Some are defending state champions. Other came tantalizingly close in 2009. And some are up and comers looking to break out as kickoff arrives.
These are the teams that may make some noise on the 2010 Tampa Bay area football scene:
Jefferson (Tampa) – With one of the area's most talented quarterbacks in Quentin Williams and a dominant passing game and stout defense, this could finally be the year the Dragons get over the state championship hump.
Armwood (Seffner) – Took a hit with the preseason injury to wideout A.J. King but quarterback Josh Grady is a touchdown machine who makes plays all over the field and the Hawks' defense is stingy.
Plant (Tampa) – With only one returning starter on defense, three state titles in a row may be a tall order. But the Panthers are just too talented not to be in the Class 5A discussion come late November.
Robinson (Tampa) – The Blake Rice to Ruben Gonzalez touchdown combination will occur often this year as the resurgent Knights keep moving up the charts.
Tampa Bay Tech (Tampa) – Coach C.C. Culpepper's crew crashed onto the Class 5A scene last year. Now they want to stick around awhile.
Largo – With do-it-all quarterback Juwan Brown firmly in control now, the Packers appear poised to battle with Sickles for the 4A-10 crown. But can Largo get back to the region semifinals?
Hillsborough (Tampa) – As coach Earl Garcia begins his 18th season at Hillsborough, he does so trying to establish a new starting quarterback. But a good defense and a playmaking wideout in Charles Lovett remain as the Terriers look for another postseason berth.
Spoto (Riverview) – Perhaps one of the best teams in Hillsborough County that no one knows about. But if quarterback-defensive back Nick Addison performs, the Spartans could be playoff bound.
Sickles (Tampa) – Powerful running back Cary White (Hillsborough's leading rushing in '09) leads an experienced Gryphons team. If the transition to coach Brian Turner (offensive coordinator who took over as head coach this summer) is smooth, Sickles could earn their first postseason win in team history.
Newsome (Lithia) – The Wolves have their heart and soul back in fullback Conner Powers, who was injured most of last season. We'll see if victories follow.
Countryside (Clearwater) – New coach Jared Davis steps in with the task of maintaining the momentum of one of the winningest programs in the Bay area. Having some pieces in place will help.
Plant City – The Raiders are stacked with a talented lineup and a new quarterback, Bennie Coney, who is primed to break out in 2010.
Land O'Lakes – The always talented Gators return with Stephen Weatherford at quarterback and an influx of talented incoming transfers on both sides of the ball.
Jesuit (Tampa) – New coach James Harrell is optimistic about a Tigers return to prominence. So is his son, standout linebacker Anthony Harrell, who transferred this summer from Freedom to the private school.
Tampa Catholic (Tampa) – The Crusaders graduated plenty of talent from last year's state runners-up squad. Tampa Catholic will have to plug some holes to maintain its playoff dominance.
Pasco (Dade City) – The Pirates always play solid defense but will be that be enough this season?
Alonso (Tampa) – With record-setting quarterback C. J. Bennett gone, new coach Lee Meitzler will rely on running back Brandon Holloway and defensive terror Anthony Chickillo to get by.
Mitchell (New Port Richey) – Mustangs standout tailback Ricky Trinidad is worth the price of admission. The senior has been one of the area's best backs since he was a sophomore and went for 178 yards and two scores in Mitchell's blowout preseason tuneup last week.
Berkeley Prep (Tampa) – The Buccaneers' offense is primed by runner-receiver-returner Nelson Agholor, who rarely takes a seat. Berkeley could be headed to back-to-back playoff appearances for the first time since '03-'04.
Nature Coast Tech (Brooksville) – One reason to watch is Ja'Juan Story. The future Gator will take over the Sharks' offense as quarterback this year. That means he'll have the ball in his hands on every play.
Clearwater Central Catholic (Clearwater) – New coach (former longtime Countryside coach John Davis) and a talented offense with Nick Newton at quarterback and Justin Goodloe at tailback mean the Marauders could quickly surprise.
St. Petersburg – Can speedy running back Rashad Lewis really eclipse 2,000 yards this season? He had 200-plus in the Green Devils' spring game and he'll get plenty of carries this fall.
Durant (Plant City) – Plenty of fans will know Cougars quarterback Je’Twan Smith's name by the time this season ends.
Middleton (Tampa) – Coach Jason Stokes (now in his second season at Middleton) was a miracle worker at Valrico Bloomingdale and may be the man to bring Middleton football back.
Carrollwood Day (Tampa) – Former Bucs coach Jon Gruden is helping out as an assistant coach. His son, Deuce Gruden, is new the quarterback looking to continue winning ways at the independent school.
