1. WAPAKONETA: The Redskins (12-1, 9-0 WBL) have had back-to-back undefeated regular seasons the last two years. And with 15 returning lettermen, led by linebacker Landon Hall (1st-team All-WBL), kicker Tristan Meyer (special mention All-Ohio), OL/DL John Bourne (1st-team All-WBL), and TE/DE Kais Chiles (1st-team All-WBL), they look strong again.

2. ST. MARYS: The Roughriders (6-4, 5-4 WBL) have 15 returning starters from last season’s 6-4 team and hope the rebuilding project takes another big step forward this season. Eric Spicer ran for 1,213 yards last season.

3. OTTAWA-GLANDORF: The Titans (8-4, 6-3 WBL) have only two returning starters on offense and five on defense but reaching the playoffs is an annual expectation at O-G. Connor Niese rushed for 1,081 yards and was honorable mention All-WBL. Jay Kaufman, a starting linebacker last year as a sophomore, takes over for record-setting quarterback Zac Unterbrink.

4. BATH:Bo Gross was second-team All-Ohio as a linebacker and rushed for 725 yards last season for the Wildcats (7-3, 6-3 WBL). Quarterback Kaden Sullivan is expected to be improved as a passer. He rushed for a team-high 1,367 yards and threw for 679 yards. Replacing four of five starters on the offensive line could be the big question.

5. ELIDA: The Bulldogs (6-4, 5-4 WBL) need to replace quarterback Logan Alexander, but they have running back Cole Harmon (1,090 yards) and several returning receivers on offense and 10 returning starters on defense.

6. CELINA: The Bulldogs (7-4, 7-2 WBL) hope to build on last year’s success when they reached the playoffs for the first time since 1998.

7. VAN WERT: The Cougars (5-5, 4-5 WBL) lost three games by one point and two others by a touchdown or less. The “skill” positions might be their strength. Finding replacements for five offensive linemen could be the key to the season.

8. KENTON: Having three-year starter Trent Hites and several veteran receivers back could mean the Wildcats (2-8, 2-7 WBL) will improve on last season’s record.

9. DEFIANCE: Kevin Kline takes over for Jerry Buti, who resigned after last season, his 26th at Defiance. The other makeover for the Bulldogs (2-8, 1-8 WBL) is the installation of artificial turf at their stadium.

10. SHAWNEE:New coach Frank Crea was Lima Senior’s defensive coordinator the last several years and has brought a variation of Mike Fell’s version of the spread offense with him.