1. Wahoo Neumann

2008 record: 8-3

With so many of the traditional powers short on returning seniors, Class C-1 lacks a prohibitive favorite. One reason opposing coaches like Neumann's chances is third-year quarterback Dylan McGill, one of the Cavs' nine returning starters, who was all-state as a sophomore when Neumann was state champion.

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2. Norfolk Catholic

2008 record: 10-1

The Knights have experienced skill players but must rebuild both lines and start over in their kicking game. Kelby Seyl will be a stabilizer at running back and outside linebacker.

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3. Crofton

2008 record: 6-4

The Warriors return nine starters on each platoon, but the few graduation losses cost them size in the lines. Junior quarterback Christian Nohr has a big target in 6-foot-7, 250-pound tight end Weston Foxhoven. Coach Tony Hoffman expects the defense to fly to the ball.

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4. Hastings St. Cecilia

2008 record: 10-1

Could be the year the Bluehawks make it back to the state final, provided they can retool the defense with eight new starters. Beau Schwenka takes over at quarterback and Dalton Sealey is a possible 1,000-yard rusher.

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5. Chadron

2008 record: 11-1

Brady Roes, a junior, looks to get the first call to throw to the Cardinals' triplets at wide receiver — Alec Holmquist, Zac Bargen and Charlie Marsh. They combined last season for 90 catches and 1,400 yards. Biggest defensive need is to replace most of the linebackers in a 4-4 alignment.

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6. Boys Town

2008 record: 12-1

This defense is going to be very good. Newcomer Demetrius Pitts and Kevin Barrett are bookend defensive ends. Derrick Brooks is an all-state caliber linebacker, and there are speedy defensive backs, too. Kevin Humphrey averaged 8 yards a carry, but he and the rest of the Cowboys will be working with a new quarterback.

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7. Syracuse

2008 record: 11-1

The speed is back from the Rockets' most successful team in the playoff era. But the size is missing. They must develop both lines and restock the linebackers. Adam Vogt threw for 1,187 yards, with 10 of his 15 TD passes to 6-4 wide receiver Nick Reed.

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8. Pierce

2008 record: 12-1

A third consecutive title is probably too much for these Bluejays to achieve after heavy graduation losses. But there's been plenty of mop-up time to expose the new group to varsity football, so the dropoff may not be that drastic.

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9. Gothenburg

2008 record: 9-2

Yes, another team with an experienced backfield and an untested line. The Swedes have three-year center Tyler Sheets to anchor the offensive line. Mark Hilderbrand at quarterback and 1,000-yard rusher Landen Haake are among the returners.

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10. Bennington

2008 record: 6-4

The Badgers could improve on last year's record because they return junior quarterback Trevor Bohn and a couple of his top receivers. Tom Keck is a three-year starter in the offensive line.

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— Stu Pospisil

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