High school football: Top 25

1. Alta Hawks (13-1) Class: 5A

Outlook: The defending 5A champs should be loaded once again despite the graduation of virtually all of its starters from a year ago. Quarterback Ammon Olsen has the potential to be a very special player for the Hawks. 2008 opener: vs. Spanish Fork, Friday.

2. Bingham Miners (11-2) Class: 5A

Outlook: The Miners are absolutely loaded and probably the most talented and experienced team in the state. With returning starters on defense like L.T. Filiaga and Remington Peck, It should be another dominant year for coach Dave Peck's team. 2008 opener: vs. Skyline, Friday.

3. Timpview T-Birds (13-0) Class: 4A

Outlook: This program has won 24 straight games and two straight state titles. With countless returning starters this year, that winning streak could reach 37 by November. 2008 opener: at Pleasant Grove, Friday.

4. Layton Lancers (12-2) Class: 5A

Outlook: The Lancers were the surprise team of 2007, but they won't sneak up on anyone this year with players like LaVaughn Jackson and Karl Williams. Some Region 1 coaches think Layton is going to be even better this year. 2008 opener: at Bonneville, Friday.

5. Cottonwood Colts (10-2) Class: 4A

Outlook: The talent is definitely there, now the Colts just have to put it all together and work as a team to have any hope of competing with Timpview in November. 2008 opener: vs. Clearfield, Friday.

6. Jordan Beetdiggers (7-4) Class: 5A

Outlook: The 'Diggers preseason schedule is ridiculously tough with games against Northridge, Massillon, Ohio, Layton, Bingham and Riverton. Hopefully they have some juice left in the tank for region play. 2008 opener: vs. Northridge, Friday.

7. Pine View Panthers (13-1) Class: 4A

Outlook: In its first year in 4A last year Pine View surprised some people by advancing to the state championship game. It was promptly humbled by Timpview, but the Panthers are back and just as talented to make a similar run this year. 2008 opener: at Mountain View, Friday.

8. Northridge Knights (8-3) Class: 5A

Outlook: Layton ran away with the Region 1 title last year, but this year the Knights are good enough to give its cross-town rivals a run for the region title. 2008 opener: at Jordan, Friday.

9. Mtn. Crest Mustangs (7-5) Class: 4A

Outlook: There's a buzz up in Hyrum about these Mustangs after last year's extremely young team made it all the way to the semifinals. With a loaded 4A field, duplicating that task won't be easy. 2008 opener: vs. Highland, Friday.

10. Pleasant Grove Vikings (7-4) Class: 5A