5. Reservoir (5-5, 5-5, 225-216)

E.J. Montgomery might be the best QB in the league, and he has some solid receivers and a strong line to protect him.

This week: at River Hill.

6. Long Reach (5-5, 5-5, 210-273)

The Lightning finished .500 last year while losing a half-dozen players to injury. With a healthy squad that includes playmakers such as running backs Allen Cross and Eugene Swen, an improvement might be in order.

This week: at Marriotts Ridge.

7. Howard (5-5, 5-5, 252-230)

Coach Bruce Strunk is concerned about his line play, but a deep running back corps that includes Michael Anderson, Joey Bonavitacola and Brady Curley will make them a contender.

This week: home against Centennial.

8. Glenelg (5-5, 5-5, 218-192)

There will be a period of adjustment after graduating a player of Colin Osborne’s caliber, but coach Butch Schaffer has a proven track record of making the most of the talent on the field.

This week: home against Atholton.

9. Oakland Mills (4-6, 4-6, 251-292)

QB Kurtis Coleman will be throwing to the younger brother — Dominic Drew — of his best target last year — Terrance Drew — so the dropoff might not be what some expect.

This week: home against Mt. Hebron.

10. Mt. Hebron (1-9, 1-9, 133-379)

A tougher defense and a better running game should allow QB Malik Gilmore and wide receivers Tyler Anthony and Jackson Porter to stay competitive against more opponents this year.

This week: at Oakland Mills.

On the bubble: Centennial (2-8, 2-8, 193-290), Marriotts Ridge (0-10, 0-10, 76-359)