1. McDonogh
Coach: Steven Nichols
Last season: 18-6-1, ranked No. 7 Postseason: MIAA A Conference finalist
Outlook: The Eagles are regarded as one of the best in the nation with Division I-caliber players spread throughout the field. McDonogh has nine returning starters.
2. Gilman
Coach: Jon Seal
Last season: 17-2-3, No. 1
Postseason: MIAA A Conference champion
Outlook: The Greyhounds are among the top 40 teams in several national polls.
3. Mount St. Joseph
Coach: Mike St. Martin
Last season: 13-4-2, No. 8
Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: The Gaels return six starters after battling injuries last season. The upside is that St. Martin was able to give some of his younger players valuable playing time.
4. Reservoir
Coach: Paul Linkins
Last season: 15-3-1, No. 3
Postseason: Class 3A state champion
Outlook: The Gators are determined to build on last season's state title, and they have the talent to defend their crown in what will be a deep Howard County league schedule.
5. Marriotts Ridge
Coach: Kevin Flynn
Last season: 18-1, No. 2
Postseason: Class 2A state champion
Outlook: Even though the Mustangs will field their youngest team since their first varsity season in 2006, they will still be a force in the county and regional playoffs.
6. Loyola
Coach: Lee Tschantret
Last season: 19-9-1, No. 10
Postseason: MIAA A Conference semifinalist
Outlook: The Dons will be led by six returning starters — Jeremy and Michael DeGraffenreidt, John Jlopeh, Jamie Dubyoski, Tony Butta and Mike Distler.
7. River Hill
Coach: Matt Shagogue
Last season: 14-2-1, No. 6
Postseason: Class 3A East regional finalist
Outlook: The Hawks' only losses last season were to eventual state champions.
8. Wilde Lake
Coach: Matt Pickett
Last season: 13-1-2, No. 9
Postseason: Class 3A East Region semifinalist
Outlook: The Wildecats plan to challenge for the county title again, and their sights are also set on regional and state championships.
9. Archbishop Curley
Coach: Barry Stitz
Last season: 9-10-1, unranked
Postseason: None
Outlook: The Friars are looking to get back in the MIAA playoff hunt with nine returning starters. Stitz, a former professional player, annually produces some of the most technically sound teams in the area.
10. Liberty
Coach: Todd Muschik
Last season: 13-5-1, No. 4
Postseason: Class 2A state finalist
Outlook: The Lions return six starters who gained valuable experience in last season's run to the state championship, which they lost to Marriotts Ridge.
11. Perry Hall
Coach: Pete Eibner
Last season: 15-3, No. 5
Postseason: Class 4A North Region finalist
Outlook: Eibner, a former assistant for Pete Caringi at UMBC, takes over for Danny Skelton, who is now at St. Paul 's.
12. Broadneck
Coach: Sean Tettemer
Last season: 13-4, No. 12
Postseason: Class 4A East Region finalist
Outlook: The Bruins will have to reload after losing 12 seniors who played regularly. Tettemer said the focus has been on individual and team improvement to develop chemistry and improve the entire program.
13. Calvert Hall
Coach: Andy Moore
Last season: 10-5-2, No. 13
Postseason: MIAA A Conference quarterfinalist
Outlook: The Cardinals will have to replace several key players who were lost to graduation. Calvert Hall has just one returning starter and eight returning overall.
14. Severna Park
Coach: Roy Dunshee
Last season: 14-3-2, No. 11
Postseason: Class 4A state semifinalist
Outlook: The Falcons will make a run at the county and regional titles. Severna Park will get scoring from Billy Zito and Joe Lopez, and will expect several younger players to contribute.
15. St. Paul's
Coach: Danny Skelton
Last season: 13-5-1, No. 15
Postseason: MIAA B Conference champion
Outlook: The Crusaders are primed to defend their B Conference title. Skelton has also scheduled games against several AConference teams.
OTHERS CONSIDERED: Bel Air (14-3-1), C.Milton Wright (5-8), Dulaney (11-4), Eastern Tech (8-9-1), Hereford (12-4-2), Patterson Mill (13-4), South Carroll (9-5-1)