TEAM TO BEAT:

Jeannette: The Jayhawks have all-everything quarterback Terrelle Pryor and much more. Nine starters return on defense and seven on offense.

CONTENDERS:

Greensburg Central Catholic: They might have lost all but four starters, but the Centurions will reload quickly. Receiver-defensive back Chris Hayden-Martin is a Pitt recruit.

McGuffey: The Highlanders' improvement under coach Derek Bochna could continue with seven starters back on offense, six on defense.

East Allegheny: This is one of the more intriguing teams in the WPIAL because close to 20 players came from closed Duquesne High School. They should help the Wildcats improve on a 1-9 season.

Washington: The Prexies return six starters, including quarterback Chad Smith and linemen Rick Corso, Shayne Barnes and Sam Miller.

Yough: The Cougars have gone 23-7 the past three seasons, but only one offensive starter returns.

THE OTHERS:

Waynesburg: The Raiders have a new coach in Scott Orndoff, but must find a way to replace the 2,201 yards in total offense provided by the graduated Troy Cree.

Southmoreland: Eight starters return on offense and seven on defense -- including 2006 all-conference RB-LB Erik Frunk.

Brownsville: The Falcons won only one game last season, and their average margin of defeat in eight losses was 41.4 points.

-- By Chris Adamski