TEAM TO BEAT:

Rochester: Are the Rams ever not the team to beat in this conference? Coach Gene Matsookhas won 45 games over the past four years. Junior TE-LB Paul Everson can dominate while junior FB-LB Preston Johnson (5-11, 195) is solid. Up front, few linemen are as skilled -- and as large -- as two-way senior Ryan Beatrice (6-3, 300).

CONTENDERS:

North Catholic: The Trojans' offensive line could dominate opponents and will be coach Bob Ravenstahl's strength. Watch out for junior receiver Matt Long and sophomore running back Matt Fedzen.

Western Beaver: RB-DB Shane Waida rolled to over 1,000 yards rushing last year, but who else is going to perform?

THE OTHERS:

Monaca: Senior TE-LB Donny Couch is a bruiser, and the senior backfield tandem of running back Josh Himes and fullback Nick Phillips will be vital to Monaca's success.

Bishop Canevin: The Crusaders have to deal with some significant personnel losses. Senior receiver Greg Jones is formidable, and senior kicker Dan Sullivan is one of the WPIAL's best.

South Side Beaver: The Rams were decimated by graduation, but senior receiver/running back Eric White (5-11, 170) is a multi-talented player who caught 14 passes last year.

Avonworth: Junior tailback Khiry Watts is a bona fide track star and will make noise at RB.

-- By Colin Dunlap