EASTERN

North Catholic -- The punchline continues: the Trojans are Long in talent. A season ago, junior quarterback Martin Long passed for 1,397 yards and 13 touchdowns, and added 488 rushing yards and seven scores. He's joined by his cousin, Jesse, a wide receiver. A solid pair of running backs -- senior Matt Fedzen and sophomore Julian Durden -- also return.

Springdale -- Senior quarterback Brian Shemenski (6-3, 205), a returning all-conference pick, and junior running back Bill Arch (6-0, 160) reap the benefits from a veteran offensive line anchored by seniors Dylan Dzugan (6-6, 270) and Corey Kaczor (5-11, 270).

Brentwood -- A trio of senior playmakers are expected to help put the Spartans in the conference championship hunt. Standout play from quarterback Cory Bauer, running back Lamont Robinson and wide receiver Danny Lucas is key.

Riverview -- Junior quarterback Terrel Craighead (6-1, 165) returns, as does favorite target Brandon Seachrist (6-3, 175).

Avonworth -- After a magical season, the defending conference champions must replace many key cogs. Senior Jim Zubik is a dangerous receiver and kick returner, but moves to QB.

Carlynton -- Searching for their first playoff appearance since 2001, the Cougars will lean on junior running backs Jake Howard and Jake Hatcher.

Wilkinsburg -- The Tigers have been shut out of the playoffs the past seven years, and an eighth year seems likely.

Leechburg -- With just four victories in the past five seasons, the Blue Devils need much improvement on both sides of the ball after getting outscored, 424-59, in a winless season.

BLACK HILLS

Clairton -- It may not seem possible, but the Bears could pack even more bite this season. The defending WPIAL champions are led by senior running back Deontae Howard (1,746 yards, 25 touchdowns) and senior wide receiver and Pitt recruit Kevin Weatherspoon (1,468 yards, 24 touchdowns). Keep an eye on junior defensive end Desimon Green (6-5, 215), a freakish athlete who will also start at quarterback.

Serra -- Standout quarterback T.J. Heatherington is gone, but the Eagles' cupboard of talent is far from bare. Heatherington's brother, Rob, returns as a senior and will see time at quarterback. Senior wide receiver Randall Coleman and senior lineman Evan Sargo, both all-conference picks, also return.

Burgettstown -- Sophomore quarterback Dylan Bongiorni (6-2, 170) was terrific as a freshman, throwing for 1,281 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Blue Devils are solid on the lines and welcome back 14 starters in all.

Fort Cherry -- Returning eight starters from a defense that was solid a season ago should benefit a young offense that could experience some growing pains.

Bentworth -- New coach Lou Rood takes over a squad that returns many of their top skill-position players, including senior halfback Joe Vahaly.

Chartiers-Houston -- The Bucs are young, so an eighth playoff appearance in a row will be challenging.

Frazier -- Last season, the Commodores tallied their most wins (four) since 2004, but the odds of making a first postseason trip since 2002 look slim.

Avella -- Improvement looks to be in the cards, but winning a game is still questionable. The Eagles (0-9 last season) had only 18 players out for the team.

BIG SEVEN

Rochester -- Losing only to WPIAL finalists Clairton and Monaca last season, the Rams appear ready to make another strong run at their first title since 2004. Shifty senior running back Trey Johnson (5-8, 170) is also a lockdown cornerback. Junior Jason Adamson (6-0, 170) moves from wide receiver to quarterback.

South Side Beaver -- In regards to what the Rams should do this season, the name of their new coach (Jim Winner) couldn't be more appropriate. The Rams bring back 16 starters, including junior running back Luke Shaffer (742 yards, 10 touchdowns).

Laurel -- The pitch-catch combination of senior quarterback Tyler Forbes (911 yards, nine touchdowns) and senior wide receiver Jacob Dando (43 catches, 640 yards) is one of the best in Class A. Patching up a defense that surrendered over 25 points per game is key.

Shenango -- Returning eight starters on both sides of the ball, the Wildcats will be paced by junior running back Anthony Kosciuszko (5-9, 175).

Monaca -- A return trip to the WPIAL title game seems unlikely for the Indians, who have many holes to fill.

Western Beaver -- A rebuilding season for the Golden Beavers, who graduated their starting quarterback and a rushing tandem that combined for more than 2,000 yards.

Neshannock -- Senior fullback Chris Kirkwood logged 610 total yards (rushing and receiving) and six touchdowns a season ago.

Union -- The Scotties seek their first winning record and playoff berth since 2003.

TRI-COUNTY SOUTH

Monessen -- A pair of physically imposing athletes -- junior quarterback Terrance Stepoli (6-4, 195) and senior defensive back Sheldon Miller (6-3, 205) -- have the Greyhounds thinking big things. Nine starters return on offense and eight on defense. Speedy junior running back Trae Cook is another player to watch.

Beth-Center -- Fresh off a perfect mark in conference play, the Bulldogs will ride the legs of junior running back Josh Lockett, who was great last season (1,093 yards and 19 touchdowns).

Jefferson-Morgan -- The Rockets return seven starters on offense and defense, including senior running back Hans Lubich, who averaged more than seven yards per carry (712 total) and 13 touchdowns a season ago.

California -- Senior quarterback D.J. Martinak passed for 1,071 yards and 13 touchdowns last year and gets back senior wide receiver Wade Stinnett.

Carmichaels -- The Mighty Mikes have a trio of potential breakout juniors: quarterback Jon Krall, wide receiver Josh Greene and running back Zach Mundell.

Mapletown -- The Maples hope that improved seasons from leading rusher Zach Fecsko and leading passer Cory Minnick get them to the playoffs for the first time in four years.

Geibel -- Looking to build on their first multi-win season since 1996, the Gators return top rushers Hudnell Caldwell, a senior, and Christian Henckel, a junior.

West Greene -- Only one team in the WPIAL surrendered more points (47.9 per game), so improving defensively is the Pioneers' top priority.