1. McDonogh
Last season: 17-7-1, ranked No. 3
The Maryland Interscholastic Athletic Association A Conference runner-up returns its entire defense on a team filled with all-star caliber players.
2. . River Hill
Last season: 12-1-1, No. 1
The river never runs dry for Howard County's premier team, although graduation fished out eight good players.
3. Calvert Hall
Last season: 13-6-2, No. 10
Offense was its strength a year ago. An improved defense hopes to spark its drive for the MIAA A Conference's top spot.
4. Dulaney
Last season: 14-5-1, No. 6
Runner-up in both Class 3A and Baltimore County last season, the Lions have won three straight regional titles.
5. Severna Park
Last season: 13-5-1, No. 3
After a slow start, the 3A champion got hot in the playoffs. This season, they expect a better launch.
6. Eastern Tech
Last season: 16-2-1, No. 4
A quality varsity bench last season and a strong JV team should fuel another memorable season.
7. South River
Last season: 15-2-1, No. 5
Defense gave the Seahawks their first Anne Arundel title and best record. They'll need an improved offense to repeat.
8. Loyola
Last season: 13-8-3, unranked
The Dons are eager to prove they are the best team in the MIAA A Conference after four straight semifinal losses.
9. C. Milton Wright
Last season: 12-3, No. 9
The Harford County champion is a veteran team that seeks to avenge its 4A regional semifinal loss to South River.
10. Towson
Last season: 11-5, unranked
The Generals, who lost the regional final in overtime last year, return eight starters intent upon winning the 2A state title.
11. Centennial
Last season: 13-3, No. 8
The Eagles have a "help wanted" sign posted to replace three stalwart defenders, but the offense is still sweet.
12. Mount St. Joseph
Last season: 18-5-1, No. 2
Losing talented forward Saah Johnson hurts, but the Gaels are still a big, old team restocked with talent.
13. Fallston
Last season: 10-5, unranked
The Cougars had won four straight Harford County titles until last season. They also want to avenge their regional final loss to Dulaney.
14. Patapsco
Last season: 6-9, unranked
Key players are a year older, and the six one-goal losses of last season should turn into victories this time around.
15. Glenelg
Last season: 11-3-1, No. 12
The desire to unseat Howard County champion River Hill runs as deep as their talent.