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If the first KSL Coaches' Poll of the 2011 football season is any indication, the traditional powers of Utah high school football will continue to reign in their respective classification.
Class 5A
Despite graduating 15 seniors who earned scholarship offers, the state's coaches believe Bingham is once again the team to beat in 5A.
The Beetdiggers and Silverwolves are both coming off terrific seasons. Both teams reached Rice-Eccles stadium in 2010 and desperately want to return. There is also an element of revenge as Jordan handed Fremont one of its two losses last season at it came on the Silverwolves home field. They hope to return the favor Friday night in a game that could set the tone for the season for both teams.#1 Timpview @ #4 Alta
When we look back on the 2011 season this may turn out to be a matchup of the 4A and 5A champions. Both teams are loaded with talent and hungry after falling short of expectations last season.#3 Bountiful @ #3 Lone Peak
This is another great matchup of state title contenders in 4A/5A. The Knights beat the Braves last year 10-7. Expect another close game on Friday night.#2 Hurricane @ #4 Skyline
These two teams met last year in a classic. The Tigers got a last second field to upset the Eagles. Now with the rematch being hosted by Skyline the Eagles seek revenge.#5 Spanish Fork @ Park City
The Dons are contenders after moving down from 4A and the Miners would love to prove they are as well by winning this game.
The 2010 Miners are considered by many to be the greatest team in state history. With only 5 returning starters on this year's team the gap between Bingham and the rest of the field has narrowed.
Fremont reached the state championship game last season and returns almost all their starters from a team that finished 11-2.
Lone Peak returns quarterback Chase Hansen, running back Talon Shumway and defensive back Micah Hanneman. All three athletes have scholarship offers to play a sport at the next level.
Alta may have more returning talent than anyone in the state and many believe they could be the team to beat after a disappointing season in 2010.
Davis rounds out the poll at No. 5. The Darts also look to be a contender with defensive end Troy Hinds and offensive lineman Zach Lindsay leading a talented team.
Class 4A
Timpview saw it's 17 game playoff winning streak and run of four consecutive state titles come to an end last season.
The 4A coaches in the state believe Timpview will return as the team to beat. The defending 4A state champions return quarterback Fish Smithson and 1,000 yard rusher and Michigan commit Sione Houma as they try to defend their title. If they can develop talent at the line of scrimmage they will be tough to beat this season.
Bountiful returns several players from a team that reached the semifinals in 2010 including running back Teau Satuala.
Skyline begins their first season in 4A and has instant respect from 4A coaches. Eagles coach Roger Dupaix is just six wins away from No. 300.
Mountain Crest was one play away from winning the title last season. They lost Mr. Football Alex Kuresa to graduation but return several starters that make them another contender in 4A.
Class 3A
There are big changes in 3A but no change at No. 1 and No. 2.
Realignment has added new contenders to the field but Juan Diego and Hurricane remain atop the poll. The Soaring Eagle and the Tigers have met in the last three state title games and the 3A coaches expect that to happen again.
Two more teams from Region 9 will contend for a state title. Desert Hills and Pine View are No. 3 and No. 4 in 3A.
Another team moving from 4A to 3A rounds out the poll. Spanish Fork reached the quarterfinals in 2010 and look to make even more noise in their first season in 3A.
Class 2A
San Juan will look to defend their 20-game winning streak and back to back state titles but they should expect a much more difficult road to another championship. One point separates San Juan and Millard in the 2A poll. The Eagles are picked by many to unseat the Broncos and win their first state title in 10 years. Manti returns to 2A and instantly becomes a contender. South Summit should also be tough to beat at No. 4 followed by Richfield to round out the 2A poll.
Email: jjensen@ksl.com
Twitter: @JJSportsBeat
