TEAM TO BEAT:

Serra: Isaiah Jackson, a 6-foot, 226-pound senior is coming off a 1,000-yard rushing season, and he will be the focus of the offense, running behind mammoth lineman Pat Grubbs, who weighs over 300 pounds, and returning all-conference lineman John Haag (5-11, 280). Also, senior DB Chris Loving, was a standout at East Allegheny before transferring.

CONTENDERS:

Beth-Center: Much of the talent from last year's WPIAL semifinalist is gone, but theBulldogs should still be strong. Lineman Jeff Paletta and QB Dom Moore, who threw for over 600 yards last year, are two of the leaders.

Fort Cherry: Losing Jordan Clemons (1,800 yds. rushing) will hurt. Junior RB Nathan Crossey and senior QB David Phillips must pick up the slack.

Chartiers-Houston: The Bucs are looking to rebound from a 5-5 season that ended with a blowout loss in the playoffs. Junior Brad Banas, ran for 428 yards last year and senior Andy Petras 406.

THE OTHERS

Bentworth: The Bearcats will depend on four seniors: QB-LB Adam McNary, WR-S Alex Ball, OL-LB Charles Berdine and RB-LB Cory Strennan.

Avella: The Eagles, led by second-year coach Scott Werner, should improve from 1-9. Senior C-DT Derek Cannon (6-4, 285) will be hard to ignore.

Frazier: The Commodores narrowly missed the postseason last year and are hoping to get back to the playoffs for the first time since 2002.

-- By Colin Dunlap