Deseret News Pre-Season Top 25

1. Alta Hawks (13-1) Class: 5A

Outlook:
The defending 5A champs should be loaded once again despite the
graduation of virtually all of its starters from a year ago.
Quarterback Ammon Olsen has the potential to be a very special player
for the Hawks. 2008 opener: vs. Spanish Fork, Friday.

2. Bingham Miners (11-2) Class: 5A

Outlook:
The Miners are absolutely loaded and probably the most talented and
experienced team in the state. With returning starters on defense like
L.T. Filiaga and Remington Peck, It should be another dominant year for
coach Dave Peck's team. 2008 opener: vs. Skyline, Friday.

3. Timpview T-Birds (13-0) Class: 4A

Outlook:
This program has won 24 straight games and two straight state titles.
With countless returning starters this year, that winning streak could
reach 37 by November. 2008 opener: at Pleasant Grove, Friday.

4. Layton Lancers (12-2) Class: 5A

Outlook:
The Lancers were the surprise team of 2007, but they won't sneak up on
anyone this year with players like LaVaughn Jackson and Karl Williams.
Some Region 1 coaches think Layton is going to be even better this
year. 2008 opener: at Bonneville, Friday.

5. Cottonwood Colts (10-2) Class: 4A

Outlook:
The talent is definitely there, now the Colts just have to put it all
together and work as a team to have any hope of competing with Timpview
in November. 2008 opener: vs. Clearfield, Friday.

6. Jordan Beetdiggers (7-4) Class: 5A

Outlook:
The 'Diggers preseason schedule is ridiculously tough with games
against Northridge, Massillon, Ohio, Layton, Bingham and Riverton.
Hopefully they have some juice left in the tank for region play. 2008 opener: vs. Northridge, Friday.

7. Pine View Panthers (13-1) Class: 4A

Outlook:
In its first year in 4A last year Pine View surprised some people by
advancing to the state championship game. It was promptly humbled by
Timpview, but the Panthers are back and just as talented to make a
similar run this year. 2008 opener: at Mountain View, Friday.

8. Northridge Knights (8-3) Class: 5A

Outlook:
Layton ran away with the Region 1 title last year, but this year the
Knights are good enough to give its cross-town rivals a run for the
region title. 2008 opener: at Jordan, Friday.

9. Mtn. Crest Mustangs (7-5) Class: 4A

Outlook:
There's a buzz up in Hyrum about these Mustangs after last year's
extremely young team made it all the way to the semifinals. With a
loaded 4A field, duplicating that task won't be easy. 2008 opener: vs. Highland, Friday.

10. Pleasant Grove Vikings (7-4) Class: 5A

Outlook:
The Vikings are projected to win Region 4 this year, and with a strong
defense perhaps make some noise in the 5A playoffs as well. 2008 opener: vs. Timpview, Friday.

11. Highland Rams (8-3) Class: 4A

Outlook:
The Rams are an eager team after losing to Bonneville in last year's
first round. With Latu Heimuli and Muli Kinikini anchoring the
defensive line, opponents will have a hard time running the ball on the
Rams. 2008 opener: at Mountain Crest, Friday.

12. Bountiful Braves (9-3) Class: 4A

Outlook:
With 13 returning starters the Braves should be very good this year.
Don't be surprised to see them back at Rice-Eccles Stadium in November.
2008 opener: vs. Lone Peak, Friday.

13. Logan Grizzlies (12-2) Class: 3A

Outlook:
The defending 3A champs return oodles of experience and have put
together a pretty impressive preseason schedule to prepare for region
and the playoffs. 2008 opener: at Murray, Friday.

14. Sky View Bobcats (10-3) Class: 4A

Outlook: Coach Craig Anhder has taken this program to new
heights, and you can bet the players are anxious to redeem themselves
after last year's 31-point semifinal loss to Pine View. 2008 opener: vs. Fremont at Utah State, Friday.

15. Skyline Eagles (7-5) Class: 5A

Outlook: This program isn't what it used to be, but it might surprise some teams this year. 2008 opener: at Bingham, Friday.

16. East Leopards (8-3) Class: 4A

Outlook: New coach Larry Eldracher is inheriting a great program, but does he have what it takes to push the Leopards over the top? 2008 opener: vs. Snow Canyon, Friday.

17. Am. Fork Cavemen (9-4) Class: 5A

Outlook: The Cavemen graduated 18 starters from last season, therefore duplicating last year's semifinal run will be a tough task. 2008 opener: vs. Provo, Friday.

18. Riverton Silverwolves (6-5) Class: 5A

Outlook: With 17 returning starters, there's optimism that this is the year Riverton finally takes the next step into 5A competitor. 2008 opener: vs. Timpanogos, Friday.

19. Davis Darts (7-5) Class: 5A

Outlook:
The Darts will count on a sophomore quarterback this season, which
won't be easy in perhaps the best region in the state from top to
bottom. 2008 opener: at Hunter, Friday.

20. Judge Bulldogs (10-3) Class: 3A

Outlook: The Bulldogs came up one game short last year, but the talent is there to take the next step in 3A this year. 2008 opener: vs. North Sanpete, Friday.

21. Viewmont Vikings (6-5) Class: 5A

Outlook:
With an extremely talented group on the offensive and defensive lines,
the potential is there for the Vikings to make some noise this year. 2008 opener: at Orem, Friday.

22. Hunter Wolverines (4-8) Class: 5A

Outlook: New coach Dustin Pearce hopes to bring back the winning mentality to Hunter's usually solid program. 2008 opener: vs. Davis, Friday.

23. Mtn. View Bruins (7-4) Class: 4A

Outlook: The Bruins have the talent to take the next step and perhaps compete for a spot in the 4A semifinals down the road. 2008 opener: vs. Pine View, Friday.

24. Bonneville Lakers (5-6) Class: 4A

Outlook:
Last year's surprising run into the quarterfinals was evidenced that
third-year coach Matt Williams has this program headed in the right
direction. 2008 opener: vs. Layton, Friday.

25. Fremont Silver Wolves (7-5) Class: 5A

Outlook: New coach Kory Bosgieter is hoping to balance things out offensively for the previously pass-happy 'Wolves. 2008 opener: vs. Jordan, Friday.