Football 2012: Area 1A preview

The following is a preseason football glance for area Class 1A districts:

1A DISTRICT 4

Overview -- Defending state champion

Saint Ansgar resides here, and former 2A powerhouse

North Fayette has moved down a class. Both teams were gutted fairly heavily by graduation, which might pave the way for

South Winneshiek to make a run at the district title. The Warriors return their top four rushers, including Colton Hageman (1,231 yards, 22 TDs), but have some retooling to do defensively. The four playoff teams appear fairly solid (

Sumner-Fredericksburg is the other); the order remains a mystery.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. South Winneshiek*, 2. Saint Ansgar*, 3. North Fayette*, 4. Sumner-Fredericksburg*, 5. Denver, 6. MFL MarMac, 7. Jesup.

1A DISTRICT 5

Overview -- Though missing the playoffs last year,

Maquoketa Valley may rate a slight favorite in a district that should be competitive and balanced. The Wildcats return all of their top four tacklers from 2011, and seven of the top eight.

Alburnett enjoyed a swift ascent to unprecedented prosperity last year, and though Pirates suffered stiff graduation losses, they will contend for a second straight district crown behind Zach Hoyle (team-leading 125 tackles last season).

Bellevue and

North Cedar were postseason participants last year, and rate a slight edge over the other three teams.

Tipton and

Durant will have veteran ball clubs.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Maquoketa Valley*, 2. Alburnett*, 3. Bellevue*, 4. North Cedar*, 5. Tipton, 6. Durant, 7. Clayton Ridge.

1A DISTRICT 6

Overview -- Arguably the best 1A district in the state, especially 1 through 5.

Iowa City Regina is the two-time defending state champion in 2A, and drops down a rung. The Regals have won 28 straight games, but will have challenges aplenty in 1A-6.

West Branch regularly goes deep into the postseason; they've made the state semifinals four straight years.

Sigourney-Keota suffered a rare losing season last year, but the Savage Cobras return their quarterback, their top four rushers, their top receiver and several key defenders.

Wilton advanced to the second round of the playoffs in 2A, while

Wapello returns virtually intact after a 6-4 season.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Iowa City Regina*, 2. Sigourney-Keota*, 3. West Branch*, 4. Wilton*, 5. Wapello, 6. Eddyville-Blakesburg, 7. Cardinal.