Mountain Pointe captured a D1 state title in 2013 and returns the state's fastest player, Paul Lucas.
Photo by Mark Jones
Here are 25 other teams to keep an eye on this fall:
Acadiana (Lafayette, La.)Acadiana demolished Parkway 71-44 to capture a state title last season, and has several all-state picks returning from that squad.
Archbishop Moeller (Cincinnati)It's hard to ever count out Moeller, the two-time defending state champion in Ohio's largest classification.
Archer (Lawrenceville, Ga.)With 15 starters back, Archer could be Gwinnett County's top team and is a serious threat in Class 6A.
Bingham (South Jordan, Utah)The 5A defending state champion, Bingham is a title favorite once again, but will have to fend off Osa Masina and a loaded Brighton squad.
Bolingbrook (Ill.)After an early playoff exit last fall spoiled a perfect season, Bolingbrook returns with a glut of three- and four-year starters including quarterback Quincy Woods and towering players on both sides of the line.
Blue Springs (Mo.)Gone is Dalvin Warmack, but Ian Brown (45 touchdowns) is one of a dozen starters back from last year's impressive 14-0 squad.
Brother Rice (Bloomfield Hills, Mich.)The Catholic League power has won three consecutive state titles and returns Michigan-bound signal-caller Alex Malzone. Longtime assistant Dave Sofran takes over for coaching giant and beloved community figure Al Fracassa.
Buford (Ga.)Once again very talented, Buford will be matched up with its Florida mirror image, Trinity Christian, in an intriguing season-opening showdown.
Carroll (Southlake, Texas)Dual-threat quarterback Ryan Agnew returns to lead one of the nation's premier programs.
Centennial (Corona, Calif.)Matt Logan is arguably the top coach in Southern California. The Huskies' defense will be experienced, and the young offense won't take too long to blossom.
Creekside (Fairburn, Ga.)Arguably the state's top team last year, Creekside is teeming with future college players.
DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.)Elijah Brooks' squad lost a tremendous senior class, but the young players looking to step in could be equally effective.
Destrehan (La.)Louisiana has several very good teams on paper entering the fall. Destrehan is one that could emerge as a great team.
Dutch Fork (Irmo, S.C.)South Carolina's defending 4A-I champion has 12 starters back, and at a time when there's tremendous coaching turmoil in the state, it also has seasoned head coach Tom Knotts at the helm.
Flanagan (Pembroke Pines, Fla.)There is tremendous buzz around Flanagan entering the summer. The squad should be able to hang with Broward County's best.
Curtis (River Ridge, La.)As long as the sun continues to rise in River Ridge, Curtis will be good at football. This year's team is young but will probably take home state title No. 27.
Long Beach Poly (Calif.)A dozen starters greet first-year head coach Antoine Pierce, who expects to see improvements in his first year.
Manvel (Texas)Between D'erig King, Deontay Anderson and Vine star Gary Haynes, few teams can match the skill players of Manvel.
McDonogh (Owings Mills, Md.)Fresh off a 13-0 season, McDonogh is the trendy pick as the top team in the Baltimore area.
Miramar (Fla.)The Patriots have an impressive senior class, but the team will be breaking in a new head coach, as Miramar transitions from Damon Cogdell to Matt Strout.
Mountain Pointe (Phoenix)The state's top team in 2013, Mountain Pointe should be strong again in 2014, with 11 starters back, including one of the fastest players in the country, Paul Lucas.
North Shore (Houston)Known for its punishing defense, North Shore should also be powerful on offense this fall.
Ocean Lakes (Virginia Beach, Va.)In a strong year for Virginia football, Ocean Lakes is near the top. It has numerous blue-chip returners from last year's 12-1 squad.
Punahou (Honolulu)Fourteen starters return from last year's unbeaten squad, including premier recruit Canton Kaumatule.
Westlake (Westlake Village, Calif.)Nearly all of Westlake's key skill players last year were underclassmen.
