Last year: 12-1. Reached the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA semifinals, losing to Neshaminy, 21-14.

Key players: Mark McHugh (Sr. QB, 6-0, 195), Ryan Woods (Sr. DB/WR, 6-1, 185), Marcellus Irving (Sr. RB 6-0, 195), Tom D'Alonzo (Sr. LB 6-2, 210), Eric Warden (Sr. LB 6-0, 195), Joe Cenatiempo (Sr. OL, 6-9, 292), Andrew Weber (Sr. DL, 6-7, 225).

Games to watch: At Unionville (Sept. 4), Conestoga (Sept. 17), at Penncrest (Sept. 25), at Ridley (Oct. 30).

What to expect: The Jags will be in the running again to defend their Central League championship. Garnet Valley lost a lot of talent and experience from a highly successful group that was 25-3 over the last 2 years. McHugh will key the offense, and the Jags will have good size up front. Despite the losses, don't be surprised if the Jags repeat as league champions.

Haverford High

 

Coach: Joe Gallagher (18th season: 85-111-2).

Last year: 6-6.

Key players: Brian Clancy (Sr. OL/DL, 6-0, 245), Zack Bissey (Sr. OG/DT, 6-0, 245), Matt Moriarty (Sr. LB/RB, 5-9, 165), Sean O'Reilly (Sr. RB/LB, 5-9, 175), Keith Stewart (Sr. DB/WR, 6-1, 170).

Games to watch: Garnet Valley (Sept. 11), at Ridley (Sept. 17), Penn Wood (Nov. 13), Upper Darby (Nov. 26).

What to expect: Gallagher always does a good job and keeps his team competitive. This young team will depend on the quick maturity of junior quarterback Andre Pergolese.

Marple Newtown

 

Coach: Ray Gionta (Seventh season at Marple Newtown: 39-28; Overall: 98-92-1).

Last year: 6-6.

Key players: Kevin Johnson (Sr. QB/DB, 6-10, 190), Carl Kasarsky (Sr. TE/FB/LB, 6-2, 210), Kevan Strigle (Sr. OL/DL, 6-2, 260), Christian Whiteside (Jr. OL/DL, 6-2, 250), Ryan White (Jr. RB/DB, 5-10, 170).

Games to watch: Strath Haven (Oct. 9), Garnet Valley (Oct. 16), Radnor (Nov. 6).

What to expect: The Tigers return experience on their offensive line and at quarterback. Senior kicker Adam Fender might be able to create some field-position situations. At one point last year, Gionta started sophomores at eight positions. This team has a lot of experience and could be a factor in the league. Marple Newtown finished 6-1 in its last seven games in 2008.

Penncrest

 

Coach: Paul Graham (Third season: 13-9)

Last year: 8-3. Made the PIAA District 1 Class AAAA playoffs for first time in school history, losing to Pennsbury, 45-14, in the opening round. Penncrest's only league title came in 1966.

Key players: Jerry Boyer (Sr. LB/RB, 5-10, 210), Matt Atkinson (Sr. QB, 6-1, 175), John Young (Sr. OL/DL, 6-0, 230), Matt Bundy (Sr. WR/DB, 6-1, 170), Phil Barbieri (Sr. TE/DB, 5-10, 180).

Games to watch: Downingtown West (Sept. 4), Garnet Valley (Sept. 25), Ridley (Oct. 16), at Strath Haven (Oct. 13), at Conestoga (Nov. 13).

What to expect: Graham has done a good job in a short amount of time and a team that returns with a balanced offense, led by Boyer and Atkinson. If there is an area that falls under question, it could be at linebacker, where, besides Boyer, the Lions will be young. But Penncrest has too much firepower for most of the teams in the Central League and - barring injury - will be the team to beat.

Radnor

 

Coach: Tom Ryan (Third season: 5-16).

Last year: 2-9.

Key players: Derrick Adger (Sr. RB/DB, 6-0, 170), Gabe Snow (Sr. OL/LB, 6-1, 220), Anthony Knight (Sr. OL/DL, 6-3, 250), Jackson Carney (Sr. OL/LB, 6-2, 210), Vinny Caniglia (Jr. FB/LB, 5-10, 195), Greg DiCocco (Jr. OL/DL, 5-10, 250).

Games to watch: Archbishop Carroll (Sept. 4), Springfield (Oct. 30), at Marple Newtown (Nov. 6), Lower Merion (Nov. 14).

What to expect: Ryan has steadily built a respectable program in his three seasons at Radnor, gradually making the Red Raiders a team to watch. Adger is one of the league's most gifted players and is a threat every time he touches the ball.

Ridley

 

Coach: Dennis Decker (First season)

Last year: 10-3. Reached the quarterfinals of the District 1 Class AAAA playoffs, losing to Neshaminy, 31-3.

Key players: Casey DePrinzio (Sr. FB/LB, 5-10, 225), Alex Nicolino (Sr. WR/DB, 5-9, 170), Shahaid Smith (Jr. RB/DB, 5-7, 160), Sam Dixon-Dougan (Jr. RB/LB, 5-10, 190), Nick Hober (Sr. OL/DL, 5-11, 265).

Games to watch: At Coatesville (Sept. 4), Strath Haven (Sept. 25), at Penncrest (Oct. 16), Garnet Valley (Oct. 30).

What to expect: The Green Raiders will be as good as their offensive and defensive lines. It will come down to that. The quarterback position could come down to senior Colin Masterson and junior Sean Blundin. They'll be expected to learn on the job. The Green Raiders will be a young team.

Springfield

 

Coach: Dan Ellis (Second season: 5-6)

Last year: 5-6.

Key players: Wally Rutecki (Sr. QB/DB, 6-5, 180), Joe Devinney (Sr. WR/LB, 5-8, 170), Matt Craig (Jr. RB/DB, 5-8, 180), Dave Dewan (Sr. OL/DL, 6-2, 290), Bill McCullough (Sr. WR/LB, 5-9, 175).

Games to watch: Marple Newtown (Sept. 11), at Garnet Valley (Oct. 2), Penncrest (Oct. 9), at Ridley (Oct. 23), Strath Haven (Nov. 6).

What to expect: Ellis turned this program around in a year and looks for bigger things this season. Though the Cougars will lack depth up front, they do have experience in such key areas as quarterback and running back.

Strath Haven

 

Coach: Kevin Clancy (19th season at Strath Haven: 182-42; Overall: 249-81-2).

Last year: 7-4. Lost in opening round of PIAA District 1 Class AAA playoffs to Bayard Rustin, 27-14.

Key players: Lonnie Richardson (Sr. RB/DB, 5-11, 185), Pat Fisher (Sr. RB/DB, 5-10, 175), Jon McCullough (Sr. OL/DL, 6-2, 250), Shane Kennedy (Sr. RB/LB, 5-10, 180), Kris Martin (Sr. OL/DL, 6-2, 250).

Games to watch: Ridley (Sept. 25), Conestoga (Oct. 16), Penncrest (Oct. 30).

What to expect: Clancy is one of the most successful coaches in the state, and he also produces fast teams. The Panthers' strong suit will be defense. Junior Bryan Downs takes over at quarterback as a first-year starter, and the Panthers will mature as he does.

Upper Darby

 

Coach: Rich Gentile (15th season: 113-62-1).

Last year: 7-5.

Key players: Austin Fox (Sr. OL/DL, 6-0, 240), Brian DiGiavanni (Sr. LB/TE, 6-3, 215), Nii Adewole (Sr. LB 6-2, 210), Robert Cornish (Sr. RB/DB, 5-10, 170), Jamir Boyd (Sr. RB/DB, 5-9, 170)

Games to watch: Penncrest (Oct. 2), Garnet Valley (Oct. 9), at Haverford (Nov. 26).

What to expect: The Royals are always competitive, and they have some size. Upper Darby is an X-factor, and quite a bit could rest on junior quarterback Michael McGee, who will get a chance to throw the ball more in a new offense this year. The Royals will be young up front, and success could depend on fast they mature.