Bishop Chatard is ranked No. 1 in the Class 3A preseason polls.

Trojans coach Vince Lorenzano isn't buying the hype.

"It's always a new team," he said. "People always look back to last year for the ratings and refer to last year, but you're talking about a whole new group of sophomores, and juniors and seniors who haven't played before."

Still, plenty of talent returns from the program's fourth championship team in six years, including a top-notch defensive unit. Quarterback Rob Doyle also returns, but running backs Dan Kleinschmidt and Joey Gaines are among players in new roles on offense.

"It's fun to start with a different group and mind-set, that kind of thing," Lorenzano said.

Hamilton Heights is ranked No. 7 by the coaches and nearly cracked The Associated Press top 10. Co-coaches Chuck Reeves and Gene "Smoke" Starrett took over for Steve Stirn, who resigned last month.

Starrett said the players have "done well" with the sudden switch.

The Huskies' string of four consecutive sectional titles ended last season, and starting a new streak won't get any easier this fall. They're in Sectional 22, where Chatard awaits.

Its strong defense should help Hamilton Heights through the early part of the season. Starrett hopes the difference will be experience, including IU-bound running back/linebacker Chad Sherer.

Danville is another team to watch in Sectional 21, after losing to Chatard in sectional play the past six seasons.

Eight starters and 10 others with experience return on both sides of the ball. Versatile quarterback Colton Cooper can run the option or find familiar targets in receivers Casey Woods and Luke Robinson.

"We feel very good with what we've got coming back with the skill people," second-year coach Terry Siddall said.

With defensive size inside -- tackle Karl Schoening is 6-4, 352 pounds and Hunter Mason 6-3, 241 -- Danville will be dangerous.

Sectional 21 member Brebeuf Jesuit received votes in the AP poll. New coach Ryan Gallogly has changed the offensive and defensive philosophy. Obvious to fans will be the emphasis on the passing game led by Kyle Costello, though running back Evan Kroot will get his carries.

"We're going to try to put a good product on the field and have fun throwing the ball around and bring an exciting brand of football here," Gallogly said. "There's a lot of great teams down here, so that will be a challenge."