In order of season's first rankings, with last season's record in parentheses.
1. Archbishop Wood (23-2). The Vikings suffered some key graduation losses but should have enough personnel to win an unprecedented third straight Catholic League championship and go far in the PIAA playoffs.
2. Pennridge (20-4-1). The Rams surprised some people by reaching the District 1 Class AAA finals last season. With Stevie Parker leading them, they could match last season's mark.
3. Conestoga (19-5). The Pioneers, who finished fourth in the Central League, will bank on an experienced midfield led by one of the area's slickest players, Salina Williford.
4. Central Bucks West (15-3-5). The Bucks are one of the most consistently good programs in the area. Don't expect this season to be any different.
5. Central Bucks East (14-5). The Patriots came on late last season and could give Pennridge a run in the Suburban One League Continental Division.
6. Strath Haven (16-6). The Panthers zipped through the Central League last season but didn't do as well as expected in the postseason. They'll try to correct that this time.
7. Downingtown East (16-4). The Cougars were stunned by Villa Joseph Marie, 2-0, in their opener, but with Kelly Kerrigan leading the way, they should overcome that.
8. Owen J. Roberts (16-4-1). The Wildcats have always been a factor in the Pioneer Athletic Conference.
9. Villa Joseph Marie (9-7). The Jems, always a small-school power, had been rather silent lately. Is that 2-0 win over Downingtown East a wakeup call for opponents?
10. Villa Maria (19-4). The surprising Hurricanes had a banner season last year. The big question is, can they continue their success?
- Don Beideman
