North Dakota

Class AAA

1. Bismarck

The Demons come into the season with a 17-game winning streak.

What you need to know:  This may be the least dominant team that Bismarck has put out since their streak of six straight Dakota Bowl appearances started. They do have some seriously talented linemen but the overall team speed is down a little. All that said, they're still the best in the state.

2. Fargo South

What you need to know: This team was ultra-close to being named my number one team. They return eight starters including James Johannesson and Zach Kellen to one of the most explosive offenses last year.

3. Minot

What you need to know: Another title contender in Minot, they have the best quarterback in the state in Alex Yanosko and a great one-two punch with Brady Lampert and Kolton Larson. The question is can the line hold up their end of the bargain. If they can the Magi could be headed for the top spot in the west.

4. Century

What you need to know: Century will need to find some speed to get back to the title game for the third year in a row. Watch the Bismarck Century 2013 Outlook

 

5. Grand Forks Red River

What you need to know: Red River returns Chad Bartosh to contend in the EDC. Their defense might separate them from some of the other contenders. They have a tough front seven.

 

Class AA

1. Fargo Shanley

What you need to know:  The Deacons won it all last year with a largely inexperienced team. This season they should be improved which means they are the biggest favorites of any team in any class. Chase Montplaisir, Danny Stasch, Tre Fort and Blake McGovern lead a talented offense.

1. Fargo Shanley

What you need to know:

2. Bishop Ryan 

What you need to know: Head Coach Brian Borkhuis returns 8 starters, Austin Eggl is at QB and heads an experienced and physical group. The Lions should be the best in the west.

Brock Lingen and the Wahpeton Huskies are ready to compete in the East.

3. Wahpeton

 What you need to know: Brian Dokken and the Huskies let one get away in the semis last year. They have their leading rusher Brock Lingen and quarterback Jack Christensen back to contend.

4. Grafton 

What you need to know: Spoiler football has been solid the last few years. This season Thomas Maus has another good group back. Look for Austin Conteras and Julian Martinez to lead the way this season.

5. Kindred 

What you need to know: Kindred was one of the best three-win teams last year. I expect them to improve with Eric Bachmeier setting the tone at quarterback.

 

Class A

1. Hazen

They line up Briar Bornemann again. Bornemann had a stellar year to help lead the Bison to a title. Both lines will be strong.

2. Milnor-North Sargent

Region 1 should belong to MNS.  Coach Eric Olson return 10 senior starters and seven of them earned all-region honors. Andrew Martinson will be among the best rushers in the class. Last year they lost their first three then won six in a row.     They should continue on that hot streak this year.

3. Oakes

Oakes is another region 1 powerhouse. They  lost only three games by a total of 15 pts last year. Oakes will look to their seniors Cole Ehrlin, Keaton Peterson and Stephen Quandt for a big year.

4. Larimore

The Polar Bears were unbeaten in the regular season last year. Coach Paul Peterson has senior Blake Yahna at QB. But it is their lines and a good core of running backs that will make this team fly.

5. Rugby

The Panthers will go as far as junior QB Brad Heidlebaugh will take them. He was all-region last year and could make this team's transition down to Class A a good one.

 

9-Man

1. Towner-Granville-Upham

TGU will have one of the most versatile athletes in the state, Eli Luna back. He is one of those 1,000 yard rushing and passing type of quarterbacks. They also have Kendal Green back to share the running load.

2. Divide County

They don't have as much back as TGU but what they have back is outstanding. Isaac Jacobs may be the best running back in the state and is just as good on defense. \

3. Grant County-Flasher

The Storm moves down to 9-man football and quarterback Taylor Krenz will take advantage with his speed.

4. LaMoure-Litchville-Marion

This team has two of the most dynamic athletes in the class wtih Brady Thielges and Anthony Olson, but do they have enough depth to make a deep playoff run?

5. Cavalier

Ryan Chrest is a senior quarterback and junior running back Brock Robbins will tote the rock. Cavalier could be a sleeper team to win it all if they stay injury free.