Redbugs will be swarming 6-3A in the fall.
At least that's what they're saying in Fordyce, but word has it perennial powerhouse Junction City wants to make its' mark in 3A.
Genoa Central has never been in the playoffs, but that means little to coach Phillip Binkley, who likes the
Dragons prospects of surprising a lot of folks.
FORDYCE
Coach Tim Roberts Redbugs posted a 10-2 record last year on their way to the 6-3A crown.
Roberts doesn't have a lot of those players back with only three starters returning on each side of the ball.
But that's been the case before, and Fordyce has seven straight winning seasons this decade.
The Redbugs have a senior quarterback back, but the loss of eight two-way starters could spell trouble for the defending champs.
JUNCTION CITY
The Dragons found 3A to be a little tougher than 2A, where they've been dominant for several seasons.
Coach Steven Jones welcomes back 14 starters, eight on the offensive side.
Like Fordyce, Junction City has seven straight winning season this decade, and more to build on this year.
SMACKOVER
The Buckaroos have a new coach in Mike Baysinger, who inherits 10 returning starters, five on both sides of the ball.
Smackover has a stable of fleet running backs, and two senior candidates at quarterback.
A lack of experience in the lines could be the Buckaroos undoing.
FOUKE
Veteran coach Rick Barker led the Panthers to a 7-4 record and the playoffs last season, but he's clearly rebuilding this season with only two starters back on both sides of the ball.
Running back Charlie Baker is expected to have a big year, but the success of sophomore quarterback Hunter Lansdell may be the key to the Panthers' season.
Baker and Gabe Parker will be key performer on defense.
GENOA CENTRAL
The return of quarterback Bo Jewell (broken collarbone in 2016) has Binkley upbeat. Jewell scored six touchdowns and rushed for more than 400 yards in the Dragons' first two games before getting injured.
The Dragons will have seven or eight kids going both ways, which is the same for most of the teams in 6-3A.
Genoa Central has been getting closer to McGehee and Fouke, and wins over those two could propel the Panthers into the postseason.
DREW CENTRAL
Odds are the Pirates will be better this season with 20 starters back from an 0-10 team.
Coach Rob Cox saw his Bucs' offense held to one touchdown or less in seven games last season.
Drew Central has a serious confidence factor to overcome, having gone 0-10 five of the last seven seasons.
LAKE VILLAGE
The Beavers must adjust to a new coach (Chris Williams) and new system to improve on last year's 4-7 record.
Williams has 13 starters back, including eight on offense. Senior quarterback Aarion Kilgore accounted for 2,500 yards and 27 TDs. He should make the Beavers more competitive.
Lake Village must improve on defense to be a playoff contender.