By Steve Pimper
MaxPreps.com
Another high school football season is only days away and as is almost always the case, the preseason rankings reflect last year's final standings in predicting which schools will raise championship banners after the 2007 campaign.
The rankings are compiled from the votes of the coaches across the state and they show the respect the defending champions have been given in their quest to go back-to-back in defense of their crowns.
If accurate Bingham (5A), Timpview (4A), Bear River (3A) and San Juan (2A) will hoist another gold trophy in late November while the only new king of the gridiron will be Kanab in the 1A ranks, tabbed to replace Duchesne at the head of the small-school elite.
A little history, however. Utah has never had as many as four repeat champions in any year. There are sure to be some surprises, upsets and noteworthy performances along the way. Still here's the way the coaches have ranked the teams to begin this year.
In the 5A ranks, there's no doubt Dave Peck's Bingham Miners are loaded and probably deserve that lofty No. 1 spot. The state's (and possibly the West's) best place-kicker, Justin Sorenson, has already committed to Brigham Young University along with teammates Austin Holt (tight end) and giant offensive lineman, Derek Tuimauga to lead the state in early Division I recruits.
Last year's runner-up, Alta, isn't far behind with prized blue-chip running back Sausan Shakerin (2,355 rushing yards and 222 points scored in 2006) leading Les Hamilton's Hawks attack. Alta is hoping to shed the No.2 spot as early as the second week when they meet Bingham in the most anticipated rematch of the year after losing to the Miners 21-19 in last year's championship game.
Skyline is the preseason No. 3 pick and everyone in the state knows you can never count out the Eagles under Roger Dupaix from being a title contender. Rounding out the top 10 is Fremont, Lone Peak, always-tough Davis, rising powerhouse Jordan, Pleasant Grove, Hunter and Northridge. Keep an eye on sleeper extraordinaire, the Layton Lancers.
Moving on to the 4A schools, Luis Wong's Timpview Thunderbirds lead the rankings, followed by Aaron Whitehead's East High Leopards (yes the same East High from the Disney movie, High School Musical 2).
The No. 3 spot in the preseason poll goes to Brody Benson's Highland Rams, followed by Cottonwood and new coach Cecil Thomas. The best of the rest goes to Mountain Crest, Box Elder and Skyview all out of Region V, and then Orem, Bountiful and West round out the top 10.
Again missing from the 4A rankings are three schools moving up from the 3A division, all of which are more than capable of becoming huge impact teams come playoff time. Look out for Snow Canyon and Adam Timo, Pine View's duo of quarterback Nick Marinko and running back Travis Tait, and finally Nate Carter and his Dixie Flyers.
Nothing new or surprising about finding Chris Wise's Bear River Bears atop the 3A poll. The Bears have captured three of the last four state titles. The No. 2-ranked Logan Grizzlies of coach Mike Favero are the only team to break the Bears streak as they captured the 2005 crown and may just have the team to do it again.
Park City comes in at No. 3 despite the graduation of All-State running back, Jared Tew, but coach Brandon Matich has really elevated the Miners program over the past couple of years. James Cordova's Judge Memorial Bulldogs come in at No. 4, and even at this lofty spot may be a little underrated as they look to have one of the most talented squads in the state poised to really make things interesting in 3A.
After the Bulldogs comes Hurricane, Juan Diego, Cedar City, Wasatch, Delta and Morgan with the Jackrabbits of Delta being the team to keep your eye on as the season goes on.
In 2A it's Coach Monte Lee's San Juan Broncos in the top spot followed closely by the Braves of North Summit. Mike Bowring's Juab High School Wasps are at No. 3 with Millard and South Summit rounding out the top five.
Finally the smallest school coaches (1A) have given the preseason nod to Bucky Orton's Kanab Cowboys, with a slight edge over last year's champion Duchesne at No. 2. Coach Ashely Brown's Rich team is third, Enterprise fourth and finally the Layton Christian Eagles hoping to follow up their first state title (as 2007 basketball state title holders) with a football trophy at No. 5.