1. Millard West

2008 record: 13-0

Returning starters: 6 (4 offense, 2 defense)

It seems like a typical year is in store for the Wildcats. Rebuild the offensive line, identify a starting quarterback, win games. Matt Longacre and Brandon Yost will be the leaders of a young defense.

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2. Creighton Prep

2008 record: 11-1

Returning starters: 7 (3 offense, 4 defense)

While senior Adam Svoboda gets his feet wet as the new quarterback, his job is to get Nick Mizaur the handoff so Mizaur can run behind Jeff Uher and another large O-line. Cody Hobbs and Joe Kizer are returners at linebacker.

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3. Millard South

2008 record: 9-4

Returning starters: 8 (5 offense, 3 defense)

No team starts with a better set of skill players than the Patriots, whose Bronson Marsh returns for a third and final year at quarterback. It's the defense that again is a concern. It needs more three-and-outs to get that offense more field time.

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4. Omaha North

2008 record: 10-2

Returning starters: 11 (5 offense, 6 defense)

The Vikings will sport their usually stout defense, led by 2009 athlete of the year Ron Coleman Jr. on the line, Aireast Shelly at linebacker and Kendall Anderson in the secondary. Coleman will get more carries on offense. Senior Jacob Claeys looks like the probable starting quarterback.

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5. Omaha Burke

2008 record: 7-3

Returning starters: 12 (7 offense, 5 defense)

A potent offense could take the Bulldogs deeper into the playoffs. Jimmie Forsythe showed plenty of quarterback moxie as a sophomore and has Lavant Moore to throw to. Stephon Washington and Austin Williams will run behind the blocks of Jake Olafson and Jessie Slaughter.

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6. Lincoln Southwest

2008 record: 6-4

Returning starters: 10 (6 offense, 4 defense)

A pair of one-point losses stood between the Silver Hawks and an 8-1 regular season. Third-year starting QB Rylan Cotton, a run-pass threat, will be the key to winning the close ones. Jeff Seybold becomes the full-time I-back after scoring on 11 of his 100 carries last year. Line development will be a factor on both sides of the ball.

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7. Grand Island

2008 record: 8-3

Returning starters: 8 (2 offense, 6 defense)

Coach Jeff Tomlin hopes experience on defense and the kicking game will carry the Islanders until they find an identity on offense with nine new starters. Andy Gdowski at defensive end and Kellen Werner at middle linebacker are among the top defenders.

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8. Millard North

2008 record: 2-7

Returning starters: 17 (8 offense, 9 defense)

Injuries and a vicious schedule got to the Mustangs last year. The schedule doesn't change, with challenges to open and end the year. Connor Thomas gets his chance to operate the wingbone offense. Defense should be drastically improved.

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9. Papillion-La Vista

2008 record: 5-5

Returning starters: 10 (5 offense, 5 defense)

Class A's best passing offense lives here, with third-year starter Jeff Weander again throwing to Glenn Lewis and Sir Bullock. The question mark will be a nearly new set of linemen. If the Monarchs find replacements, seven or eight wins are possible.

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10. Kearney

2008 record: 7-4

Returning starters: 5 (1 offense, 4 defense)

Coach Brandon Cool starts over on offense for another year. Defensive back Brandon Landanger is the probable starter at quarterback. New inside linebacker Sean Cherry could have a big season.

— Stu Pospisil

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