11. Dwyer
2008 Record: 12-2 in 4A, lost to Plant in state semi-finals 33-21.
2009 Classification: District 15-4A with Okeechobee and Palm Beach Lakes.
Reason for Optimism: Matt Elam is one of the state's top two-way players. He should team with QB Jacoby Brissett, TE Gerald Christian, TE Nick O'Leary, and WR Robert Clark to form one of the most talented offenses in the state. There is work to be done defensively, but the tools are there.
The Road to the State Championship: South Fork, Stranahan, and Palm Bay are Region opponents. In the same half of the draw are Armwood, Charlotte, Cape Coral, and Largo which should create a great semi-final match-up.
12. Monsignor Pace
2008 Record: 11-3 in 3A, lost in state semi-finals to Cocoa 20-17.
2009 Classification: District 8-2B with Archbishop Carroll, Chaminade, Coral Shores, Doral Academy, Gulliver, Lasalle, and Somerset Academy.
Reason for Optimism: QB Stephen Morris returns and is one of the top dual threat QB's in the state. RB DeAndre Johnson is poised for a break-out year. They lost three WR's to USF and will need to find some replacements. The OL is led by Jonathan Ragoo and Zachary Soto. TE Kendall Montgomery is a talent. Defensively, they are loaded with talent including Isaac Dixon and Normando Harris. Athlete Isaiah Williams joins the fold.
The Road to the State Championship: .....runs through Pahokee in what could be a tremendous second round game.
13. Boone
2008 Record: 11-3 in 6A, lost to Seminole 21-17 in state semi-finals.
2009 Classification: District 6-6A with Cypress Creek, Dr. Phillips, Freedom, Gateway, and Oak Ridge.
Reason for Optimism: This has been Orlando's most consistent big class team the last four years and there is no reason to think it will end in 2009. QB Sam Hutsell returns to team with WR Denard Lucas, while they will need a RB to replace the departed James Washington. The defense is always tough and will be led by Skyler Skersick.
The Road to the State Championship: Very tough with Dr. Phillips in their District, Apopka and Olympia one District away, and Atlantic lurking in the Region. Plenty of solid teams in Region 1 including Mainland, Deland, and Lake Brantley.
14. Lincoln
2008 Record: 11-4 in 4A, lost State Championship to Plant 34-14.
2009 Classification: District 3-4A with Leon, Wakulla, and Chiles.
Reason for Optimism: A new coaching staff has QB Ryan White returning along RB Javaris Allen. The OL will be led by Cody Gibson. Defensively, LB's Mark Wilson and Tony Harris form a potent duo and Lincoln is always loaded with talent.
The Road to the State Championship: Niceville and Pine Forest reside in the same Region and Gainesville lurks down the road. The experience from last year should pay dividends in 2009.
15. Niceville
2008 Record: 9-2 in 5A, lost to Pine Forest in 2nd Round 21-18.
2009 Classification: District 2-4A, with Crestview, Ft. Walton Beach, and Mosley.
Reason for Optmism: RB Roy Finch and WR Kody Williams return to give the Eagles two big time offensive weapons. Michael White, Anthony Miles, and Greg Norrell return on defense to headline what should be a strong unit.
The Road to the State Championship: They lost to two games to Pine Forest last year(only two) both by three points. They are a District 1 first or second round match-up. Lincoln is a Region opponent.