1. Aurora

2008 record: 12-1

Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense)

The conditions are ripe for a repeat title. The Huskies have plenty of experience and some top athletes such as Nebraska line recruit Andrew Rodriguez. And they catch McCook this season reloading more than usual. How Aurora handles being the favorite will be a huge factor.

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2. Omaha Skutt

2008 record: 6-5

Returning starters: 10 (7 offense, 3 defense)

The SkyHawks' offense kicked in during the second half of last season behind quarterback Christian Dudzik, and the big-play capability will continue. Skutt must rebuild on defense, but coach Matt Turman said the potential for a good unit is there.

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3. McCook

2008 record: 11-1

Returning starters: 4 (2 offense, 2 defense)

The option is not dead, coach Jeff Gross said. “In fact, expect more of it than ever this year. The players we return have been excelling at option football since they were little kids.'' Chad Stull takes over for Matt Berry at quarterback, and Andy Smith becomes the workhorse tailback.

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4. Waverly

2008 record: 8-2

Returning starters: 13 (7 offense, 6 defense)

The option lives in Waverly. Nebraska recruit Tyler Evans is a third-year starter as a wishbone quarterback. The breakaway back could be 5-6 junior Jared Hines. The Vikings suffered a couple of key losses on defense, but the unit should be up to the challenges on the schedule.

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5. Beatrice

2008 record: 11-2

Returning starters: 6 (4 offense, 2 defense)

Whoever grabs spots in the backfield will like having 285-pound Jesse Hinz, 260-pound Robert Wagar and 235-pound Jon Kolman blocking for them. Phil McClure split time at quarterback on the state runner-up squad last year. Newcomer Daniel Davie could help cure concerns about replacing speed in the backfield.

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6. Lincoln Pius X

2008 record: 9-3

Returning starters: 6 (3 offense, 3 defense)

Three returning offensive linemen and two defensive backs account for most of the Thunderbolts' returning experience. But Pius X is one of those programs that rarely drops off.

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7. Crete

2008 record: 5-5

Returning starters: 8 (3 offense, 5 defense)

These Cardinals are young, coach Chuck McGinnis said, with only four seniors who are returning starters. Ryne Reeves, a 287-pound tackle, is a junior who already is committed to Nebraska. Defensive play will dictate how far Crete can progress.

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8. Omaha Gross

2008 record: 9-2

Returning starters: 8 (4 offense, 4 defense)

The Cougars will miss NU recruit C.J. Zimmerer and the rest of their graduated seniors who were 25-7 over three seasons, but a group of veteran linemen will ease the transition. Coach Tim Johnk is expecting good things from senior quarterback Kyle Dostal.

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9. Adams Central

2008 record: 6-3

Returning starters: 12 (6 offense, 6 defense)

Missing the 2008 playoffs will be a huge motivator for the Patriots. Their returners include running back Ryan Behmer (1,455 yards and 21 touchdowns) and leading receiver Nathan Arlt. Behmer was also last season's leading tackler.

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10. Plattsmouth

2008 record: 2-7

Returning starters: 18 (9 offense, 9 defense)

Bob Fuller coached the Blue Devils' 1979 state runner-up team, and believes the 2009 team potentially is that good. A big “if,” he said, is the lack of depth on the offensive line. A team rocked by injuries last year must shore up its defense for a turnaround season.

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— Stu Pospisil

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