All eyes are on Perry Hall this spring as the Gators make a run for a Class 3A-4A state championship.

Bill Dunkerton's squad, which made great strides last season before bowing to eventual state champion Broadneck, will be tough to contain, but that won't stop Baltimore County perennial power Dulaney from trying. The Lions will be looking for revenge after losing to Perry Hall twice last year, including a season-ending loss in the region finals.

The county 1A-2A League is wide open and a talented Catonsville squad appears in the right place at the right time. Towson is the two-time defending state champion, but the Generals were hit hard by graduation and are vulnerable.

"If any of these county schools want to get that big win over Towson, this might be the year to do it," said Towson coach Randy Dase.

County private school powers Loyola and St. Paul's fell short in their bids for last season's final Maryland Scholastic Association A Conference crown, but both have their sights set on the new Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference title.

Calvert Hall Cardinals 1993 record: 6-8. Coach: Mike Thomas.

Top players: Joe Perriello, Sr., D; Ryan Lachowicz, Jr., M; Chris Nohe, Sr., M.

Outlook: The Cardinals are inexperienced, losing all their starting attack and seven of nine midfielders. Their top returning scorer (Lachowicz) had eight goals last season. Nohe, who played long-stick midfield last year, will go to a short stick to help the offense. The goalie duites will be split again this year between two juniors (Strider Jackson and Mickey Jarboe).

Catonsville Comets 1993 record: 8-4. Coach: Warren Como.

Top players: Jeremy Henn, Sr., M; Aaron Lovionger, Sr., M; Kirk Weiskoff, Sr., M; Eric McDade, Sr., M; Andrew Davis, Jr., M; Tom Carey, Sr., A; Chris Lindh, Jr., A; Mark Stone, Sr., D; John Rehmert, Sr., G.

Outlook: The Comets, who made it to the region finals last season before losing to North County, have a lot of players back, but with a new coach, they will have to adjust to a new system, which could take time. "If they can adjust to my system and work together, we should have a successful season," said Como. "We're fairly balanced and we have depth."

Chesapeake-BC Bayhawks 1993 record: 0-9. Coach: Trey Gelston.

Top players: Jason Perkins, Jr. A; Chip Slumski, Sr., D; Eli Montalvo, Sr., G; Nat Thornton, Jr., M.

Outlook: The Bayhawks, who finished 0-9 last year in their first season competing on the varsity level, had a good turnout (28 players) but still lack any real experience. "We're hoping to be more competitive than last year," said Gelston. "We're still young and inexperienced, but we're hoping to be more competitive and hopefully win four or five games."

Dulaney Lions 1993 record: 10-3. Coach: Gary Schrieber.

Top players: Dan Sherwood, Sr., A; Bill Siciliano, Sr., M; Matt Steil, Sr., A, Chris Karppala, Sr., M; Aaron DeVos, Sr., D; Scott Makowske, Sr., G; Jeff Brooks, Soph., G.

Outlook: The Lions, who lost to Perry Hall in the first round of the playoffs last season, lost two catalysts in attackman Tim Speno (Duke) and defenseman Emmerich Yoder (Harvard), but Schrieber is optimistic and believes his team will be stronger this season. "We have a very strong attack this year but I'm optimistic because we're playing like such a team," said Schrieber.

Dundalk Owls 1993 record: 4-7. Coach: Brian Tallon.

Top players: John Spallone, Sr., G; Lance Lader, Sr., D; Jerry Alcira, Sr., M; Travis Williams, Fr., M.

Outlook: The Owls return 11 players from last year's 4-7 squad, but only one of those players carried a long stick so their defense is suspect. "Our strength will be at midfield," said Tallon. "We should have at least two strong midfields I can run either way. Our weakness is definitely our defense. Spallone will have to step up."

* Eastern Tech Mavericks 1993 record: 6-5. Coach: Chad Roeder.

Top players: Shane Goldstraw, Sr., M; Rodney Huddler, Jr., M; Mark Fischer, Sr., A; Jason Kerner, Sr., D; Rick Ledford, Sr., D; Joe Marchiano, Sr., G.

Outlook: The Mavericks appear to lack the scoring power needed to survive in a region that includes Perry Hall, Dulaney and Franklin. "We're rebuilding our offense this year," said Roeder, who lost last year's leading scorer Mike Mrok to graduation. "I think we'll be more of a defense-oriented team. The last couple of years we've built the team around the attack, but we're a little different this year."

Franklin Indians 1993 record: 9-4. Coach: Earl Deickman.

Top players: Kevin Stierhoff, Sr., G; Noah Egorian, Sr., D; Chad McClure, Sr., M; Dan Bell, Sr., M; Jason Harris, Sr., A.

Outlook: The Indians, who bowed to Catonsville in the first round of the regions last season, will be hard-pressed to return to the region playoffs after losing 12 seniors. "We're pretty green and this is an untested team," said Deickman. "The guys we have back saw limited action last year so it's going to be tough to improve on last year's record."

Hereford Bulls 1993 record: 9-4. Coach: Whit Morrill.

Top players: Jamie Bateman, Sr., A; Drew Parker, Sr., A; Joe Caughy, Sr., M; Anthony Radecki, Sr., G; Ben Brack, Sr., D; Chris Mackert, Jr., M.

Outlook: The Bulls, who lost to Fallston in the region finals last year, have two proven scorers back in Bateman (46, 9) and Parker (21, 41) but other than Brack, their defense is young, which could make life tough in the goal for Radecki. "We have to stop the other teams from scoring and that's what we're working on," said Morrill, who lost Matt Swift (34, 17) to Boys' Latin. "We have some young kids so we'll just have to wait and see how far they can take us."

Kenwood Bluebirds 1993 record: 5-6. Coach: Fred Myers.

Top players: Chris Weidow, Sr., G; Eric Hiltz, Sr., D; Tony Guido, Sr., D.

Outlook: The Bluebirds have a solid keeper in Weidow but not much of a supporting cast. "We have a nice group of kids, but we're inexperienced and low in numbers," said Myers. "Everyone is working hard so we'll have to wait and see."

Lansdowne Vikings 1993 record: 2-9. Coach: Terry Lathroum.

Top players: Jason Lins, Sr., A; Kevin Reddish, Jr., A; Jerry Andrews, Jr., A; Matt Fitzsimmons, Jr., A; Kevin Link, Sr., M; Rod Daly, Sr., M; Ryland Spicer, Soph., D; Dave Wingrove, Jr., D; Dave Kreatschman, Jr., D; Chris Patterson, Sr., G.

Outlook: Lathroum, who coached at Catonsville last year, will have his hands full at the helm for the Vikings. "Position-wise, I think we're pretty good at attack, but this is definitely a rebuilding year," said Lathroum. "They're learning a new system and so it all depends on how fast they pick things up. If they pick things up fast, we'll surprise some people."

Loch Raven Raiders 1993 record: 8-4. Coach: Chuck Weitz.

Top players: Tyson Su, Sr., M; Justin Novak, Sr., M; James Snyder, Jr., M.

Outlook: "The jury is still out," said Weitz, whose team lost to Towson in last year's region final. "We're still young so we'll have to see how long it takes for our kids to adjust to the varsity level. I think we'll be better than last year's squad as far as skill level and, hopefully, we can get back into the playoffs."

Loyola Dons 1993 record: 15-4. Coach: Joe McFadden.

Top players: Keith Euker, Sr., A; Jason Rickel, Jr., A; Scott Diggs, Jr., M; Brian Zeller, Jr., M; Kevin Kaiser, Sr., M; Charlie Brown, Sr., M; Karl Zeller, Sr., D.

Outlook: Loyola's strength will be its defense, where the Dons will play five seniors. Loyola, which lost to St. Mary's in last year's A Conference title game, graduated 200 points. "We're established on the defensive end, but the other end is a mystery," said McFadden.

McDonogh Eagles 1993 record: 4-14. Coach: Jake Reed.

Top players: Todd Markin, Sr., A; Clint Fuchs, Sr., M; Mike Layden, Sr., D; Dave Kaiser, Jr., D; Art Chen, Soph., G.

Outlook: McDonogh, which enters its third year in the A Conference, has yet to beat a conference rival. The Eagles are a young team, with Markin, Fuchs and Layden as the only seniors that will see a lot of playing time. Goalie Chen started last year as a freshman. "We have a more athletic team, and better chemistry this year," said second-year coach Reed. "We're looking to knock off a couple teams and get into the playoffs."

Milford Mill Millers 1993 record: No team. Coach: Jim Walker.

Top players: Charles Johnson, Jr., D; David Kays, Jr., G; Chris Lew, Jr., D.

Outlook: Milford Mill did not have a team last season following eight seasons without a victory. Walker, who played at Towson High (1977-1979), hopes to lay the foundation for a solid program. Johnson, Kays and Lew played as freshmen, and there are two players with middle school experience. The Millers have some good athletes with some members of last fall's state playoff football team, but Walker says this season will be a learning experience.

Owings Mills Eagles 1993 record: 3-8. Coach: Ray Groszkowski.

Top players: Josh Ottenheimer, Sr., A; Sam Friedman, Sr., M; Brad Kessler, Jr., D; Sam Ellin, Jr., A; Colby Cox, Soph., A; Jarrett Seigel, Jr., A.

Outlook: With only two seniors on the squad, the Eagles will have to rely on some inexperienced underclassmen to lead the way. "We just want to perform the best we can and try to stay in the games," said Groszkowski. "If we can improve on last year's record, I'll be satisfied."

Overlea Falcons 1993 record: 9-4. Coach: Tom Gere.

Top players: Greg Burns, Sr., M; Lance Burgess, Sr., M; Nick Brown, Sr., D; Ryan Smink, Sr., G.

Outlook: Burns and Burgess can score and Brown can defend, but the Falcons lack any real depth which could present problems as the season wears on. "We're thin this year," said Gere, whose team lost to Loch Raven last year in the region semifinals. "We have an experienced first unit with some holes on defense. Our team speed is a real question mark. Our 'D veterans have won quite a few times and, hopefully, their experience will carry us through the early part of the season when we face Catonsville and Towson. Watch out for Catonsville."

Park Bruins 1993 record: 8-4. Coach: Lucky Malonee.

Top players: Scott Snyder, Sr., A; Dan Lisk, Jr., M; Zach Hettinger, Jr., D; Fabian Lima, Jr., G; Sam Hendler, Sr., D; Gavin Goren, Sr., M.

Outlook: Park, which lost to Friends in last year's B Conference championship game, has a lot of holes to fill. The Bruins are without 14 of the 21 players who played varsity last year, including their best attackman and best defenseman.

Parkville Knights 1993 record: 7-4. Coach: Phil Donwin.

Top players: Craig Lark, Soph., A; Craig Wolinski, Sr., M; Matt Slater, Jr., M; Todd Lipscomb, Jr., D; Walt Mueller, Sr. D.

Outlook: The Knights, who lost to Perry Hall in the first round of regions last season, graduated leading scorers Mike Lark and Don Startt and goalie Tim Phillips. Without that trio, the Knights will have difficulty matching last year's record. "We're a real young team," said Donwin, who graduated 11 players. "I'm just ** hoping we can put something together."

Patapsco Patriots 1993 record: 2-7. Coach: Sean Bowmaster.

Top players: Alan Wiherle, Sr., D; Tim Dodge, Sr., A; Steve Abate, Sr., G.

Outlook: The Patriots, who move up to Class 3A-4A this season, will be tested early as they open on the road against state finalist Perry Hall and perennial powerhouse Dulaney. "The squad is small and lacks any true midfielders," Bowmaster said of his 16 players. "We're going to be relying heavily on the experienced attack. I'm expecting at least a .500 season."

Perry Hall Gators 1993 record: 15-1. Coach: Bill Dunkerton.

Top players: Brandon Hill, Sr., A; Ryan Pancake, Jr., D; David Augustyniak, Sr., D; Mike Cavaselias, Jr., D; Greg Stark, Sr., M; Jeff Proctor, Sr., M; Joe Farinetti, Sr., M; Jeff Patterson, Sr., M; Buddy Smith, Sr., M; Jason Whitaker, Sr., A; Nick Cowan, Sr., A; Mike Faith, Sr., A; Jeff Taylor, Sr., A.

Outlook: Look out for the Gators because they're loaded. Perry Hall, which bowed to Broadneck in last year's state championship game, has nearly everyone back, including a trio of the area's top players in Cowan, Pancake and Faith. Stark and Proctor, transfers from Calvert Hall, make Perry Hall even stronger. "It's an extremely talented and very deep group," said Dunkerton, whose schedule includes matchups with St. Paul's and Calvert Hall. "Our success depends on how well we hold it together and whether on not we can stay healthy."

Pikesville Panthers 1993 record: 4-6. Coach: Tano Arrogancia.

Top players: Johnny Gilman, Jr., M; John Mogol, Sr., D; David Stein, Sr., D; Danny Shavitz, Fr., G; Jason Freedman, Sr., A; Sam Altman, Soph., A; Jeff Rash, Soph., A.

Outlook: The Panthers' attack is comprised mostly of unproven sophomores so scoring could be a problem for the first-year coach. The Panthers boast a veteran midfield unit and have enough experience on defense to keep the opposition honest, but one of Arrongacia's sophomore attackmen must step up.

Randallstown Rams 1993 record: 2-9. Coach: Jim Rhoades.

Top players: Ron Schaefer, Sr., M; Josh Morin, Sr., M; Quincy McCrimons, Jr., A; Erik Ruppert, Sr., D.

Outlook: The Rams have won only three games in the past two seasons so Rhoades isn't expecting too much. "We have a long road ahead of us," said Rhoades. "If we win two or three games this year, it will be like winning a championship."

Sparrows Point Pointers 1993 record: 2-8. Coach: Sandy Runyan.

Top players: Sean Bauer, Sr., D; Ron Dawson, Soph., G; Paul Mioduzwecki, Jr., M.

Outlook: The Pointers are in for another long spring with a collection of first-year players. "This is baseball country so we have a conglomerate of athletes from other sports," said Runyan. "It's a rebuilding year and we'll have our hands full. We have a lot of energetic freshman, but only time will tell on them. "

St. Paul's Crusaders 1993 record: 13-2. Coach: Mitch Whiteley.

Top players: Sean Keenan, G, Sr.; Billy Ruhl, M, Sr.; Tucker Radebaugh, A, Jr.; John Solter, A, Sr.; Chris Berrier, M, So.; Jody Garliss, M, Sr.

Outlook: The Crusaders, MSA champs in 1991 and 1992, will need speedy recoveries from two top players who suffered off-season broken ankles. Solter, last year's faceoff specialist , badly fractured his ankle while playing football and has had three operations. Radebaugh, who made second-team All-Metro last year , broke his ankle in January while slipping on ice. Whiteley says that both should be ready when MIAA league play starts Friday, but neither will be 100 percent. Picking up the slack will be Berrier, who impressed Whiteley as a freshman on the varsity last year, and Garliss, a transfer from Calvert Hall. The defense lost two first-team All-Metro players to graduation, but Whiteley says this year's unit is very strong.

Towson Generals 1993 record: 15-0. Coach: Randy Dase.

Top players: Spencer Ford, Sr., M; Dan Ross, Sr., M; Ian Wildey, Sr., G; Chi Chi Giraldo, Sr., M.

Outlook: The Generals have won back-to-back state titles and have won 29 straight games, but those streaks could come to an end. Graduation nearly depleted Towson's roster, taking its entire defense and two-thirds of its attack. Ford and Ross can put the ball in the net and Wildey can stop shots with the best in the area, but filling these huge voids will be tough. "We are under massive reconstruction," said Dase. "This is the most inexperienced squad we've had since 1986. Our slogan is still 'three-peat' but it won't be easy. Our four seniors are our backbone and hopefully they can can bring the level of play of rookies up to them."

Woodlawn Warriors 1993 record: 0-11. Coach: Donnie Brown.

Top players: Carl Morgan, Sr., A; Antwan Boykin, Sr., M/A; Donte High, Sr., M; Daniel Koeingsberg, Jr., M; Steve Hughes, Jr., G; Frank Smallwood, Sr. G; Wayne Barbour, Soph., D; Michael Cunningham, Jr., D; Torry Gundy, Sr., D.

Outlook: Woodlawn has a JV lacrosse program this year for the the first time in three years so the future is looking bright, but the present is still somewhat dim. "As long as we catch and throw and pick up ground balls, we have the potential to make it to the playoffs," said Brown. "I've moved some people around and we're showing improvement every day. Realistically, I think we can go over .500 this season."