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1. Blue Hill

2008 record: 12-1

It's been quite a five-year run for the Bobcats, culminating in the 2008 state title, and they may not be done. If young linemen step up, they again could be the class of the west. Chad Hastings returns at quarterback and Riley Bonifas at running back. All five defensive returning starters are linebackers or backs.

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2. Fremont Bergan

2008 record: 10-3

Only one starter returns in a 4-4 defensive front that helped Bergan reach the state final in 2008. And depth might be a worry. Everything else looks good, however, for a team that returns junior Riley Gross at quarterback, most of its other skill people and quality linemen Nick Lassek and T.J. Bottorff.

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3. Ravenna

2008 record: 8-3

With 15 returning starters, the Bluejays should see Blue Hill somewhere deep into the playoffs. Senior quarterback Josh Crowell rushed for 1,867 yards last year, and most of his line is back.

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4. Hartington Cedar Catholic

2008 record: 8-2

Count the Trojans among those in need of linemen, while returning most of their skill players. Chad Koch is a proven 1,000-yard rusher and Justin Leise is an experienced quarterback. Jake Stevens and Todd Bottolfsen return at offensive guard.

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5. Ponca

2008 record: 5-5

Preseason buzz for the Indians is high, since eight starters return to their double-wing offense and nine to defense. Most will be third-year regulars. Running back Jared Curry and quarterback Andrew Watchorn form a solid backfield combo.

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6. Elmwood-Murdock

2008 record: 11-1

Only four seniors return as the Knights aim to extend streaks of nine district titles and 10 playoff appearances. Lance Steffen and Nathan Hohman, and junior Sam Burtch, ran on last year's Class C champion 1,600 relay at the state meet. Burtch and Zach Zobel are battling to start at quarterback.

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7. Elm Creek

2008 record: 10-1

The Buffaloes' seven returning starters are the fewest for any ranked team in C-2. Their strengths are in the offensive backfield, where Derek Foster is a third-year back, and the secondary.

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8. Stanton

2008 record: 10-1

Five of seven starters return on the offensive line in the Mustangs' double-wing formation. Tate Erbst battered defenses for 1,148 yards and has put on 20 pounds. Two sophomores may start in the secondary.

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9. Cambridge

2008 record: 7-3

Another seven-win season seems possible for the Trojans, a perennial playoff team, although Catlin Rice and Justin Hamel are their only two returning starters on the line. Hayden Ekberg is back to run the wishbone offense.

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10. Sutherland

2008 record: 5-4

There are 11 seniors eager to get the Sailors afloat in the playoffs. Randon McKain's knee is healed and he seeks a third straight 1,000-yard rushing campaign. Alex Sandberg threw for 140 yards a game and has three of his offensive linemen coming back.

— Stu Pospisil

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