Football 2012: Area 8-man preview

The following is a preseason football glance for area eight-man football districts:

8-MAN DISTRICT 4

Overview -- After gaining respectability and making the playoffs last year (for the first time in ages),

Midland seeks to take the next step and contend for a district championship. To do so, the Eagles must be better against the top teams -- much better. It's a veteran team, though, led by Ryan Leonard (1,365 rushing yards, 23 TDs, 69 tackles).

Lansing Kee will be strong defensively, returning six of the top eight tacklers.

Preston is traditionally very solid, but faces heavy graduation losses.

Springville is a dark horse and should battle

West Central for the final playoff spot.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Midland*, 2. Lansing Kee*, 3. Preston*, 4. Springville*, 5. West Central, 6. Valley Community, 7. Elkader Central, 8. Central City, 9. Cedar Valley Christian.

8-MAN DISTRICT 5

Overview -- Bluntly and honestly, this is not a strong district. Four playoff qualifiers came from this field in 2011, and they all made first-round exits.

Melcher-Dallas, last year's district champion, is an overwhelming pick to repeat. The Saints bring back a 1,400-yard rusher in Trent Flesher and their top six tacklers from 2011. After that, it looks like four teams battling for the other three playoff slots.

Tri-County, Twin Cedars and

Meskwaki Settlement return some pieces, and it will be interesting to see how

HLV makes the transition from the 11-man game to eight-man. If they adjust quickly, the Warriors could finish as high as second.

How they'll finish (*playoff qualifier) -- 1. Melcher-Dallas*, 2. Tri-County*, 3. HLV*, 4. Twin Cedars*, 5. Meskwaki Settlement, 6. Moravia, 7. Wayne, 8. Harmony, 9. Seymour.