After winning their sixth-straight state championship last year, Hutch is once again the team to beat according the coaches in the league.
The Salthawks must reload this season after losing several skill players as they return just one offensive starter and four on defense. Hutch opens the season Friday with a home game against Rockhurst (Mo.).
Salina Central, which missed out on the playoffs for the first time in 17 years, brings back seven defensive starters to lead a feisty unit this season. The Mustangs open the season with a road matchup at Derby, who finished one vote behind Salina Central in this year's poll.
The Panthers have a solid offensive core returning to lead the team this season but must get past a brutal two-week stretch to open the season with Salina Central and Hutch on the docket.
Salina South, which made a solid playoff run a year ago, comes into the 2010 season under Sam Sellers, who took over the team midway through the season last year.
Newton (7-3 overall, 4-1 in AVCTL Div. II) moves up into Division I and finished a vote ahead of Maize for fifth. The Eagles finished 3-7 overall last year.
Campus, who won just one game last year in Division II, was picked seventh.
1. Hutchinson
2. Salina Central
3. Derby
4. Salina South
5. Newton
6. Maize
7. Campus
