It's already game-time in Alaska

Two-a-days aren't even underway yet in many states. But in Alaska, practice time is over.

Defending large-school champion Juneau-Douglas, which went 11-0 last year, is ranked No. 1 in the first statewide high school football poll of the season.

The Bears open the season Saturday with a 724-mile road trip to Fairbanks to battle West Valley High.

The Wolfpack is hoping the 2008 season is much better than 2007, when they finished a dreadful 0-8.

In case you were wondering about the weather in Fairbanks, Alaska, this time of year. Let's just say it feels very much like football weather should. The National Weather service predicts mostly cloudy skies with scattered showers and a game-time temperature around 55 degrees.

Playoff action begins Oct. 3 and Alaska will crown the first state champions of the '08 football season the weekend of Oct. 17-18.

ESPN releases its prep football schedule

ESPN and its amazingly successful family of networks have released their schedule for the upcoming high school football season.

The demand for prep football coverage to a national audience continues to increase, and ESPN with its partner Paragon Marketing Group have certainly delivered the goods in recent years.

This season, ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU will combine to show 19 high school football contests. Teams from 18 different states will get their moment beneath the glow of ESPN's mighty sun.

Twenty-one teams in the PrepNation 101 preseason rankings are on the slate, and that includes 12 teams in the National Prep Poll Top 25 and seven more in the regional Top 25's.

Expect ESPN's treatment of these games to be once again heavy on recruiting analysis with ESPN Scouts Inc. Recruiting Director Tom Luginbill serving as the primary color guy along side play-by-play man Dave Ryan.

ESPNU also revealed its ESPNU 150 for the Class of 2009 on Wednesday. Topping the list is quarterback Matt Barkley of Santa Ana (Calif.) Mater Dei. The Monarchs are ranked No. 8 in the West Coast region and were No. 53 in the preseason PrepNation 101 rankings.

2008 ESPNU, ESPN and ESPN2 High School Football Schedule

(Schedule subject to change)

Date Game Time (ET) Network

Sat., Aug. 23	Cathedral (Ind.) vs. Carmel (Ind.)	12 p.m.	ESPN
Fri., Aug. 29	Mays (Ga.) vs. Carver (Ga.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Sun., Aug. 31	Rockhurst (Mo.) vs. Blue Springs South (Mo.)	12 p.m.	ESPN
Mon., Sept. 1	*St. Thomas Aquinas (Fla.) vs. Elder (Ohio)	12 p.m.	ESPN
Wed., Sept. 3	Mater Dei (Calif.) vs. Carson (Calif.)	9 p.m.	ESPN2
Fri., Sept. 5	Armwood (Fla.) vs. Plant (Fla.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Thu., Sept. 11	Rider (Texas) vs. Sulphur Springs (Texas).	9 p.m.	ESPN2
Fri., Sept. 12	Bastrop (La.) vs. Dollarway (Ark.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Fri., Sept. 19	Apopka (Fla.) vs. South Panola (Miss.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Fri., Sept 26	Brentwood Academy (Tenn.) vs. Prattville (Ala.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Sat., Sept 27	Don Bosco Prep (N.J.) vs. De La Salle (Calif.)	10:30 p.m.	ESPNU
Thu., Oct. 2	DeMatha (Md.) vs. Our Lady of Good Counsel (Md.)	6:30 p.m.	ESPN2
Fri., Oct. 3	Pahokee (Fla.) vs. Byrnes (S.C.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Sat., Oct. 4	Cypress Bay (Fla.) vs. Katy (Texas)	TBD	ESPNU
Fri., Oct. 10	Lowndes (Ga.) vs. Valdosta (Ga.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Thu., Oct 16	Cypress Falls (Texas) vs. Cypress Ridge (Texas)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Fri., Oct 17	St. Joseph’s Prep (Penn.) vs. Cardinal O’Hara (Penn.)	6 p.m.	ESPNU
Fri., Oct 31	Godby (Fla.) vs. Madison County (Fla.)	8 p.m.	ESPNU
Fri., Nov 7	Mountain Pointe (Ariz.) vs. Desert Vista (Ariz.)	10:30 p.m.	ESPNU

*Denotes matchup from the 2008 Kirk Herbstreit Ohio vs. USA Challenge

Quick look at No. 4 South Panola

Todd Kelly, an excellent preps writer at the Jackson (Miss.) Clarion-Ledger, posted this mini-preview of South Panola.

The Tigers have the nation's longest active win streak (75) and enter this season ranked No. 4 in the National Prep Poll.

No. 2 Byrnes staying focused as practice gets under way

When the Byrnes Rebels opened fall camp on Monday, one of the topics at hand was the National Prep Poll.

Jason Gilmer of the Spartanburg Herald-Journal was on the Byrnes practice field Monday morning. He reports that the Rebels' national ranking was among the topics of conversation for both the coaches and players.

The Spartanburg Herald-Journal also shot some video of the proceedings.

Texas power Euless Trinity is No. 1 in preseason National Prep Poll

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Defending Class 5A/I champion Euless Trinity hopes to become the fifth Texas team overall -- and the third this decade -- to finish the season as National Prep Poll champion.

The Trojans begin the 2008 season atop the national Top 25 for the first time. Big 12 recruits linebacker Earnest Norman (Kansas), safety Prinz Kande (Kansas), cornerback Eryon Barnett (Texas) and running back Tray Robinson (Nebraska) are among 11 starters returning for veteran coach Steve Lineweaver.

Trinity begins its season on Labor Day in Texas Stadium against Southeast No. 20 (No. 66 in the preseason PrepNation 101 rankings) River Ridge (La.) John Curtis.

The rest of the preseason top five has a distinctive southern flair, with spots going to defending state champions from South Carolina, Georgia, Mississippi and Florida.

Link to complete Preseason National Prep Poll.

Link to PrepNation 101 Preseason Football Countdown, including complete capsules on each team.

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 1 Euless Trinity

1. Trinity (Euless, Texas)
Last season’s record: 15-1, Class 5A/I champion
Coach: Steve Lineweaver
Key players: QB Denarious McGhee (5-11, 190, Sr.), RB Tray Robinson (6-1, 205, Sr.), WR Tyree Tucker (6-1, 200, Sr.), WR Stetson Smith (5-10, 175, Sr.), OL Cameron Graves (6-2, 260, Sr.), OL Ben Johnson (6-2, 240, Sr.), DT Siosaia Tuipulotu (5-11, 265, Sr.), DE Vai Sapoi (6-0, 205, Sr.), DB Prinz Kande (6-0, 185, Sr.), DB Eryon Barnett (6-2, 190, Sr.), LB Earnest Norman (5-11, 210, Sr.), LB Eric Fiello (5-10, 190, Sr.), DT Sioeli Pauni (6-0, 235, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Offensive skill players, defense
Question mark: Inexperienced offensive line
Outlook: A new national power has clearly established itself in the football hotbed of Texas. The Trojans have won a pair of 5A state titles since 2005 while compiling a 40-3 record. (If not for a heart-breaking 22-21 loss to No. 2-ranked Southlake Carroll in the 2006 playoffs, Trinity might very well be working a streak of three consecutive state championships.) Overall, in eight seasons under Lineweaver, Trinity is an impressive 89-16. For the 2008 season, the Trojans have 11 starters returning, including four already committed to Big 12 universities. One of the most physical defenses in the country returns four-year starter and all-state linebacker Norman, who will play at Kansas. As a junior, he had over 100 tackles and three interceptions. Also returning to his starting position is Fiello, an all-district outside linebacker. The secondary features two of the top defensive backs in the Lone Star State. Kande, like Norman is a four-starter and, like Norman, is a Kansas recruit. Barnett, a physically gifted and imposing cover corner, is planning to sign with Texas. Up front are two more returning all-district players in Tuipulotu and Pauni. Some impressive skill players will lead Trinity’s offense while an inexperienced offensive line makes its bones. The Trojans have no reason to shy away from its highly effective ball-control, power running attack setting up the play-action pass. With Robinson, they have a three-year starting tailback with great physical skills and durability. He totaled over 1,000 total yards while sharing snaps as a junior. Robinson accepted a scholarship offer from Nebraska during the spring. Under center again will be McGhee, who made great strides in his first year as a starter. For the season, he had nearly 2,000 combined passing and rushing yards and threw only two interceptions in the last 14 games. Two good athletes with solid hands return at receiver in Tucker and Smith. The aforementioned inexperienced offensive line returns no starters, but will likely see four seniors nailing down jobs this fall. Another reason to expect Trinity’s offensive line to become a strength as the season progresses is the presence of assistant head coach Craig Cansler, who has coached offensive linemen for 23 playoff teams in 26 years of coaching.
Toughest games: Sept. 1 vs. No. 66 John Curtis (at Cowboys Stadium), Sept. 12 at Cedar Hill, Sept. 19 at No. 36 Allen, Oct. 3 at Fossil Ridge

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 2 Byrnes

2. Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.)
Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 4A/I champion
Coach: Chris Miller
Key players: RB Marcus Lattimore (6-0, 209, Jr.), QB Chas Dodd (5-11, 175, Jr.), WR Ricco Sanders (6-0, 175, Sr.), DB Riyahd Richardson (5-9, 165, Sr.), DB Justin Bright (6-1, 185, Sr.), LB Daniel Cleveland (5-11, 200, Sr.), OL Jamie Dunaway (6-4, 255, Sr.), DE Corey Miller (6-4, 222, Jr.), DT Brandon Willis (6-4, 255, Jr.), OL Hakiem Holmes (6-4, 230, Sr.), OL Mitch Skul (6-1, 225, Sr.), WR Nick Jones (5-9, 170, Jr.), LB Skylar Franklin (5-8, 160, Sr.), WR Jazz King (6-0, 170, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Experience, explosive offense
Question mark: Punting game
Outlook: Another year, another state title. At least it seems that way when you talk about the Rebels, who last season captured their fifth championship in six years. Could it possibly get any better for Byrnes? Maybe. Second-year head coach Miller has a team absolutely loaded with experience and Division I-caliber talent. Seventeen starters – nine on offense and eight defense – are returning. An exceptional junior class is headlined by national recruit Lattimore. As a sophomore, he ran for 1,829 yards and had 470 receiving yards with 30 total touchdowns. Lattimore is the first underclassmen ever invited to the US Army All-American Bowl a year before selections are made for the rest of his class. At quarterback, Dodd is already on track to be one of the most prolific passers in South Carolina prep history. He completed 288 of 410 passes (70 percent) for 3,208 yards and 32 touchdowns. There is great talent at receiver, as well. Sanders is a playmaker who caught 58 passes for 908 yards and 13 touchdowns while Jones and King are stretch-the-field speedsters who should put up big numbers this fall. There is less glamour in the trenches, but plenty of stability with all five linemen having started some or all of the games last season. The Byrnes defense gave up only 14 points per game last season and should be even better in ’07. The front seven features a pair of future blue chip recruits in Miller and Willis plus two returning starters at linebacker, led by all-region honoree Cleveland. He had 140 tackles, including 19 for losses, and seven sacks. Florida State recruit Bright and fellow Division I prospect Richardson are the holdovers in the secondary.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Snellville (Ga.) North Gwinnett, Sept. 19 vs. Tallahassee (Fla.) Lincoln, Sept. 26 vs. EC No. 19 Gaffney, Oct. 3 vs. No. 33 Pahokee (Fla.), Oct. 24 at No. 97 Dorman

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 3 Lowndes

3. Lowndes (Valdosta, Ga.)
Last season’s record: 14-1, Class 5A champion
Coach: Randy McPherson
Key players: RB/DB Greg Reid (5-10, 175, Sr.), DB Gerald Demps (6-0, 195, Sr.), DB Marcus Solomon (6-0, 190, Sr.), LB Chris Stinson (6-2, 190, Sr.), DT Devin Simmons (5-10, 275, Sr.), K Mark Willis (5-10, 165, Sr.), DT Ridge Spivey (6-1, 245, Sr.), OL Brady Brantly (6-1, 235, Jr.), TE Jordan Black (6-4, 250, Jr.), OL Ed Christian (6-5, 280, Jr.), QB Khary Franklin (5-7, 170, Jr.), DB Tyler Hunter (5-11, 190, So.), DE Michael Copeland (6-3, 210, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Team speed, experience
Question mark: Inexperience at LB
Outlook: Thirteen starters return from the Vikings’ fourth state championship team since 1999. There is good speed throughout the Lowndes roster. Two-time all-state selection Reid, a Florida recruit, starts on both sides of the ball. He is an electrifying open-field runner and a highly skilled cornerback. Rounding out a star-studded secondary is Florida State-bound safety Demps, lockdown corner Solomon, and future blue chipper Hunter. Some key Interior members of the defense that limited opponents to only 7 points a game last year are also back with tackles Simmons and Spivey along with talented junior end Copeland. Small but speedy Franklin is the Lowndes signal-caller again after leading his team as a sophomore. The offensive line features good size and ability with Brantly, Christian and Black all returning to action. The Vikings’ kicking game gives them another edge. Willis connected on seven of 10 field goals last season.
Toughest games: Sept. 5 vs. Peachtree Ridge, Oct. 3 vs. No. 95 Northside, Oct. 10 at Valdosta

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 4 South Panola

4. South Panola (Batesville, Miss.)
Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 5A champion
Coach: Lance Pogue
Key players: QB David Renfroe (6-3, 200, Sr.), RB Rueben Corley (6-0, 225, Sr.), OT Don Blevins (6-1, 280, Sr.), LB Marvin Burdette (5-11, 220, Sr.), LB David Conner (5-11, 190, Sr.), RB Nicholas Parker (6-1, 195, Jr.), DT Devin Clark (6-3, 255, Jr.), DT Marjarvin Chapman (5-10, 300, Sr.), DE Kendrick Strong (6-1, 240, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Size, speed, tradition
Question mark: Inexperience on offensive line
Outlook: The only real concern for the Tigers going into this season might be the increasing pressure of playing with the nation’s longest active winning streak (75) and defending the 5A state championship for a fifth consecutive year. Four full-time starters return on each side of the ball, including seven seniors who have a chance to play Division I football next season. Starting quarterback Renfroe intends to play baseball -- and perhaps football, too -- at Mississippi. He threw for over 1,000 yards as a junior. Fullback Corley earned all-state accolades, mostly for his blocking ability, and has committed to Memphis. Big things are expected from Parker in his first year as starting tailback. The offensive line has only starter back but he is all-state honoree Blevins. The defense features speed and athleticism at every position. Linebackers Burdette and Conner are great hard-nosed players who combined for nearly 200 tackles a year ago.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. No. 24 Apopka (Fla.) - ESPN, Oct. 3 at No. 52 Olive Branch, Oct. 17 at Tupelo

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 5 St. Thomas Aquinas

5. St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
Last season’s record: 14-1, Class 5A champion
Coach: George Smith
Key players: QB Ryan Becker (6-0, 185, Sr.), WR Duron Carter (6-1, 175, Sr.), WR Dwayne Difton (6-0, 180, Sr.), TE Gabe Holmes (6-5, 215, Sr.), LB Conor O’Neill (6-1, 195, Sr.), OT Ryan Linder (6-4, 270, Jr.), RB Giovanni Bernard (5-9, 190, Jr.), RB James White (5-10, 175, Jr.), DT Bill Nesselt (6-3, 250, Sr.), DT Jean Luc Charles (6-0, 240, Sr.), DB Brian Robinson (6-0, 180, Jr.), RB Beau Bucci (5-9, 175, Sr.), DB Dezman Southward (6-1, 180, Sr.), DB/WR Ronnie Kennedy (5-10, 160, Sr.), DB Cody Riggs (5-10, 160, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Receivers, QB, talent level
Question mark: Inexperience at OL and DL
Outlook: Last year the Raiders played in the state finals for the 11th time in 17 seasons, an incredible feat for a program in any state – but even more so in Florida. A 35-20 win over Kissimmee Osceola gave them their fourth state championship win after three straight championship game losses. Nine Division I scholarship winners graduated, and only six full-time starters return. But the number of talented football players waiting to fill open positions is exceptionally high. At least 15 seniors and juniors are Division I prospects including a trio of senior receivers. Their position coach is former NFL great Cris Carter. His son, Duron, will follow in pop’s footsteps and play next year at Ohio State. Duron is likely to improve on his junior numbers of 22 receptions for 361 yards and eight touchdowns. The same can be said for Difton, who might be the faster of the two players. Tight end Holmes might have the most upside of the group because of his athletic ability and huge frame. The quarterback position is rock solid with Becker returning. He completed 106 of 183 passes (58 percent) for 1,714 yards with 26 touchdowns and only four interceptions. In the Raiders’ 35-20 state final win over Osceola (Kissimmee), Becker took home the game MVP award. Two of the top returning running backs are juniors. Bernard has the most experience, with 698 rushing yards and seven touchdowns last season. White, who has 4.4-type speed, averaged 8 yards per carry. The only returning starter on the offensive line is Linder, a sure-fire Division I prospect next year. O’Neill is the leader on defense and exceptional all-around football player. As a junior, he had 16 tackles for loss and seven sacks. Nesselt recorded seven tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. In the secondary, Robinson played well as a sophomore making 35 solo tackles and intercepting one pass. Southward, a standout basketball player, might be the team's best all-around athlete. Riggs, son of former NFL running back Gerald Riggs, has great potential.
Toughest games: Aug. 30 vs. MW No. 14 Cincinnati Elder at Kirk Herbstreit Classic in Cincinnati (ESPN, tape delay), Oct. 17 vs. No. 38 Deerfield Beach, Nov. 14 at Miramar

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 6 De La Salle

6. De La Salle (Concord, Calif.)
Last season’s record: 13-0, CIF North Coast Section and Division I state champion
Coach: Bob Ladouceur
Key players: RB Kylan Butler (5-7, 190, Sr.), WR Noah Perio (6-1, 175, Sr.), QB Blake Wayne (5-10, 170, Sr.), DB Khyri Knowles (6-0, 180, Sr.), DB/WR Blair Wishom (5-11, 190, Sr.), RB/DB Tyler Anderson (5-11, 190, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Experience at skill positions, tradition
Question mark: Inexperience at OL, DL and LB
Outlook: The six-time National Prep Poll champion Spartans have some rebuilding to do, primarily in the trenches. But it wouldn’t be the first time that a team coached by Ladouceur (332-20-3 in 29 years) has looked much better on the field during the season than it did on paper at the start of it. De La Salle’s vaunted veer-option offense evolved into a more wide-open attack, incorporating elements of the spread, last season. Wayne, who split time as the starter in ’07, benefits from two returning playmakers. Butler, an Arizona recruit, ran 97 times for 761 yards (7.8 average) and 13 touchdowns. Perio is a returning starter at receiver and safety, where he led the team in interceptions. An underclassman to watch is Anderson, who could see a lot of action on both sides of the ball. The strength of the defense is the secondary were Wishom and Knowles saw extensive duty last season.
Toughest games: Sept. 13 at Serra, Sept. 27 vs. No. 20 Ramsey (N.J.) Don Bosco Prep

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 7 Gateway

7. Gateway (Monroeville, Pa.)
Last season’s record: 11-2, WPIAL Class 4A runner-up
Coach: Terry Smith
Key players: LB Dorian Bell (6-1, 225, Sr.), DB/WR Corey Brown (6-0, 185, Sr.), OL Colin Rodkey (6-4, 270, Sr.), DE B.J. Stevens (6-2, 232, Sr.), QB Rob Kalkstein (5-10, 175, Jr.), LB/RB Delbert Tyler (6-0, 205, Jr.), DB/WR Brian Williams (5-7, 180, Sr.), WR Andrew Blackmon (6-1, 170, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Offensive line, linebackers
Question mark: Depth
Outlook: Gateway has produced 18 Division I or IAA college players and won 75 percent of its games since 2002, but still seeks its first WPIAL championship since the mid-80s. This could finally be the year of the Gators, who return 15 starters including three already committed to Big Ten universities. The defense features a pair of Ohio State recruits in Bell and Brown. Bell might be the best athlete to ever play at Gateway. As a junior, he had 131 tackles, including 25 for losses, and 11 sacks. Brown, who runs a sub-11.00 100-meter time, had four interceptions and 23 passes defended. He also caught 20 passes for 470 yards and three touchdowns. Indiana commit Rodkey is one of four starters on the offensive line. He has good feet and long arms. A fourth early Division I commit is Stevens (Miami-OH), who had 23 tackles for loss and 12 sacks. Only a junior, Kalkstein already has two years of starting experience under his belt at quarterback. He is a smart player who threw for over 1,000 yards and 12-plus touchdowns each of the last two seasons. Another junior who has already made a huge impact is Tyler. He will see time at linebacker and running back and should become the next in a long line of blue chip recruits at Gateway.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. NE No. 14 Penn Hills, Oct. 23 vs. NE No. 13 McKeesport

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 8 Armwood

8. Armwood (Seffner, Fla.)
Last season’s record: 13-1, lost in Class 4A semifinals
Coach: Sean Callahan
Key players: DE Ryne Giddins (6-4, 230, Sr.), LB Petey Smith (6-1, 240, Sr.), LB Casey Callahan (6-1, 215, Sr.), DB Angelo Hadley (6-1, 185, Sr.), QB Mywan Jackson (6-1, 175, Sr.), DB Mario Williams (5-10, 170, Sr.), RB Sherman Jessie (5-9, 170, Jr.), OT Justin Cabbagestalk (6-3, 250, Sr.), OC Dillard Hurley (6-2, 240, Sr.), FB Matt Eastman (6-0, 210, Sr.), WR Rob Jones (6-0, 170, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Team speed, skill players, defense
Question mark: Staying healthy
Outlook: A talented senior class hopes to deliver Armwood its third state championship in five seasons. At least seven returning starters have or are likely to earn scholarship offers. The most sought-after prospect on the team is probably Giddins, who was all-state as a junior with 92 tackles and 19 sacks. Four-year starting linebacker Smith had 70 tackles despite battling injuries throughout the year. Casey Callahan, the coach’s son, is a three-year starter and was named all-county as a junior. The Hawks’ secondary is excellent. Free safety Hadley, who might be the fastest player on the team, had 91 tackles and three interceptions. Williams is a skilled cornerback who can be left on an island. Running the Hawks’ newly installed spread-option attack will be Jackson, who moved to quarterback after playing receiver his sophomore year. He had nearly 2,000 combined passing and rushing yards with 17 touchdowns despite missing a few games. Jessie will be counted on to handle the load at tailback because Plant City transfer SirChauncey Holloway has been ruled ineligible for the season. The offensive line has capable and veteran blockers in place with Vanderbilt recruit Cabbagestalk and Hurley, plus Eastman returns at fullback.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 at Lake Gibson, Sept. 5 at No. 42 Plant

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 9 Corona Centennial

9. Centennial (Corona, Calif.)
Last season’s record: 13-2, CIF Southern Section Inland Champion and Division I state runner-up
Coach: Matt Logan
Key players: LB Vontaze Burfict (6-2, 245, Sr.), LB Brandon Brown (6-2, 230, Jr.), OT Gavin Pascarella (6-5, 235, Sr.), WR Ricky Marvray (6-0, 180, Sr.), DT William Sutton (6-0, 260, Sr.), RB Arthur Burns (5-11, 215, Sr.), DE Anthony Whitlow (6-0, 220, Sr.), DB K.J. Vaifale (5-10, 180, Sr.), QB Taylor Martinez (6-0, 180, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defensive front seven
Question mark: Secondary, inexperience at QB
Outlook: Nine returning starters plus two talented transfers could lead the Huskies to the top of the heap in Southern Cal football this season. The strength of Centennial’s defense will be stopping the run. In Burfict and Brown, the Huskies have perhaps the best pair of linebackers in the entire country. Burfict, a USC recruit, had over 100 tackles and four sacks as a junior. Brown, who transferred from rival Norco over the summer, will be a national recruit next year. On the line, Sutton and Whitlow combined for over 130 tackles and 10 sacks a year ago. The familiar quarterback/running back duo of Matt Scott (Arizona) and Ryan Bass (Arizona State) is now history. In its place steps Martinez and Burns. Martinez, a transfer from Cajon, is a great athlete who is being recruited by Division I colleges to play defensive back. Burns has multiple Division I offers despite only backing up Bass last season. In limited carries, he had over 500 rushing yards and eight touchdowns. Marvray caught 34 passes for 664 yards and eight touchdowns. The offensive line has some new faces lining up next to all-league tackle Pascarella, who is one of six Division I prospects in Centennial’s senior class.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 at No. 52 Mater Dei, Sept. 26 at Clovis West, Oct. 31 at WC No. 24 J.W. North, Nov. 7 at Santiago, Nov. 14 vs. Norco

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 10 North Shore

10. North Shore (Houston)
Last season’s record: 14-1, lost in Class 5A/I semifinals
Coach: David Aymond
Key players: DT Thaddeus Randle (6-1, 260, Sr.), TE Barrett Matthews (6-2, 235, Sr.), DB Andrae May (6-1, 180, Sr.), LB Daniel Salinas (6-1, 195, Sr.), OL Trey Hopkins (6-3, 255, Jr.), DB Eric Ruben (5-9, 170, Sr.), QB Alex Tillman (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB Deaundre Jones (5-7, 170, Sr.), LB Brandon Briscoe (6-2, 210, Jr.), WR Deandrew White (5-11, 165, Jr.), RB Tracy Woods (5-11, 200, Jr.), DE Terrance Kindle (6-3, 220, Sr.), OL Jason Clayton (6-1, 310, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defense, team speed
Question mark: Inexperience at QB
Outlook: The Mustangs enter the year with a 70-game regular season winning streak but have won only one state championship during that period. Another title could be added this year with a group of 13 returning starters that includes at least seven Division I prospects in the senior class. Opponents will find it tough to establish a running game against North Shore's defensive line, featuring Nebraska recruit Randle at tackle. Talented linebackers return to their starting roles with Briscoe and all-district honoree Salinas. The secondary is stocked with good athletes including Oklahoma State-bound safety May. The least experienced player in the starting lineup might be the quarterback, Tillman, who has great speed but saw only limited action as a junior. Both starting running backs return to duty including Jones, who had 1,405 total yards and 11 touchdowns. The offensive line should be solid with a pair of returning starters in Hopkins and Clayton.
Toughest games: Aug. 29 vs. SW No. 19 Katy, Sept. 5 at SW No. 25 Eisenhower, Sept. 27 at No. 41 Southlake Carroll, Nov. 7 at West Brook

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 11 St. Ignatius

11. St. Ignatius (Cleveland)
Last season’s record: 8-3, lost in first round of Division I playoffs
Coach: Chuck Kyle
Key players: QB Andy Holland (6-1, 188, Sr.), LB Dan Fox (6-3, 220, Sr.), RB/DB Pat Hinkel (5-11, 185, Sr.), WR Joey Parris (6-0, 180, Sr.), WR Connor Ryan (5-11, 170, Sr.), OL/DL Frank Whitaker (6-3, 265, Sr.), RB Mike Anter (5-9, 170, Sr.), DE Ryan Carr (5-11, 240, Sr.), LB Scott McVey (6-0, 205, Jr.), WR/QB Mark Myers (6-3, 180, Jr.), TE Brandon Carozzoni (6-4, 215, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Experience on offense
Question mark: Inexperience on defense
Outlook: Thirteen starters -- including nine on offense -- return for the Wildcats, coming off their 20th consecutive playoff appearance last season. Kyle has led St. Ignatius to 10 state championships and two National Prep Poll titles in 26 years. But the Wildcats are in a mini-slump lately, by their standards, with no state titles since 2001. Holland returns as starting quarterback after throwing for nearly 1,000 yards and 14 touchdowns despite missing four games due to injury. Myers, Holland’s understudy, will be a factor at receiver along with veteran pass-catchers Parris and Ryan. The majority of the workload at tailback should go to Anter, who gained over 700 yards as a junior. The offensive line has good size and experience with Whitaker leading the way. Look for Carozzoni to also play a big part in the offense at tight end. Fox, a Notre Dame recruit, pursues the ball well and is a good tackler. Hinkel, who is headed to Miami (Ohio), made more than 100 tackles last year as a safety.
Toughest games: Aug. 23 vs. No. 28 Glenville, Sept. 13 vs. MW No. 23 Mentor, Sept. 26 at Massillon, Oct. 18 at No. 18 St. Xavier, Oct. 25 vs. MW No. 20 St. Edward

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 12 Jenks

12. Jenks (Okla.)
Last season’s record: 13-1, Class 6A champion
Coach: Allan Trimble
Key players: DB Gabe Lynn (6-1, 182, Sr.), OL Jake Alexander (6-2, 265, Sr.), LB E.J. Colbert (5-9, 210, Sr.), FB Grant Goodwin (5-9, 220, Sr.), TE Brian Johnston (6-4, 205, Sr.), OG Brian Mincher (6-1, 255, Sr.), DE Chris Ray (6-4, 225, Sr.), WR Tramaine Thompson (5-9, 165, Sr.), QB Beau Marsaln (6-3, 205, Jr.), DE Jason Bixler (6-1, 203, Sr.), RB Colton Dost (5-10, 172, Jr.)
Biggest strength: Offensive line, tradition
Question mark: Replacing 3-year starter at QB
Outlook: The Trojans, who have 10 state titles the last 13 seasons, are tied with Concord (Calif.) De La Salle and Long Beach (Calif.) Poly for the most appearances (six) in the preseason Top 25 this decade. The question facing Trimble, whose record at Jenks is 146-15, is how to replace three-year starter Mark Ginther (Oklahoma State-baseball) at quarterback. The answer might have become more clear when Marsaln transferred to Jenks this summer. Marsaln, whose father played college football with Trimble, had 4,065 passing yards and 56 total touchdowns in two years a starting quarterback at two previous schools. In June, Trimble told the Tulsa World the starting quarterback job was “still wide-open.” There is experience on the offensive line with Mincher and early Tulsa commit Alexander returning to duty. Thompson is one of the top receivers in the state and the running game is solid with Goodwin at fullback and Dost at tailback after averaging 9 yards per carry as a sophomore. On defense, Lynn is rated one of the top cornerbacks in the country by recruiting services. He had five interceptions and returned two kickoffs and one punt for touchdowns in ‘07. Colbert, the top returning tackler, is instinctive and a good leader.
Toughest games: Sept. 5 vs. Bixby, Sept. 12 vs. No. 31 Union, Sept. 19 at Owasso, Oct. 31 at Muskogee

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 13 Bastrop

13. Bastrop (La.)
Last season’s record: 15-0, Class 4A champion
Coach: Brad Bradshaw
Key players: QB/WR Rueben Randle (6-3, 195, Sr.), DE DeQuinta Jones (6-2, 265, Sr.), OG/DT Josh Downs (6-3, 275, Sr.), LB Tai Alford (5-10, 180, Sr.), RB Dwight Hawkins (5-11, 195, Sr.), DB RaDarrius Winston (5-11, 175, Sr.), DB Keldrick Anderson (5-10, 170, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Experience on OL and defense
Question mark: Inexperience at WR
Outlook: The third-longest active win streak in the nation among 11-man teams belongs to the Rams (44), who are in search of their fourth consecutive 4A title. There are five starters back on offense, including three on the offensive line. That will help with any growing pains experienced by Randle, who moves to quarterback after already compiling a brilliant resume as one of the most highly recruited wide receiver prospects in the country. As a junior, he caught 55 passes for over 1,000 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also returned three punts for touchdowns. Hawkins, who had over 700 combined rushing and receiving yards, will assume a greater workload as a senior. Six starters are back on defense, including two outstanding linemen in Michigan recruit Jones and LSU commit Downs. Four-year starter Alford returns at linebacker, where he led the team in tackles as a junior.
Toughest games: Sept. 26 at East St. John, Oct. 17 vs. No. 69 Evangel Christian

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 14 Oscar Smith

14. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake, Va.)
Last season’s record: 13-1, lost in Division 6 semifinals
Coach: Richard Morgan
Key players: QB Phil Sims (6-2, 210, Jr.), LB Perry Jones (5-9, 190, Sr.), LB Jerod Askew (6-0, 230, Sr.), DT Evan Hailes (6-2, 315, Jr.), DE Jarmara Gray (6-1, 245, Sr.), WR Tim Smith (5-11, 175, Sr.)
Biggest strength: Defensive front seven, OL, QB
Question mark: Replacing three Division I WR’s
Outlook: Three of last year’s starting wideouts graduated on to Division I college football, but the Tigers still have seven starters back on each side of the ball. The passing game should remain a point of strength with Sims – already a three-year starter -- under center. As a sophomore, he threw for over 3,000 yards with 33 touchdowns. There is still a productive receiver around with Smith, who caught 30 passes for nearly 700 yards. He also returned five punts for touchdowns last season. Up front, Oscar Smith should be solid with four offensive line starters back in the lineup. The Tigers’ defense allowed only 6 points a game in ’07, but this year’s unit could be even better. Forming perhaps the best linebacker duo in the state will be Jones, a Virginia recruit who had 13 sacks and 26 tackles for loss, and fellow blue chip recruit Askew, who had 14 sacks and 28 tackles for loss. At defensive tackle, Hailes was all-state as a sophomore with 12 sacks and 18 tackles for loss. Rounding out the talented unit is defensive end Gray, who had 17 sacks and 20 tackles for loss.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. Great Bridge, Oct. 3 vs. Western Branch

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 15 Trinity

15. Trinity (Louisville, Ky.)
Last season’s record: 13-2, Class 6A champion
Coach: Bob Beatty
Key players: LB Jordan Whiting (6-0, 230, Sr.), RB Tim Phillips (5-6, 160, Sr.), LB Brock Messina (6-0, 195, Sr.), QB Cameron Smyth (5-11, 175, Sr.), WR/DB Scott Radcliff (5-11, 170, Sr.), OL Brett Kapfhammer (6-2, 245, Sr.), LB Josh Lewis (6-2, 200, Jr.)
Biggest strength: LB, RB
Question mark: Inexperience on offensive line
Outlook: Future Ohio State Buckeye Whiting leads the Shamrocks in their quest for state championship No. 19, which would be their seventh in eight years. Whiting, a three-year starter, had 111 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions as a junior. He, Messina and Lewis gives Trinity a great trio of athletes at the linebacker position. Running back Phillips, also a three-year starter, has over 3,000 rushing yards and 51 touchdowns in his career. The Central Michigan commit is not big but has excellent speed and is a handful for defenders in the open field. Smyth takes over at quarterback after playing receiver as a junior. Radcliff, who will start both ways, should be Smyth’s top target after catching 40 passes for more than 700 yards and 10 touchdowns last season. Trinity has two games circled on its schedule as the season begins – and both are against St. Xavier. The Shamrocks gave defending National Prep Poll champion St. Xavier of Cincinnati all it could handle a year ago before losing, 47-31. St. Xavier of Louisville is Trinity’s oldest and most bitter rival. Their annual regular season get-together at Papa John’s Stadium regularly draws over 30,000 fans.
Toughest games: Sept. 19 vs. No. 18 Cincinnati St. Xavier, Oct. 3 vs. MW No. 9 Louisville St. Xavier

PrepNation 101 Preseason FB Countdown: No. 16 Orange Lutheran

16. Lutheran (Orange, Calif.)
Last season’s record: 10-2, lost in CIF Southern Section Pac-5 semifinals
Coach: Jim Kunau
Key players: DT Kapono Asuega (6-0, 270, Sr.), QB Bobby Wheatley (6-3, 205, Jr.), QB Ryan Orozco (6-3, 190, Jr.), RB Exavier Edwards (5-9, 195, Jr.), OL/DE Aaron Prindle (6-1, 255, Sr.), LB/FB Jeremiah Pemasa (5-9, 205, Sr.), DB/WR Terrance Brown (5-11, 170, Sr.), DB/WR Gabe Lemon (5-9, 185, Sr.), DB/RB Kyle Dravis (5-9, 175, Sr.), OL Moses Peralta (6-2, 280, Sr.), WR Scotty Williams (5-9, 180, Sr.), DE Mike Arakelia