For the past few years, the Suburban East has resembled the old Big Ten, with a Big Two and a Little Eight. The two -- Cretin-Derham Hall and Mounds View -- will again be favored to finish 1-2 in the league. But the gap may be closing with the rest. Coach Andy Hill has made Woodbury into a dark horse, while Stillwater, East Ridge and Hastings all look to be improved.

CRETIN-DERHAM HALL RAIDERS

Coach: Mike Scanlan

2011 record: 11-1

• With Notre Dame recruit James Onwualu, quarterback Connor Rhoda, wide receiver Connor Keane and running back Blake Banham, the Raiders can boast the metro's top offense. Finding enough solid defensive players will be key to contending for the Class 6A title.

EAST RIDGE RAPTORS

Coach: Mike Pendino

2011 record: 3-7

• With a lineup loaded with talented juniors, the Raptors appear a year away from making some real noise in the conference. Junior center J.C. Hassenauer has been so impressive in summer camps that such schools as Michigan State, Alabama and Nebraska are sniffing around.

FOREST LAKE RANGERS

Coach: Billy Kirch

2011 record: 2-7

• The Rangers are on their third head coach in as many years. Kirch, a former Blaine standout, showed his coaching chops by winning a South Dakota Nine-Man title last year.

HASTINGS RAIDERS

Coach: Dana Strain

2011 record: 2-7

• A promising group of juniors hopes to build off of a 7-1 sophomore record and fill in the gaps around a small but talented group of seniors. New quarterback Alex Wiese will need to step up immediately.

MOUNDS VIEW MUSTANGS

Coach: Jim Galvin

2011 record: 9-2

• A physical defense has been the Mustangs' preferred brew, but this year there is offensive promise, as well. The talent and speed are there, but the size isn't. Another state tournament berth is possible if they stay healthy.

PARK OF COTTAGE GROVE WOLFPACK

Coach: Darin Glazier

2011 record: 0-9

• Glazier's first year brought glimmers of hope to an overall dismal season. Those glimmers, notably running back Dylan Smallidge and a dozen starters still smarting from last year, should provide a more consistent bright spot.

ROSEVILLE RAIDERS

Coach: Chris Simdorn

2011 record: 2-7

• The Raiders continue to have enough talent to give them hope but have a lack of depth and size, as well. Returning quarterback Jacques Perra (1,558 yards passing) can put up big numbers in a hurry.

STILLWATER PONIES

Coach: Beau LaBore

2011 record: 7-3

• Graduation struck the Ponies hard, and they have only five starters back. One of them is quarterback Nate Ricci, a dual threat who is just as likely to run as pass. Kicker Danny Laudet, a native of France, has a powerful leg.

WHITE BEAR LAKE BEARS

Coach: Ryan Bartlett

2011 record: 7-3

• Interest is high as fans are curious about Bartlett, who took over for longtime head coach Bob Jackson and scrapped the Bears' traditional option offense. Expect a few lumps as the few remaining starters learn a new system.

WOODBURY ROYALS

Coach: Andy Hill

2011 record: 6-4

• The Royals' mix of size, speed and experience makes them intriguing. Quarterback Sawyer Moon and running back Quran Al-Hameed provide a nice run/pass balance that will keep opposing defenses honest. The defense must improve to take the next step.

JIM PAULSEN