8. Massaponax Panthers

 We simply are not bold enough to leave the Panthers off of our top 10 list. And while Donte Hawthorne transferring out of the program certainly lowers the ceiling for this years version of the Panthers in our eyes it does not make Massaponax a team to overlook. There are still solid, returning studs like Justin Flores and Tommy Lagana. Donovan Phillips is a quick backfield threat that perfectly fits the mold of what you would expect from a Ponax back in their vaunted triple option. On top of this just like I stated a year ago, until I see Ponax have a bad year I cannot see them have a bad year. Massaponax has long been able to put pieces in the correct places and get the most out of the athletes in that program. Even in a season marred in Covid a year ago. Massaponax did enough with the games they were able to actually play to grab a share of the District championship. When looking at Massaponax's roster some potential breakout names to watch include Senior LB Ethan Sheets (6'4 175) LB Edward Mills (5'10 185) and big Chase Hatchett (6'3 280) in the trenches. When looking at their schedule, we will find out about Massaponax right away. There are no warm up games for the Panthers, Ponax plays King George, Louisa and, Mountain View all in 3 out of their first 6 games... The other  during that stretch? Chancellor, Woodbridge and North Stafford who are certainly not slouches. Ponax may not have the prettiest record to start or end the year, but they're guaranteed to bring a fight against whoever they line it up with.

Projected Record: 7-3