Centennial – After a 10-1 campaign last year, the Patriots are the favorites to win the 5A State Title this year.  They return all their playmakers on offense, and most of the core of their defense.

Meridian – The Warriors lose a Head Coach, but return almost all the key pieces to a scary-good offense.  They’ll also be highly motivated to knock-off their much-hyped rival, Centennial.

Mountain Home – The Tigers won’t be able to sneak up on anyone this year, but return so much talent on defense, it won’t matter.  You add in a Senior quarterback, and these guys have a real shot to take home State Championship hardware.

Bishop Kelly – The Knights are always talented, always tough, and seemingly always contend for a State Title.  They will again this year, despite the departure of uber-successful Head Coach Tim Brennan.  BK’s strength will be in the trenches, and that’s what really matters.

Minico – Speaking of what really matters, the Spartans also should be very strong along their offensive and defensive fronts, and boast perhaps the finest quarterback in Idaho.  This could be one of Minico’s best chances at a State Championship in a while.

Fruitland – The Grizzlies graduated most of the personnel from one of greatest offensive lines in school history.  But, pretty much everyone else is back, bigger, and stronger.  The Griz are the favorites to repeat as 3A State Champs.

Weiser – How could I list the Grizzlies, and not their bitter rivals, the Wolverines? I couldn’t.  This year, with Weiser returning a starter at almost every key position, the Wolverines will contend for a Division and State Title.

Nampa Christian – The Trojans took their lumps last year. But, it should pay off in ’07, as Nampa Christian tries to survive in a tough 2A WIC race.

Council – The Defending 1A State Champs return a lot of talent, and are the favorites to go back-to-back.  The Lumberjacks are a no-brainer…

Ontario – Here’s another no-brainer.  The Tigers return darn-near everybody from a team that made it to the State Semifinals last year.  Look for Ontario to finish the job, and bring home the 4A Oregon State Title this season.

Nyssa – I don’t care that they lost their coach and most of their key players.  If you win back-to-back Oregon State Titles, you’re making this list.  We could be seeing the emergence of a 3A dynasty here. 

Other Notables:

Eagle, Capital, Homedale, New Plymouth, Declo, Garden Valley, Cascade