TEAM TO BEAT:

Central Catholic: The Vikings are ranked in the top 25 in some national polls. QB Tino Sunseri (86 of 151 for 1,408 yards last season) already has committed to the University of Louisville. The defense should be very strong with DE Quentin Williams, LB Dan Vaughan, LB Jon Petrigac, LB Terrell Anderson and DB Andrew Taglianetti. But halfback is unsettled after a knee injury in practice last week to Dom Timbers.

CONTENDERS:

Norwin: This could be the Knights' best team in a few years. Fullback-linebacker Tyler Urban has committed to Maryland. Receiver-defensive back Mike Shanahan also has Division I offers, although he has decided to play basketball in college.

Penn-Trafford: Coach Art Tragesser always finds a way to get his team near the top of the conference. Receiver Justin Edwards caught 31 passes last season and Chris Rasky (first-team all-conference) had 18. Quarterback is a question mark.

Hempfield: Coach Greg Meisner likes his skill-position players, including running back Nick Higginbothum.

THE OTHERS

Latrobe: Wildcats have only 10 seniors, but one of them is all-conference defensive back Ryan Kissell.

Connellsville: New coach Lou DeSimone takes over a team that was outscored, 294-92, last season.

-- By Mike White