TEAM TO BEAT:

Clairton: Senior linebacker Manny Williams (6-1, 195) has committed to Pitt. Kurtis Rassan (6-2, 215), another senior linebacker, has committed to Toledo, while senior linebackers Jeff Thompson and Quintin Brody are Division I talents. Sprinkle in senior running back Zaire Washington ,who ran for over 1,500 yards, and junior nose guard David Spence and the Bears very well could return to Heinz Field.

CONTENDERS:

Springdale: Coach Chuck Wagner enters his 42nd year of coaching, and his Dynamos will be paced by all-conference running back Nathan Zurisko also a talented safety, kicker and punter. Senior receiver Aaron Figore and senior lineman Bill Dugan will complement Zurisko.

Riverview: Coach Todd Massack takes over a team that could battle for the conference title behind senior twins Jake and Josh Dezort. Jake is a 5-7, 205-pound lineman and Josh a 5-7, 190-pound fullback.

THE OTHERS:

Wilkinsburg: The Tigers' program needs two wins for 500 and they should do it if senior receivers Shaliek Garland and Chris Hairston perform as expected.

Apollo-Ridge: Two-way senior tackle Greg Veshinfsky (6-1, 260) and senior defensive tackle Kevin Wilson (6-2, 290) could cause opposing ball-carriers fits.

Leechburg: Coach Mark Adams, a former Leechburg player, takes over a program that won just one game last year. Adams is the fifth coach in eight years.

-- By Colin Dunlap