ESPN RISE

You never know how the season will turn out. Injuries could ruin a season, while a freshman phenom could help a team come out of nowhere and compete for state.

Despite the unpredictability of the season, each state has a team that enters the season as the clear-cut favorite.

ALABAMA
Prattville. Quarterback Sam Gibson headlines a strong core of returning veterans for a powerhouse that won its third straight Class 6A state championship. Gibson is an LSU recruit who accounted for more than 1,700 yards and 25 TDs of rushing and passing a year ago. The Lions received the No. 10 ranking in the preseason FAB 50 and will play No. 18 Don Bosco Prep of Ramsey, N.J.

ALASKA
Juneau-Douglas (Juneau). The Crimson Bears were only 6-5 last year, but they made it to the state final and were the state champs in 2007. A number of impact players are back, led by linebacker Jack Perkins, who is receiving solid Division I college interest. Note: The Alaska season has already begun with the first games played on the weekend of Aug. 7-8.

ARIZONA
Centennial (Peoria). It was easy to pick the Coyotes as the state's top overall team last year due to their head-to-head win over Hamilton and their 13-0 record. They could be even better this fall and are No. 15 in the preseason ESPN RISE FAB 50. Among the group of top returnees is All-America candidate Nick Rowland in the offensive line.

ARKANSAS
Shiloh Christian (Springdale). There are some who think this group of players at Shiloh Christian will end up equal to or better than the group at Springdale High from 2005 that finished No. 2 in the FAB 50. Almost all of the key players -- quarterback Kiehl Frazier, offensive lineman Travis Bodenstein, running back Garrett Harper and receiver Jon Hawes -- are still juniors. The best is still yet to come. The Saints are No. 50 to start this season.

CALIFORNIA
Oaks Christian (Westlake Village). This year's team is going to be compared to the one the Lions had three years ago with Jimmy Clausen (Notre Dame) and Marc Tyler (USC) that was No. 1 in the state. Instead of Clausen, it's Nick Montana at quarterback and Malcolm Jones as the leading running back. A wealth of talent and experience also returns throughout the lineup from a team that went 14-0 a year ago. Head coach Bill Redell also has one of the nation's top defensive linemen in Cassius Marsh plus other returning honors candidates such as linebacker Zack Stout, offensive tackle Erik Kohler and defensive end Alami Fua. Oaks Christian, which is No. 6 in the preseason FAB 50, plays No. 9 Skyline of Washington on Sept. 18 in what could be one of the biggest games in the nation. Skyline has won two straight Class 4A titles in its state.

COLORADO
Mullen Prep (Denver). Head coach Dave Logan's squad starts off in 2009 where it left off in 2008 and for good reason. The Mustangs welcome back a strong nucleus of players who won the Class 5A state title, including big-time junior running back Adonis Ameen-Moore. Nduka Onyeali also is one of the state's top defenders with 28 career sacks, including 19 from last season alone.

CONNECTICUT
New Canaan. This is one of those situations in which a team that loses a ton of talent to graduation should still be No. 1 until it loses on the field because of the dominant manner in which it rolled to the state title the previous season. The Rams went 13-0 and also won their third straight state title. Head coach Lou Marinelli, who is 222-81-6 in his career, will rebuild around top returnee Cody Newton, a wide receiver-defensive back. If New Canaan does falter, the best candidate to move up could be Hamden, which was 9-3 last year and was 1-7-2 in 2007. The Dragons return a wealth of talent, led by quarterback Jason Lassiter and receivers Geoff Kiarie and Tevin Moye.

DELAWARE
Caesar Rodney (Camden Wyoming). The defending state champions return the state's top prospect in athlete Malcolm Yowk as well as top- notch defensive lineman Josh Ferris. By no means is Caesar Rodney a lock preseason No. 1, however, as St. Mark's returns a solid group from last year's state runner-up squad.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (D.C.)
St. John's (Washington, D.C.). The Cadets' losses last year came to teams that were in the ESPN RISE FAB 50 at some point. Two were to DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) while one each was to East St. Louis (Ill.) and Good Counsel (Olney, Md.). Defensive lineman Andre Monroe is the team's top prospect and holds offers from Maryland, New Mexico and a number of I-A programs. Senior running back/defending back Charles Brown has offers from as far away as Kansas State. In addition to the top prospects, St. John's has the best place-kicker in the D.C. area in Matt Elsasser, who converted all eight of his attempts last season.

FLORIDA
St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale). The Raiders start out not only No. 1 in Florida but No. 1 in the preseason FAB 50. If they get past FAB 50 No. 2 Byrnes (Duncan, S.C.) on Oct. 2, there's a good chance they will be unbeaten heading into the Class 5A state playoffs. Head coach George Smith will have two legit All-American candidates on hand in DB Lamarcus Joyner and OT Brandon Linder.

GEORGIA
Lowndes (Valdosta). The Vikings were preseason No. 1 for the state a year ago and were near the top of the FAB 50 when they were upset in the Class AAAAA playoffs by Grayson. This year, they are No. 11 in the preseason FAB 50. Leading returnees include three-year starter Khary Franklin at quarterback and Florida State commit Ed Christian at offensive tackle.

HAWAII
Leilehua (Wahiawa). The Mighty Mules were state champions two years ago and lost in the final last year to Punahou (Honolulu). While Punahou appears to have taken a heavy graduation hit, Leilehua (11-3 in 2008) welcomes back quarterback Andrew Manley, who was the Honolulu Star-Bulletin Offensive Player of the Year. As has been the case in recent years in the islands, though, it's a wide open race. Watch out for a possible return to the top for Kahuku. The Red Raiders (10-2 in 2008) lost in overtime to Leilehua in the semifinals and return a number of key players, especially up front. Kahuku also has an unbeaten JV team on the way up.

IDAHO
Eagle. With a number of first-team all-state players graduated at defending champ Highland (Pocatello), the Mustangs will look to step up after losing in last year's Class 5A final. Quarterback Taylor Kelly, who was second team all-state, is among the returnees. Eagle also was unbeaten on every level of its program a year ago until the varsity suffered the loss to Highland in the state title game.

ILLINOIS
East St. Louis. Starting out at No. 23 in the preseason FAB 50, the Flyers broke through last year to win the Class 7A state title and certainly appear to have the returning strength for another championship. While big-time talents Terry Hawthorne and Kraig Appleton have moved on, quarterback Detchauz Wray is back along with running back Courtney Molton, who piled up 1,562 yards and 21 touchdowns as a junior. East St. Louis also returns a number of top linemen, led by 6-2, 300-pound junior John Clay.

INDIANA
Warren Central (Indianapolis). The Warriors reached the Class 5A state quarterfinals last season and appear poised to advance further and contend for their fifth state crown since 2003. The anchor is returning quarterback Derek Hart (6-4, 205) who passed for over 1,200 yards and 20 scores for a 9-4 record team last season. He is the son of head coach John Hart, Other key returnees include running back Shakir Bell, wide receiver Mo McGee and defensive backs Jerry Boyd and James Manual.

IOWA
Valley (West Des Moines). The defending state Class 4-A champion is coming off a 14-0 record campaign and rates the nod entering the season despite several key losses by graduation. Returning to anchor the Tigers is quarterback Taylor Nelson, who passed for 1,699 yards and 11 scores and rushed for 258 yards and five TDs. The defense will be led by returning starters Nick Kron and Michael Foster. Placekicker Michael Hovick also is back.

KANSAS
Hutchinson. The Salt Hawks are going for their sixth straight state title after winning the Class 5A crown a year ago. They also could easily jump into FAB 50 ranking consideration with a win in their first game against Kansas City Rockhurst, which is a team they lost to in a close game a year ago. Defensive end Geneo Grissom is a University of Kansas recruit and is one of 11 returning starters. Deveon Dinwiddie also is one of the top running backs in the state and will be boosted by having one of the state's top fullbacks, Josh Smith, operating in front of him.

KENTUCKY
Highlands (Fort Thomas). This was a hard pick because often the Bluegrass State's No. 1 is either Trinity or St. Xavier of Louisville. Trinity is coming off a fourth straight state title and is No. 43 in the preseason FAB 50. The Bluebirds, however, are starting up at No. 34. They have just a touch more returning strength. The player on the team that will clearly be in the spotlight the most is All-State WR-DB Austin Collinsworth. Even if he wasn't the son of a famous broadcaster and former NFL player Chris Collinsworth, Austin Collinsworth would be one of the state's top players. The family connection just makes for a better story.

LOUISIANA
West Monroe. It's either the Rebels or John Curtis Christian for this spot and there seemed to be a bit more consensus among the media sources that were scanned or contacted that are going with West Monroe. The Rebels, who were 13-1 last season, also are beginning at No. 27 in the FAB 50 while John Curtis Christian is at No. 32. Key returnees for the Rebels include defensive lineman Jordan Allen and linebacker Sam Mahgoub.

MAINE
Bonny Eagle (Standish). Although the program graduated standout quarterback Nate Doehler (University of Maine), Bonny Eagle remains the benchmark team in the state

MARYLAND
DeMatha (Hyattsville). The Stags are the six-time defending Washington Catholic Athletic Conference champions and might be on the verge of having their best team ever. Already 10 DeMatha seniors hold NCAA Division I scholarship offers. Defensive backs Kyrrel Latimer has committed to Virginia and Jeff Knox committed to Pitt. Running backs Austin Bailey and Marcus Coker are major recruits, along with receivers Michael Coley and Lorenzo Waters, linemen Shane Johnson, Arie-Manuel Kouandjio and Cyrus Kouandjio. DeMatha was inserted at No. 21 in the preseason FAB 50.

MASSACHUSETTS
Xaverian Brothers (Westwood). Led by Division I-A lineman prospect and third-year starting quarterback Alex Phelan, Xavieran gets the nod in the Bay State. One thing for certain is that the team's schedule will help sort out the ranking. Xaverian, coming off a 7-4 season, faces last year's Boston area No. 1 Boston College High, plus No. 4 Everett and No. 6 Brockton.

MICHIGAN
De La Salle (Warren). The favorite in the Detroit Catholic League, which this year is the Pilots, is often the state's overall team to beat as well. De La Salle went 13-1 a year ago in advancing to the Division 2 state final and is returning 12 starters. Coach Paul Verska's team will need to find a new quarterback for the graduated Josh Sinagoga, but the Pilots should be outstanding running the ball with D'Angelo Parris at tailback looking for holes behind 250-pound fullback Steve O'Shell and an experienced offensive line. The Pilots are No. 36 in the preseason ESPN RISE FAB 50.

MINNESOTA
Wayzata (Plymouth). The defending Class 5A Prep Bowl champion Trojans are coming off a dominating 13-0 record season and retain some key pieces to the title puzzle. The defense will be anchored by two all-state honorees in linebacker Grant Olson (6-2, 225) and lineman Tobi Okuyemi (6-2, 230). Olson charted 128 tackles, including 18 behind the line, and six sacks as a junior. Top running back Chris Kroeten also returns on offense.

MISSISSIPPI
Oak Grove (Hattiesburg). The Warriors return three all-state players from a 12-2 record team that bowed to eventual champion Meridian in the state Class 5A semifinals. The senior class is led by all-purpose, two-way back Steve McNair Jr., defensive lineman Vince Taylor (6-1, 265) and punter Dylan Soblesk, who averaged 38.4 yards per boot and put several inside the 10-yard-line.

MISSOURI
Blue Springs. It's with some hesitation that we list the Wildcats because they did lose 48-0 in last year's Class 6 state playoffs to Rockhurst. Still, their returning strength is tough to beat and they also beat Rockhurst earlier last season. Running back Darrian Miller rampaged for 1,508 yards and scored 21 touchdowns in just his sophomore season. Quarterback Jared Lanpher also is back after passing for 1,743 yards and 16 scores while the top receiver, Keeston Terry, who nabbed 49 catches for 902 yards and 10 TDs, is returning as well. Blue Springs finished 9-2 in 2008 and is listed in the ESPN RISE Southwest Region Top 20.

MONTANA
Capital (Helena). After rolling to a third straight state title with a 35-14 win last season over Billings West, the Bruins are again the team to beat. They lose quarterback Matt Reyant to graduation, but return multi-purpose star Matt Miller, one of the best players in recent state history. Miller is 6-4, 205, runs a 4.5 and is getting offers from Pac-10 colleges.

NEBRASKA
Millard South (Omaha). We like the Patriots in a close call over 2008 unbeaten state champ Millard West because they return perhaps the top quarterback in the state, Bronson Marsh, while Millard West will need to find someone new. Center Gary Hiatt (6-4, 270) is another standout returnee for the Patriots. Millard West will be led by running back Darius Evans, who returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown in last year's 21-8 win in the state final over Millard South.

NEVADA
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas). This could be the year that the Gaels (12-2 in 2008) finally turn the corner and become a dominant powerhouse. It's not just that four Pac-10 committed players are on the roster, but new head coach Tony Sanchez comes highly-regarded from the San Francisco Bay Area. He's seen how a Catholic school can get it done up close and personal. The four Pac-10 players are led by Xavier Grimble, perhaps the top tight end in the nation who is headed to USC. Also on the list is offensive lineman Geoffrey Gibson (6-4, 320), going to Cal, defensive end Alex Turner (Stanford) and linebacker Evan Palelei (Stanford). Wideout Taylor Spencer is likely headed to a Division I college while two juniors  linebacker Jordan Welte and strong safety Evan Zeger  are highly-regarded as well. The skill players on offense, however, are untested so it may take a few games before Sanchez gets everything fine-tuned.

NEW HAMPSHIRE
Pinkerton Academy (Derry). With standout running back Eric Guinto returning, Pinkerton gets the edge as preseason No. 1 despite several legitimate contenders such as defending Division I champ Nashua South, Manchester Central, Division II's Bishop Guetrin and Division IV's Plymouth Regional.

NEW JERSEY
Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey). The Ironmen won their third straight state title last season and bring back some solid returnees on both sides of the line. Running back Tony Jones, who battled injuries early last season, has the ability to be a major weapon when Don Bosco Prep plays host to California powerhouse De La Salle of Concord and when the Ironmen take on nationally-ranked Prattville of Alabama. Coach Greg Toal's team is No. 18 in the preseason FAB 50.

NEW YORK
Iona Prep (New Rochelle). The Gaels recorded an 11-0 record last season and were ranked as the overall No. 1 team in the state while being led by several underclassmen. The offensive unit returns two all-state picks in quarterback Tyrae Woodson-Samuels (5-10, 160) and running back Jeff Mack (5-8, 160). Woodson-Samuels completed 162 of 226 passes for 2,272 yards and 19 scores and also rushed for 431 yards. Also returning are wide receiver Jordan Bronner, defensive back Mike Dunkley and linebackers Morris Hilton and Michael Longo.

NEW MEXICO
Eldorado (Albuquerque). After losing to Las Cruces last season in a 12-0 vs. 12-0 showdown for the Class 5A state title, the Eagles come back with more returning strength than the Bulldawgs. Running back Gary Maestas rushed for 1,296 yards, quarterback Armin Day received multiple honors and 6-4, 290-pound Willie Pounds established himself as one of the state's top linemen even though he was just a sophomore.

NORTH CAROLINA
Independence (Charlotte). After not making it to the state final last season for the first time in nine years, the Patriots, who still finished 13-1, should have the desire to go the distance. On offense, they will be led once again by prolific quarterback Anthony Carrothers, who passed for 4,023 yards and 34 touchdowns and has 6,747 yards and 64 TDs for his career. The defense is perhaps even more experienced with Courtland Carson and Drake Parker back at linebacker and with Jeremy Inglesi and Leonard Gleaves returning in the secondary.

NORTH DAKOTA
Bismarck. The defending state Class 3A champion Demons return 29 players from a 41-player team that posted an 11-1 record in 2008. The senior leaders are quarterback Esley Thorton (6-2, 195) and defensive back-running back Jake Miller (5-11, 160).

OHIO
Elder (Cincinnati). Quarterback Mark Miller operated one of the top offenses in the state a year ago. Not only him, but many other key players on that offense are back. This makes Elder the team to beat in the Buckeye State after it was runner-up in 2008. It's never easy for any team to run the table in Ohio, however, and Elder will play FAB 50-ranked Colerain on Sept. 6. The parochial league in Cincinnati in which Elder competes also is one of the toughest in the nation. The Panthers are starting No. 3 in this year's FAB 50 while Colerain is No. 30.

OKLAHOMA
Union (Tulsa). Beating Jenks twice in the same season and returning a more impressive group of players than the Trojans makes the Redskins a strong favorite to win a second straight Class 6A state title. They also are at No. 13 in the preseason FAB 50. Another plus is the arrival of transfer running back Colton Dost, who happened to play at Jenks a year ago. Quarterback Chase Boyce and the receiving tandem of James and Thomas Roberson will spearhead the offense.

OREGON
Jesuit (Portland). Head coach Ken Potter is taking his team to Qwest Field in Seattle for an opener against FAB 50 preseason No. 9 Skyline of Sammamish, Wash. Jesuit is coming off a 10-2 season with a loss in the Class 6A semifinals. While a new quarterback will need to step up with Scotty Williams' graduating, the Crusaders have other stellar returnees. Leading the way is University of Washington commit Keanon Lowe, a wide receiver-defensive back. Tight end Jacob Wark also is receiving Division I college offers. Linebacker Taylor Martinek is another all-state candidate and much is expected from linebacker-running back Dylan Jackson. Jesuit could spoil the hype for Skyline's nationally televised game on Sept. 18 vs. California's Oaks Christian. It wouldn't be that big of an upset if the Crusaders pull it off, either.

PENNSYLVANIA
Bishop McDevitt (Harrisburg). The Crusaders certainly have the weaponry to win the Class AAAA state title, but they have to overcome the fact that teams from the more central part of the state tend to get beat by the best from the east and the west. With quarterback Matt Johnson and primary targets Salath Williams and Jeremy Cornelius leading the way, Bishop McDevitt averaged 40 points per game last year en route to a 10-3 record. All three are back plus other key returnees. The Crusaders landed at No. 35 in the preseason FAB 50.

RHODE ISLAND
Barrington. Only 11 seniors were on the roster last year for a team that played in the Division I state final and finished 10-3. Although La Salle Academy was dominant in that game and throughout the season, its graduation losses were heavy. Leading returnees for the Eagles include running back Michael Read, kick return specialist Marc DeSisto and tight end Brandon Lewis. The top returnee for La Salle as it bids to repeat is defensive end Patrick Smith.

SOUTH CAROLINA
Byrnes (Duncan). There were some that had the Rebels No. 1 in the nation to start last year, but we knew this year's team would likely be better and this team has a stronger chance to finish No. 1 as well. Coach Chris Miller's team will be led by 2008 EA SPORTS National Junior of the Year Marcus Lattimore at running back and three-year starter Chas Dodd at quarterback. Byrnes earned the No. 2 spot in this year's preseason FAB 50 and plays No. 1 St. Thomas Aquinas of Florida on Oct. 2 in Fort Lauderdale.

SOUTH DAKOTA
Washington (Sioux Falls). The Warriors return several key members of the state Class AA runner-up squad that finished with an 11-2 record. Included are senior wide receivers Trevor Gebhart, Matt Gerry and Derek Tiggelaer, running back Sam Hoskins, junior linebacker and top tackler Brandon Mohr (6-0, 215) and junior defensive back Matt Hermanson.

TENNESSEE
University School (Memphis). Dual-threat quarterback Barry Brunetti, a 6-foot-2, 210-pound West Virginia University recruit, returns to lead the defending state Division II-AA unbeaten (13-0) state titlists. Brunetti had 1,955 total offense yards and 36 touchdowns last season. He's one of seven returning offensive starters, including backs Keith McBride and Stephond Allmond along with massive sophomore offensive lineman Ben Still (6-4, 280). Reloading the defensive unit is the top priority. The schedule includes road games to Mississippi to tackle South Panola and Olive Branch.

TEXAS
Katy. This year's Katy team could be similar to the bunch that was 16-0 two seasons ago and finished No. 4 in the final FAB 50. That No. 4 position also is where the Tigers are beginning in 2009. The two-time defending Class 5A Division II champs don't have a quarterback like 2007 star Bo Levi Mitchell, but are loaded throughout their lineup. Will Jeffery returns after rushing for 1,483 yards and 17 TDs. Sam Holl is back at linebacker after leading the team in tackles. Texas A&M commit Shep Klinke (6-6, 290) returns to lead the offensive line. Two of the Tigers' first games are against FAB 50-ranked opponents  first No. 22 North Shore of Houston and then No. 20 Bellevue, Wash.

UTAH
Bingham (Salt Lake City). Among the terrific trio of Bingham, two-time defending Class 5A state champ Alta and three-time defending Class 4A winner Timpview, the Miners look like they have the strongest group of returning players. Coach Dave Peck's team should be itching to return to their state title status themselves with runner-up finishes to Alta the last two seasons after winning it all in 2006. Topping the list of returnees is junior running back Harvey Langi, who rushed for 1,370 yards and 17 TDs as a sophomore. Offensive linemen Brandon Taukeiaho (6-4, 290) and Bradyn Heap (6-3, 250) are back as well. On defense, the secondary should be a strength with Braden Anderson and junior Bridger Peck in starring roles. Bingham will play Euless Trinity of Texas this season in the Kirk Herbstreit Classic.

VERMONT
Hartford. Last season's unbeaten season concluded with a win over Rutland in the Division I state final and the Hurricanes also are taking an 18-game win streak into 2009. Coach Mike Stone must rebuild many facets of the squad, but the team's strong showing over two seasons puts it in the position in our view of having to lose on the field in order to lose the state's top ranking.

VIRGINIA
Oscar Smith (Chesapeake). Despite being 15-0, winning a state title and handing Oakton (Vienna) its only loss, the Tigers were not a consensus No. 1 team in Virginia a year ago. Phoebus of Hampton also was 15-0 and also had a potent offense. This year, though, while Phoebus has suffered heavy graduation losses, Oscar Smith has not. Phillip Sims, an Alabama recruit, is one of the top quarterbacks in the nation and is returning on offense. The defense, meanwhile, will be led by 6-1, 315-pound Evan Hailes, who is headed to Penn State. The Tigers are No. 8 to start out in this year's FAB 50.

WEST VIRGINIA
South Charleston. The defending state Class AAA champion Black Eagles return several key pieces of the title puzzle from a 14-0 record team. Included is the championship game MVP in junior quarterback Tyler Harris plus first team all-state offensive lineman, and college prospect, Blake Brooks (6-3, 310). Three other veteran skill position players on hand include Tevin Spurlock and juniors Maurice Mekhene and Pierria Henry, also a top basketball prospect.

WASHINGTON
Skyline (Samammish). This is a pretty easy pick at the start of the season, but if the Spartans and Bellevue both go unbeaten with the schedules they are playing it won't be at the finish. Skyline ended last year at No. 12 in the FAB 50 and starts out at No. 9 for this season. Quarterback Jake Heaps is back with a 28-0 record so far as a starter and credentials so far that have many considering him as the No. 1 quarterback in the nation. The team's most eye-popping talent, however, could be junior receiver Kasen Williams. Bellevue is No. 19 in the preseason FAB 50 and hopes to beat state champs last year from both Texas and California as well as winning its own state title.

WISCONSIN
Arrowhead (Hartland). The Warhawks return 14 starters from last season's 13-1 record state Division 1 runner-up squad. Arrowhead has appeared in the last three title games and nine of the last 16 while winning four titles under coach Tom Taraska. Anchoring the veterans is quarterback Tom Parish (6-4, 205), a Minnesota recruit, and all-state running back Brian Crook, who will run behind massive lineman Jake Lindenberg (6-7, 320) and Brad Fisher (6-4, 285). The defense is led by linebackers Derek Landisch, a junior, and Matt Boerner.

WYOMING
Green River. The Wolves (9-3) lost in the state final 23-21 a year ago to Campbell County and figure to be just as strong or better this season. Quarterback/defensive back Drew Martinez has committed to Wyoming and was all-state as a junior. Most of the blocking up front also is back, led by 280-pound Jade Bunderman. Two others with all-state potential are running back/defensive back Colter Rood and linebacker Chris Andrews.

Paul Muyskens contributed to this article.