1. Upper Scioto Valley. The Rams made the school’s first trip to the playoffs last year and advanced to the second round. Having first-team All-Conference players like quarterback Jason Moots and lineman Dakota Dunifon (17 sacks) back is a good start toward another good season.
2. Lehman. The Cavaliers have been in the playoffs the last four seasons. They have an experienced defense and quarterback Elliott Gilardi passed for 1,271 yards and rushed for 557 yards last season.
3. Riverside. Running back Caleb Stevens was second-team All-Northwest Central Conference last year when the Pirates were 7-3. He was sixth in the Division III 200-meter dash this year at the state track meet.
4. Perry. The Commodores will run the ball a lot out of their newly installed Wing-T offense for first-year coach Luke Taviano. They have 12 returning starters.
5. Hardin Northern. The Polar Bears are young with only six returning starters, three on offense and three on defense.
6. Ridgemont. The Gophers are hoping to improve on the 3-7 record they’ve had the last three seasons in a row.
7. Waynesfield-Goshen. The Tigers are attempting to break a 22-game losing streak. The roster is up to 27 players.
8. Elgin. The Comets. in their first year in the NWCC, have gone to the playoffs four times but the most recent time was in 2005. They were 0-10 last season.
