo.)
Last season’s record: 10-3, lost in Class 5A semifinals
Coach: Tom Thenell
Key players: QB Zach Thenell (5-10, 175, Jr.), RB Tommy Flanagan (5-10, 190, Sr.), OT Jeremiah Sirles (6-8, 285, Sr.), WR Dajuan Mack (6-2, 205, Sr.), RB Lukas Lockett (6-1, 200, Jr.), OL Dylan Heitsmith (6-2, 290, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Returning offensive skill players
Question mark: Secondary
Outlook: Sixteen starters return for the Bears, who have appeared in three state championship games the last 17 seasons but are still searching for their first crown. Flanagan accounted for more than 2,300 combined rushing and receiving yards with 26 TDs as a junior. Thenell, the coach’s son, led the state in passing yards (3,168) and TDs (34). Mack, who caught 66 passes for 872 yards and 14 TDs, is a big-time playmaker. Sirles is a high-level recruit who anchors a big and experienced offensive line.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Orlando (Fla.) Timber Creek, Oct. 10 at Columbine

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 73 Permian

73. Permian (Odessa, Texas)

Last season’s record: 12-1, lost in Class 5A/I region semifinals

Coach: Darren Allman

Key players: OT Garrett Porter (6-6, 300, Sr.), LB Jerome Leija (6-0, 190, Sr.), RB Sherard Ray (5-10, 175, Sr.), WR Ryan Rumbaugh (5-10, 175, Sr.), QB Trevor Adams (6-1, 185, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Offensive line

Question mark: Inexperience

Outlook: The “MOJO” nearly returned to the top of Texas high school football in 2007. Permian dominated eventual 5A/I champion Euless Trinity, 30-3, in Week 2 and spent four weeks ranked in the National Prep Poll Top 25 before losing to Trinity, 38-14, in the playoffs. That left the six-time state champion Panthers empty handed at season’s end once again since their last title in 1991. Four starters on offense and three on defense are back for another run this fall. Porter is the most noteworthy of the group. He committed to the University of Texas after helping Permian average of 43 points per game as a junior. Four additional seniors are expected to win jobs on the offensive line, although all will be first year-starters. The return of all-district honorees Ray and Rumbaugh will be a benefit to rookie QB Adams. On defense, Leija is the leader after recording 101 tackles as a junior.

Toughest games: Aug. 28 vs. Duncanville, Sept. 12 at Lubbock Monterey, Nov. 7 at Midland

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 74 Brophy Prep

74. Brophy Prep (Phoenix)
Last season’s record: 12-2, Class 5A/I champion
Coach: Scooter Molander
Key players: DE Trent Murphy (6-5, 230, Sr.), LB Matt Padilla (5-10, 200, Sr.), LB Adam Holzmeister (5-10, 195, Sr.), LB Brandon Bayardi (6-2, 215, Sr.), DE Seyi Adebayo (6-3, 215, Sr.), RB Tim Auran (6-0, 200, Sr.), RB Max Leonesio (6-1, 195, Jr.), WR Ryan Sunniga (5-11, 180, Sr.), WR Peter Kelly (5-7, 160, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Returning players on defense
Question mark: Youth and inexperience on offense
Outlook: Eight starters are back on defense but only two return on offense for the Broncos, who have won two state championships in the last three years. All-state honoree Padilla leads a trio of returning veterans at linebacker. Murphy and Adebayo are a talented pair of defensive ends. Adebayo has a huge upside and could develop into a highly recruited player this fall. Molander feels good about his receiving corps following its good showing during summer 7-on-7 drills with Division I prospect Sunniga and the small but sure-handed Kelly. At runnnig back, Auran and Leonesio will be called upon to replace departed all-state RB Ray Polk, now at Colorado.
Toughest games: Sept. 5 at Hamilton, Sept. 26 vs. Mesa Mountain View, Oct. 10 vs. Basha

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 75 North Miami Beach

75. North Miami Beach (Fla.)

Last season’s record: 12-1, lost in Class 6A quarterfinals

Coach: Jeff Bertani

Key players: QB/DB Nico Flores (6-2, 195, Sr.), LB/RB Markeith Russell (6-0, 200, Sr.), WR/DB Kemal Ishmael (5-8, 170, Sr.), WR Terrance Kinchen (5-9, 170, Sr.), OL Maurice Anderson (6-1, 235, Sr.)

Biggest strength: QB

Question mark: Depth

Outlook: Once a Dade County football also-ran, North Miami Beach is now a challenger for the 6A state title. The Chargers enter the season with great momentum after walloping defending state titlist Miami Northwestern, 25-0, in a spring scrimmage. But the biggest reason to believe that NMB will be a contender in ’08 is the return of Flores under center. He accounted for over 1,700 total yards last season and 20 touchdowns last season. Receivers Ishmael and Kinchen are two reliable talents for Flores to throw to. Russell absolutely flies to the football at LB. A young offensive line will behind returning starter Anderson.

Toughest games: Sept. 11 vs. Killian, Oct. 4 at No. 66 John Curtis Christian (La.), Oct. 10 vs. Norland, Nov. 8 vs. No. 88 Miami Central

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 76 Birmingham

76. Birmingham (Lake Balboa, Calif.)
Last season’s record: 13-1, CIF LA City champion
Coach: Ed Croson
Key players: WR Devon Flournoy (6-0, 175, Sr.), OC Timote Tonga (6-0, 300, Sr.), QB Morey Croson (5-11, 170, Sr.), DE/TE John Fifita (6-2, 220, Sr.), WR/LB Jake Granitz (6-1, 200, Sr.), RB Trajuan Briggs (6-0, 195, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Returning experience on offense
Question mark: Lack of experience on defense
Outlook: The Patriots enter the year as the prohibitive favorite to win a third consecutive city championship and fifth in seven seasons. This despite losing three Pac-10 recruits – including all-state RB Milton Knox (UCLA) – and 10 of 11 defensive starters from last season. The good news is that six offensive starters are back led by USC recruit Flournoy, who caught 39 passes for 859 yards (22 average) and 15 TDs. Three starting linemen also return including Tonga, an all-city performer. Stepping into Knox’s shoes are RB will be Briggs, who averaged 8 yards per carry and garnered all-league recognition last year in limited duty.
Toughest games: Sept. 12 at Crespi, Sept. 19 vs. Valencia, Sept. 26 at No. 86 Notre Dame

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 77 Chaparral

77. Chaparral (Scottsdale, Ariz.)

Last season’s record: 10-3, lost in Class 4A/I semifinals

Coach: Charlie Ragle

Key players: QB Spencer Stone (5-11, 180, Sr.), DE Craig Roh (6-4, 240, Sr.), OT Ethan Lewis (6-3, 250, Sr.), OT Taylor Lewan (6-6, 270, Sr.), DT Nate Stowe (6-8, 350, Sr.), TE Tyler Williams (6-2, 215, Sr.), LB Tommy Russell (6-1, 215, Sr.), DT Derek Nsubuga (6-0, 270, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Returning QB and defensive linemen

Question mark: RB, interior of offensive line

Outlook: The Firebirds might have the best returning talent of any team in Arizona, regardless of classification. It begins with Stone, who had a brilliant junior season with nearly 2,500 passing yards, 31 TDs and only six INTs. He will be well-protected by Division I prospects at both tackles in Lewis and Lewan. The defensive front features blue chipper Roh, who was all-state as a junior with 99 tackles and 15 sacks. The MLB spot belongs to Russell, an all-region selection last season.

Toughest games: Oct. 17 at Saguaro

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 78 Daphne

78. Daphne (Ala.)
Last season’s record: 11-2, lost in Class 6A quarterfinals
Coach: Glenn Vickery
Key players: QB Robert Cooper (6-3, 200, Sr.), WR Le’Andre Walton (6-0, 175, Sr.), WR Antoine Green (6-0, 165, Sr.), WR Trenere Johnson (5-9, 160, Sr.), RB Tommy Curry (5-8, 175, Sr.), DE Jacob Kirschenbaum (6-4, 210, Sr)
Biggest strength: Offensive skill positions
Question mark: Offensive line
Outlook: Nine starters return for the Trojans, who are 40-12 in four seasons under Vickery. Cooper takes over under center after backing up Coley White, who has joined his brother Pat at West Virginia. The receiver corps, led by returning starters Walton and Green, feature a wealth of speed and athleticism. The running game should be in good shape with Curry and his breakaway speed. Kirschenbaum was part of a defense that did not allow more than 16 points in any game last season.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. McGill-Toolen, Oct. 3 vs. Foley, Oct. 31 vs. Pace (Fla.)

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 79 Newnan

79. Newnan (Ga.)

Last season’s record: 11-2, lost in Class 5A quarterfinals

Coach: Robert Herring

Key players: QB Russell Powell (5-9, 165, Sr.), WR Alan Bonner (5-10, 175, Sr.), DB Alec Ogletree (6-3, 215, Jr.), OT Ray Beno (6-3, 280, Sr.), OT Adam Calhoun (6-7, 330, Sr.), LB Leland Russell (5-10, 225, Sr)

Biggest strength: Experience

Question mark: Program has never won a state title

Outlook: Anything short of a third consecutive region championship this season should be disappointment for the Cougars, who have 18 returning starters. Newnan's spread offense features two-sport standout Powell, a terrific athlete who has Division I scholarship offers in both football and as a point guard in basketball. He accounted for more than 2,600 combined rushing and passing yards last season. Powell’s primary target again will be Bonner, an all-state selection as a junior. Beno and Calhoun anchor an offensive line with great size and experience. Future blue chipper Ogletree and Russell will lead the defense.

Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. LaGrange, Nov. 7 at East Coweta

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 80 DeMatha

80. DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)
Last season’s record: 10-2, WCAC champion
Coach: Bill McGregor
Key players: QB Tommy Chroniger (6-1, 195, Sr.), OT Pete DeSouza (6-7, 315, Sr.), LB Raheem Cardwell (6-1, 195, Sr.), TE Jeremiah Mathis (6-3, 250, Sr.), WR Michael Milburn (6-3, 180, Sr.), RB Donte Washington (5-10, 200, Sr.), RB Jeff Knox (6-3, 185, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Experience at QB, skill players
Question mark: Inexperience on defense
Outlook: DeMatha had 13 players sign with Division I schools in February, which was nothing unusual. The Stags have had at least eight players earn scholarships every year since 1990. So, there are holes to fill due to graduation – but there is considerable talent ready to step up and make an impact. Chroniger assumes his second season starting under center. He made a verbal commitment to Eastern Michigan after throwing for over 1,500 yards last season. DeSouza, who is headed to Maryland, is the lone returning regular on the offensive line. Cardwell, one of the team’s top playmakers on defense, says he will play at Syracuse. Perhaps the most intriguing story going into the season is the arrival of Knox, a transfer who ran for over 1,200 yards and 15 TDs helping lead Pittsburgh Central Catholic to the Pennsylvania Class 4A state championship and a 16-0 record last season.
Toughest games: Oct. 2 at Good Counsel (ESPN2), Oct. 31 vs. St. John’s

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 81 Parkland

81. Parkland (Allentown, Pa.)

Last season’s record: 15-1, Class 4A runner-up

Coach: Jim Morgans

Key players: WR/DB Jaleel Clark (6-4, 205, Sr.), DE/TE Clint Miller (6-3, 245, Sr.), LB/FB Pete Bross (6-1, 220, Sr.), LB/FB Darryl Herold (5-11, 215, Sr.), OG/DE Ian Tomcho (6-2, 250, Sr.), OG/DT Matt Frederick (6-1, 255, Sr.)

Biggest strength: Defense, experience

Question mark: Replacing QB

Outlook: The Trojans have eight returning starters from a defense that recorded seven consecutive shutouts last season. Clark is a two-way star who had seven INTs a free safety and caught 68 passes for 920 yards and 12 TDs as a receiver. Miller was all-state at DE after recording 74 solo tackles, 12 sacks and nine tackles for loss. Bross was named all-conference after totaling 98 solo stops and 12 tackles behind the line of scrimmage. Look for Herold to carry the load on offense after averaging 7 yards per carry and scoring 11 TDs. The offensive line features returning all-conference picks Tomcho and Frederick. The graduation of John Laub (Richmond) leaves a big hole at the QB position.

Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. No. 98 St. Joseph’s Prep, Sept. 5 vs. Liberty, Sept. 12 at Easton, Oct. 24 at Emmaus