TEAM TO BEAT

Mount Pleasant: Maybe the Vikings can break the Keystone Conference's string of futility. Keystone teams are 0-24 in the playoffs the past six seasons. Senior running back Jake Hoffer is coming off a 1,000-yard campaign and TE-DE Chet Welc (6-4, 230) is a Division I prospect.

CONTENDERS

Belle Vernon: The Leopards were vastly improved in Lou Rood's first season as coach last year, and should be even better this year. FB Jon Krepps, HB Shane Curran and WR Tyler Shutterly are a talented senior trio.

Laurel Highlands: Senior tight end/defensive end Kaleb Ramsey (6-4, 270) is, hands down, the top talent in the conference, and a Boston College recruit.

Uniontown: The Red Raiders had some growing pains last year, winning just once. Junior quarterback Doug Sanner threw for 1,119 yards as a sophomore and running back Daylan McLee ran for 343.

THE OTHERS

Ringgold: Veteran coach Jeff Petrucci has been around, but this is his first year at Ringgold. Junior receiver Jake Spazziani caught 23 passes a year ago.

Derry: Derry has only nine seniors, but one is fullback Nathan Harr (337 yards rushing last year).

Albert Gallatin: Coach Tim Tracy will play his Trump card a lot -- as in senior tight end Zach Trump (6-3, 185).

-- By Colin Dunlap