BEST OF THE REST: WHO MISSED THE CUT
We've had a lot of questions about which teams were left on the bubble from our Big Ticket Top 25 Poll. Here's a brief rundown, in no particular order, on who we feel are the top teams that were left on the outside looking in.
CENTRAL CATHOLIC: The Vikings are one of the most popular picks to be a dark horse in the L-V-C this season. They'll get battle-tested all season in one of the toughest conferences in the state. And since they play at the 3A level, they could make a run at a District 11 title.
WHITEHALL: We'll learn a lot about the Zephyrs when they host a very good Conrad Weiser team from Berks County in week one. They return some key seniors on both sides of the ball, but will need to fill some holes if they want to contend in the L-V-C.
PHILLIPSBURG: The Stateliners are a bit hard to figure out. They won a New Jersey state championship last year, but also laid a tremendous egg in a lopsided loss to Easton on Thanksgiving. A lot is gone from last year's team, but we think they'll contend again in the Skyland Conference.
BANGOR: The Slaters are one of three Colonial League teams that missed out on the poll simply because they're 3A schools instead of 2A. They lost a very talented senior class to graduation, and will need a lot of young kids to step into those roles this season. But they return one of the most dynamic players in the area, in all-purpose quarterback Scott LaValva.
SOUTHERN LEHIGH: The Spartans broke through last year for their first District 11 playoff berth in 10 years. They lost versatile playmaker Rocco DelPriore from that team, but almost all of the other skill players are back, including senior quarterback Corey Sroka.
NORTHWESTERN: The Tigers were very young in 2008, and it showed in their 4-6 finish. But those kids have learned what it takes to compete at the varsity level, and they believe they can rebound nicely in 2009.
MUHLENBERG: It's strange to not see the Muhls in the preseason poll, but they lost a lot of key players to graduation last year. And perhaps their most important loss was long-time coach John Yocum, who chose to retire after a fantastic career.
ABINGTON: The Galloping Ghosts finished 10-3 last year, with their only losses coming on the road against top-tier teams (Neshaminy, Pennsbury, and North Penn). They return a lot this season, and could be a force to be reckoned with in District One.
QUAKERTOWN: The Panthers return almost all of their skill kids from a 9-3 team last year, including four-year starting tailback Tony Latronica. If they can overcome some injuries along the offensive and defensive lines, they could be a double-digit wins team this season.
SOUDERTON: The Indians were very young last year, and they hope the lumps they took as underclassmen will help prepare them for a memorable run this season. They get tested right out of the gate though, with a trip to Neshaminy and a home game with Downingtown East.
DOWNINGTOWN EAST: Speaking of Downingtown East, the Cougars are another team that could make a run in District One. They're not to thrilled that their rivals at Downingtown West are getting all the preseason love (they're #3 in our poll), and they think they can challenge in the Ches-Mont this season.
SCHUYLKILL HAVEN: The Hurricanes ran all the way to the single-A state title game last year, but almost all of that team was lost to graduation. The coaches hope that winning experience has rubbed off on the younger classes.
TAMAQUA: The Raiders barely missed out on the District 11 playoffs last year, and are using that as motivation in 2009. If they can fill a few holes, they could sneak in the postseason this season.
MARIAN CATHOLIC: The Colts had disappointing finish to last season, dropping their last three games, including their District 11 playoff opener. They plan on rebounding at the single-A level in 2009.
CATASAUQUA: The Rough Riders lost stud two-way player Devin Milarchik from last year's squad, and will try to spread the ball around more this season. An entirely new coaching staff is in place, which has Catty fans optimistic about the future.