TEAM TO BEAT:

Riverside: The Panthers have qualified for the WPIAL playoffs in four of the past five seasons, but they have not won a conference championship in that time. With 1,200-yard rusher Jake Wickline headlining eight returning starters on both sides of the ball, this could be their year.

CONTENDERS:

Mars: The Planets lost the majority of their starters from the conference co-championship team, but Bill Bair led WPIAL in rushing (1,928 yards).

Laurel: The Spartans are shooting for their fourth consecutive playoff appearance, and Pat Conti is a standout tight end-linebacker.

Mohawk: Only three starters return on each side of the ball, but one is all-conference lineman Rusty Cowher.

Shenango: New coach Ryan Mayo will move Ryan Tanner from RB to QB, to replace Rocco Colavecchia, the WPIAL's passing leader last season.

THE OTHERS:

Union: The Scotties have experienced skill-position players, including QB Mike Pelto and RBs Linnell Robinson and Markus Allen.

Summit Academy: The Knights have been on the cusp of a playoff berth each of the past two seasons but have only two returning starters.

Neshannock: New coach Pat Cuba takes over a team that was 1-9 last season.

Cornell: New coach Dan Knause is hoping for big things from his skill-position players to be competitive.

-- By Chris Adamski