1. Ferndale: The Golden Eagles will take things one day at a time all the way to the state playoffs.
2. Burlington-Edison: The Tigers have a state championship-caliber backfield coming back.
3. Lynden: The best defense in the NWC might belong to the Lions.
4. Bellingham: The Red Raiders’ new-look offense should lead to some big points.
5. Mount Vernon: It’s hard not to put the Bulldogs here with quarterback Ray Walser back.
6. Blaine: The offensive line might lack experience, but they still have the skill guys.
7. Mount Baker: The running back trio of Gage Robinson, David Kashubin and Chad Cain will have defense’s worried.
8. Meridian: The Trojans weren’t expected to go undefeated in the regular season last year either but found a way.
9. Squalicum: Squalicum plays a brutal first-half schedule that could set the tone for the season.
10. Lynden Christian: The Lyncs might start a little slow this season, but they’ll be very strong by the end.
11. Anacortes: The Seahawks won three games last year, and now they are rebuilding.
12. Sedro-Woolley: The Cubs could surprise with state wrestling champion Derek Garcia playing quarterback.
13. Sehome: The Mariners have an experienced line and a good running back in Justin Santos.
14. Nooksack Valley: The Pioneers won’t lose eight games in a row this season.
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