Area football teams at a glance

Anna-Jonesboro (Ill.)

Coach: Brett Detering, seventh season

Last year: 10-2, lost in state quarterfinal

Returning starters: 9 on defense, 9 on offense

Five to watch: Bo Bennett (DE/FB, sr.), Mike Chamness (QB, sr.), Mark Chamness (HB/DB, sr.), Adam Cunningham (OL/DL, sr.), Luis Gonzalez (NG, sr.)

Overview: Anna-Jonesboro has a senior-laden squad that hopes to extend its playoff streak to four straight years. Quarterback Mike Chamness will again lead the team on the field, but A-J will have to replace leading rusher Adam Casper, now at Southeast Missouri State University on a football scholarship. The team has a strong fullback in Bennett and talented halfback Mark Chamness. A-J's senior leadership and experience should bring another strong campaign.

Cairo (Ill.)

Coach: Ronnie Woods, 18th season

Last year: 3-6

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

Five to watch: Kyle Gardner (RB/DB, sr.), Gregg Harris (RB/DE, sr.), Malcolm Lambert (QB/DB), Clint Shackles (OL/DL, sr.), Julian Watkins (WR/DB)

Overview: After resigning at the end of last season, longtime coach Ronnie Woods decided to lead Cairo one more season after a request by the school board in early August. Woods will have eight seniors and nine returning letterman back from last year's squad. The offensive line has good size, led by Shackles at 6-foot-2 and 245 pounds. Besides leading the team on the field, Woods will spend much of the season grooming a replacement for next season.

Cape Girardeau Central

Coach: Lawrence Brookins, fifth season

Last year: 10-2, lost in state quarterfinal

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 5 defense

Five to watch: Mitch Craft (QB, sr.), Mark Dunaway (WR, sr.), Darren Neels (OL/DL, sr.), Patrick Slattery (OL/DL, sr.), Colin Schermann (K, sr.)

Overview: The Tigers have reached the Class 4 quarterfinals for the past three seasons. Central should be strong again but must find adequate replacements for all-state graduates RB/DB Monroe Hicks and FB/LB Jeremiah Dukes. The Tigers will benefit from one of the best kicking games in the state with twins Colin and Clay Schermann. Team speed should once again be a plus.

Caruthersville

Coach: David Gilmore, first season

Last year: 3-7

Returning starters: not available

Five to watch: Jimmy Jackson (RB, sr.), Rogers Van Ausdal (QB, sr.), Dominique Branch (WR, jr.), Paul Sanders (WR, jr.), Alleric Mullins (MLB, so.)

Overview: New coach David Gilmore brings a no-huddle offense to Caruthersville. The Tigers will have running back Jimmy Jackson and quarterback Rogers Van Ausdal back to lead the offense. Both the defensive and offensive units will rotate players with few set starters. The team is deep at the skill positions and may go as far as eight deep at wide receiver. The line lacks depth but has a solid first five with Keith Floyd and Tyler Fullhardt. Linebackers Alleric Mullins and Marcus Kimble and safety Adam Cecil should solidify the defense.

Chaffee

Coach: Terry Brashers, first season

Last year: 1-9

Returning starters: 2 on offense, 2 on defense

Five to watch: Matt Sanders (TE/DE, jr.), Marshall Hicks (OL/DL, sr.), Nick Powderly (WR/DB, sr.), Jeff Daugherty (QB, so.), Brad Urhahn (WR, jr.)

Overview: The Red Devils are an extremely young team with only two seniors on the roster. The team is especially young at the skills positions on offense with a sophomore quarterback and two freshmen in the backfield. Chaffee has little depth with only 29 players on the roster.

Charleston

Coach: Brent Anderson, fifth season

Last year: 5-6, lost in sectional

Returning starters: 7 on offense, 7 on defense

Five to watch: Tyler Collier (OL/DL, sr.), Danny Farmer (OL/DL, sr.), Marcus Dixon (C, sr.), Travis McCann (TE, sr.), A.H. Marshall (QB, sr.)

Overview: Charleston is coming off of a playoff season, and with a strong line coming back the team is looking for another. The Blue Jays must have a more balanced offensive attack after the graduation of running back Orrice Stanback. McCann, a four-year starter, should provide a solid target for second-year starting quarterback Marshall. Charleston will rely heavily on youth at the skill positions. The defense lacks depth on the line and at linebacker but has solid starters. The secondary should be a strength on defense.

Crystal City

Coach: Dan Ridgeway, fourth season

Last year: 2-8

Returning starters: 8 on offense, 7 on defense

Five to watch: Bobby Schembre (QB, sr.), Nate Strohkirch (OT/DT, jr.), Josh Meadows (RB/LB, sr.), Jacob Massa (WR/DB, sr.), Ricky Wilson (K/P/DB/WR, sr.)

Overview: Crystal City returns several experienced players from a disappointing season. Schembre is a three-year starter at quarterback but missed four games last season with a broken arm. Meadows saw limited action but rushed for about 500 yards in just four games. Wilson plays nearly every down, has good speed despite his small size and was a state qualifier in track last year in the 300 hurdles. Depth is a big concern.

DeSoto

Coach: Chris Mitchell, second season

Last year:1-9

Returning starters: 6 on offense, 6 on defense

Five to watch: Desmond Travis (RB/CB, jr.), Jonathon Roop (C/LB, sr.), Dustin Smith (OL/DL, jr.), Stoke Wischmeier (LB/OL, jr.), Josh Russell (LB/OL, sr.).

Overview: After struggling to one win last season, the Dragons have improved in many aspects. What was a slow squad last year has gained speed, strength, and a positive attitude, and they return some of the best linebackers in the conference. Because its depth is limited, DeSoto relies heavily on upperclassmen like Travis, a natural athlete with a great work ethic.

Dexter

Coach: Aaron Pixley, fourth season

Last year: 8-3, lost in sectional

Returning starters: 4 on offense, 6 on defense

Five to watch: Tyler Grovenor (C, sr.), Michael Barnes (OT, sr.), Mark Thrower (LB, sr.), Cale Williams (WR/DB, sr.), Garett Williams (RB, sr.)

Overview: Dexter brings back a group of solid linemen. Grovenor, Michael Barnes and Bob Searles bring experience to the offensive line, which will have to bring along a new running back and quarterback. The team will have a more balanced attack after relying heavily on running back Matt Burnett last season. Williams will give the Bearcats a solid target at wide receiver. The team lost speed due to graduation, but with added weight room time the Bearcats may compensate with strength and conditioning.

East Prairie

Coach: Brett Blackman, first season

Last year: 0-10

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

Five to watch: Brent Harland (RB, sr.), Jacob Poore (LB, sr.), Josh Boyer (FB, sr.), Lamar Holdiness (OL/DL, sr.), Galen Jones (OL/DL, sr.)

Overview: Blackman can only go up from last year's season. The Eagles return all-conference runner Brent Harland and a solid line. The key for the team may be attitude. East Prairie has strong athletes at the skill positions with several two-year and three-year starters. Sophomore Hunter Jones could be a top cornerback in the conference. Blackman's No. 1 goal: Get his team to believe they can win and not settle for close scores.

Farmington

Coach: John Bacon, second season

Last year: 2-8

Returning starters: 6 on offense, 6 on defense

Five to watch: Joe Goff (OL/DL, sr.), Andrew Bloom (OL/DL, sr.), Derek Wiles (RB/SS, sr.), Gabe Williamson (OL/LB, sr.), Chris Bone (QB/DB, sr.)

Overview: The Knights have a strong offensive line led by Goff and Bloom, who are 6-2 and over 240 pounds. Wiles is quicker and stronger than last year and should have a big year after leading the team in rushing last year. Bone split time at quarterback last year but is the team's starter this year. Success may depend largely on the lines and how the team handles a tough schedule.

Festus

Coach: Joel Critchlow, fifth season

Last year: 8-2

Returning starters: 4 on offense, 4 on defense

Five to watch: Kyle Riggs (OT, sr.), Andy Haiseiger (G, sr.), Drew Horrell (QB, sr.), John Howard (CB, sr.), Pat Langelier (FB, sr.)

Overview: Festus missed the postseason last year in the last game of the season. The team returns a solid offensive line including Riggs, who has committed to the University of Missouri and is rated among the top 100 tackles in the U.S. Horrell and Langelier return help an offense that will run a triple option. The team will get a boost from members of last year's 8-0 JV team.

Fredericktown

Coach: Kent Gibbs, 10th season

Last year: 4-6

Returning starters: 7 on offense, 9 on defense

Five to watch: Kyle Stephens (TB/LB, sr.), Cory Cissell (LB/TE, sr.), Jarrod Crowe (DT/OT, sr.), Kyle Tesereau (QB, sr.), Micah Reutzel (WR/DB, sr.)

Overview: The 'Cats lost to Dexter in the district championship game by three points. Half their losses came by 10 points or less. Fredericktown returns most of that team. Stephens rushed for 1,500 yards last year and 1,000 as a sophomore. Tesereau completed 50 percent of his passes despite throwing the ball only about 120 times. Gibbs hopes to incorporate the passing game more, which means Cissell, the team's leading receiver, and Reutzel could be big contributors.

Hayti

Coach: Jerry Bethune, third season

Last year: 11-2, lost in state final

Returning starters: 9 returning

Five to watch: Torey Nelson (RB, sr.), Jason Covington (RB, sr.), William Moore (WR, sr.), Dominique Robinson (LB, jr.), Antonio Robinson (DL, jr.)

Overview: Hayti brings back a solid core of players. With a new quarterback, the Indians will go back to a ground-oriented offense led by all-stater Torey Nelson and Jason Covington. Nelson and Covington will benefit from a big offensive line. Star wide-out William Moore is back on offense. On defense, Antonio Robinson is in his third year as a starter and coming off an all-state season last year on the line.

Hillsboro

Coach: Art Johanningmeyer, 13th season

Last year: 7-3

Returning starters: 3 on offense, 3 on defense

Five to watch: Almer Cothern (RB, sr.); Mike Krysl (FB/LB, jr.); Jared Meadows (OL/DL, sr.); Steve Scanlon (QB, jr.); Nathan Chiles (LB, sr.)

Overview: The Hawks enter the season without most of their squad that tied for the conference title last year, but they import a talented junior class. The team is quick and athletic at the skill positions. Cothern is a natural runner and should be a contributor on offense. Scanlon was not on varsity last year but has played in the program for three years. The team lacks overall experience. In Johanningmeyer's 25 years with the program, the Hawks have had only two losing seasons.

Jackson

Coach: Carl Gross, 15th season

Last year: 2-8

Returning starters: 2 on offense, 3 on defense

Five to watch: Jason Meystedt (RB, jr.), Tyler McNeely (TE/DE, sr.), Brad Crader (TE,DE, jr.), Tyler Profilet (QB, sr.), Aaron Randolph (FB, sr.)

Overview: The Indians are coming off their worst season since 1969. The team lost its entire offensive line from last season, and smaller replacements make this important area a big question. The Indians' main area of experience is at the skill positions. Look for Jackson to pass more than in the past.

Kennett

Coach: Ronnie Jones, first season

Last year: 4-5

Returning starters: 7 overall

Five to watch: Dontavis Jones (QB, jr.), David Wilson (TB, sr.), Ben Foster (TE, jr.), Daniel Schonasky (OL, jr.), Tyrone Duckworth (TB, sr.)

Overview: With a new system and little experience, coach Ronnie Jones and his staff will look to stay competitive while trying to build the program. The team's attitude and work ethic should help the process, but with little experience at the skill positions it may be rough in the beginning. Seven regulars return from a roster on which numbers dipped to the low 20s by the end of last season.

Malden

Coach: Kevin Collier, third season

Last year: 4-6

Returning starters: 6 on offense, 8 on defense

Five to watch: Richard Marks (DL/TB, sr.), Kyle Jones (LB/FB, sr.), Brad Ealey (LB/TE, sr.), Josh Reddick (OL/DL, sr.), Aaron Prenger (OL/DL, sr.)

Overview: The Green Wave offensive and defensive lines are bigger and faster, which should help establish a running game. The defensive front seven is in tact from last year. The question on defense will be an inexperienced secondary containing three new starters. The team was disciplined last year and avoided penalties, something it will have to maintain this season. Malden must find a way to replace key skill positions on offense and cut down on turnovers.

New Madrid County Central

Coach: Steve Rogers, third season

Last year: 2-8

Returning starters: 8 on offense, 8 on defense

Five to watch: Remond Willis (RB., sr.), Edgar Givens (WR, sr.), Sherman Newsome (QB, jr.), Mack Kimble (FS, sr.), Vaughn Shepard (DE/WR, sr.)

Overview: After having to use Willis at quarterback last season due to a preseason injury, Willis will move back to running back and look to be a stalwart on offense. Four offensive linemen will be back to help protect Newsome. Newsome lead an offense that will look to spread defenses out and take advantage of its team speed. Newsome will have four big targets to throw to, led by Edgar Givens, a major-college recruit.

North County

Coach: Matt Haug, 22nd season

Last year: 8-2

Returning starters: 4 on offense, 4 on defense

Five to watch: Mark Stooley (FB/LB, sr.), Kyle Pinkley (OT/DT, sr.), Mike Herbst (DB/WR, sr.), Adam Howard (QB, sr.), Brandon Mahurin (G/DE, sr.)

Overview: The Raiders finished one game from a postseason berth last year and hope to contend again this year. The team is talented but unproven in some areas. An improved offensive line will help the ground attack, and Howard is back after throwing for more than 2,000 yards last season. The problem may be finding the players to catch the ball. The team is athletic at the wide receiver spot, but it's unproven.

Park Hills Central

Coach: Mike Gotto, eighth season

Last year: 8-2

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 8 on defense

Five to watch: Don Williams (RB, sr.), Matt Martin (QB, sr.), David Kennard (DB, sr.), Alex Redecker (LB, jr.), Sam Lawson (PK, sr.)

Overview: Central returns talent on defense, but lacks depth after its starting eight. The team will have a solid ground attack with Williams (6-1, 215), who rushed for more than 1,000 yards last season. Central lacks speed at the wide-out position and must rely on fundamentals. The team may have an edge on last year's 8-2 squad.

Perryville

Coach: Rich Chastain, first season

Last year: 2-8

Returning starters: 4 on offense, 3 on defense

Players to watch: Jesse Whistler (RB/LB, sr.), Kyle Dobbelare (WR/DB, sr.), Andrew Bachmann (FB/LB, sr.), Corey Buerck (QB, jr.), Benn Duvall (OL/DL, sr.)

Overview: Perryville, which has won just five games in the past three years, is looking to regain the magic it one had under Chastain, who led the Pirates to two district titles in his previous stint as head coach. The Pirates have good athletes and plan to open up their offense after mainly running the ball last season.

Poplar Bluff

Coach: Mike Dormady, second season

Last year: 4-6

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

Five to watch: Mark Gum (QB., jr.), Todd Tinsley (TB, jr.), Andrew Heuiser (WR, sr.), Tai Selvidge (C, sr.), Adam Gragg (RG, sr.)

Overview: Junior quarterback Mark Gum returns after a strong sophomore season to lead a pass-oriented offense. Heuiser and Tinsley should have key roles in the offense. The line returns three regulars but is thin behind the starters. After having only eight seniors last season, Poplar Bluff will benefit from having twice that number this year. The Mules' big question will be defense, although with a strong defensive backfield and several starters in place from last season, the defense looks improved.

Portageville

Coach: Jim McKay, 40th season

Last year: 9-2, lost in quarterfinal

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 4 on defense

Five to watch: Antonio Scott (RB, jr.), Danny Tubbs (OL, sr.), Josh Johnson (DL/OL, sr.), Michael Conaway (OL, sr.), Jordan Penn (QB, jr.)

Overview: Jordan Penn, who went 4-0 filling in for brother Lance Penn last season, is ready to take over for good at quarterback. Last year's leading rusher, Antonio Scott, is behind an experienced line. The offensive line is deep, but there is little help behind the starting offensive skill positions. The team has solid athletes on defense, but only a few of the starters will be playing familiar positions. The defensive secondary should be strong with returning starter Spencer Martin leading the way.

Potosi

Coach: Steve Bays, fourth season

Last year: 0-10

Returning starters: 7 on offense, 6 on defense

Five to watch: Brett Walton (FB, jr.), Jerad Marler (HB, jr.), D.J. Akers (TE, sr.), Jesse Pashia (QB, jr.), Blaine Chazelle (OT/DT, sr.)

Overview: Potosi returns six strong seniors in its attempt to improve on last season. The Trojans look for big things from Pashia, who saw varsity action last year as a sophomore, and Walton, a 195-pound fullback. With a load of young experience, the team looks in position to step up.

Scott City

Coach: Jackie Johnson, first season

Last year: 4-6

Returning starters: 7 on offense, 7 on defense

Five to watch: Matt Schaefer (RB, jr.), Luke McClellan (QB, jr.), Ryan Glastetter (WR, sr.), Zac Callow (OL/DL, sr.), Shaun Hann (DB, jr.)

Overview: The Rams were a sophomore-oriented team that finished fairly strong last season. The team has had to overcome a lot this summer with unexpected coaching change, and the offense has had to learn a lot in its plan to open up under Johnson. The Rams should be strong defensively with five of their top six tacklers returning.

Sikeston

Coach: Charlie Vickery, 26th season

Last year: 7-2

Returning starters: 7 on offense, 6 on defense

Five to watch: Tyler Holt (OL, sr.), Stephen Miller (QB, sr.), Nathan Eaves (LB, sr.), Jacob Priday (LB., sr.), Scotty Keenan (WR, sr.)

Overview: Sikeston has a strong returning nucleus with almost all of their front seven back on defense. Eaves and Priday form one of the top linebacker tandems in the conference. Miller will take over for quarterback Blake DeWitt after starting at tight end last season. The offensive line's experience should make Miller's transition smooth. The questions will be an inexperienced secondary and finding a running back to replace Lavar Morgan.

St. Pius

Coach: Rick Overberg, fifth season

Last year: 8-2

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 4 on defense

Five to watch: Deric McSpaddon (WR/LB, sr.), Paul Harmon (RB/LB, sr.), Carlos Fish (RB/FS, so.), Jonathan Overberg (QB, sr.), Joe Absher (G/DE, sr.)

Overview: The Lancers are not as strong as last year's team. Harmon, who has speed and shifty moves, will try to replace a 1,500-yard rusher from last year. The offensive line, which lacks depth, is a concern after Absher. The team's success may hinge on Overberg at quarterback. His main target will be McSpaddon, who has strength and good hands.

St. Vincent

Coach: Keith Winkler, fourth season

Last year: 7-3

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 5 on defense

Players to watch: Chad Lane (QB, sr.), Chris Kline (FB/LB, sr.), Kyle Kline (RB/LB, jr.), Dusty Cissell (OL/DL, sr.), Zach Moll (WR/P, sr.)

Overview: The Indians lost a couple of quality receivers and defensive backs but return experience at quarterback in three-year starter Chad Lane and at running back with the brother duo of Chris and Kyle Kline. If Lane has a few good hands to throw to, the Indians should have a balanced offense. The team is looking for its first district title in three years.

Ste. Genevieve

Coach: Bob Stolzer, 15th season

Last year: 11-2, lost in semifinal

Returning starters: 5 on offense, 4 on defense

Five to watch: Adam Schwent (RB/LB, sr.), Bryan Gegg (OL/DE, sr.), Nathan Hutson (QB, sr.), Josh French (OL, sr.)

Overview: The Dragons reached the semis in Class 3 last year but must replace most of that talent, including an all-state quarterback and wide receiver. The team had balance on offense (more than 2,500 yards in passing and rushing) and want to duplicate that this year. Hutson will start at quarterback after a solid JV season. Stolzer is an experienced coach who has guided teams through this situation before.

Valle

Coach: Will Palmer, fourth season

Last year: 5-5

Returning starters: 7 on offense, 7 on defense.

Five to watch: Steve Koller (TB/LB, sr.), Shawn Odneal (TE/DL, so.), Patrick Odneal (QB/DB, sr.), Zack Wipsler (ILB/FB, sr.), Jay Pope (SE/DB, so.).

Overview: The Warriors return talented players at almost every skill position. Patrick Odneal completed 56 percent of his passes last year. Wipsler was all-conference at defensive end last year and at tight end the past two years. The Warriors lost both middle linebackers, and their depth at defensive end allows Wipsler to fill the void. Pope was an all-conference split end as a freshman. The team has a powerful combination of talent and experience.

Windsor Owls

Coach: Kevin Stoffey, first season

Last year: 4-7, lost in sectional

Returning starters: 6 on offense, 4 on defense

Five to watch: Blane Boss (RB, sr.), Zack Weiss (QB, sr.), Sam McDonald (DE, sr.), Casey Adams (T, sr.), Brian Whitener (RB, sr.)

Overview: The Owls reached the playoffs last year after an upset of North County in Week 10. The Owls have experienced players at the skill positions on offense. Boss rushed for more than 1,000 yards each of the past two seasons. Weiss, like Boss, is a three-year starter. The Owls are weak up front, especially on defense, with the exception of McDonald. McDonald is a leader on defense who was first team all-conference last year, his first year at the position. This is Stoffey's first year as head coach but his 22nd season with the program.