This represents the top high school football teams in the BHSN coverage area going into spring practice. Records from last year are in parentheses.

1. Apopka (13-2) – Blue-chip offensive tackle Martez Ivey paves the way for a team that hopes to reach the state title game for the third straight season.

2. Dr. Phillips (11-1) – Panthers project to be rock solid on defense while key transfers should fill the void left by the graduation of offensive skill players.

3. Mainland (12-2) – Bucs had the area’s best defense a year ago and with eight returning starters, Mainland should be even better this season.

4. Cocoa (11-2) – Offensive line is the only concern for the Tigers, who should get big contributions on both sides of the ball from Ohio State commit Jamel Dean and Miami commit C.J. Gardner.

5. West Orange (9-2) – After first postseason appearance since 1999, Warriors are loading up to make a run at Apopka in 8A, District 3.

6. Osceola (11-3) – Kowboys are set to return seven starters from a stout defense with a bevy of running backs to help replace Daequan Harrison and Dwight Fagan.

7. Palm Bay (9-3) – With last year’s leading rusher Sekai Lindsay and leading tackler Twonnie Pollard back in the fold, Pirates project to be better than they were a year ago.

8. Heritage (12-1) – New coach Mark Ainsley inherits a junior heavy group led by running back Josh Gaines, who eclipsed 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.

9. Lake Mary (11-1) – Rams strength may flip from defense to offense with versatile running backs C.J. Lamar and Marquise Mickens, skilled receiver Nick Westbrook and strong tackle Robert Hillery.

10. Oviedo (6-4) – 15 returning starters give the Lions a good chance to atone for last year’s disappointing finish when they lost four of six and missed the postseason.

11. Timber Creek (6-4) – Jacques Patrick, one of the nation’s premier running back recruits, will once again carry the Wolves offense.  

12. Lake Nona (8-3) – After throwing for 40 touchdowns and nearly 4,000 yards last season, quarterback Tucker Israel is back to lead the Lions aerial attack.

13. South Sumter (12-1) – Dynamic backs Anderson Faulk and J.T. Taylor will run behind one of the area’s best offensive lines.  

14. Winter Park (9-3) – Defending district champions exceeded expectations last year and project to be solid on defense this season.

15. Oak Ridge (8-4) – Pioneers feature an elite group of receivers but the graduation of talented quarterback Jerrell Antoine leaves a huge hole to fill.

16. Merritt Island (11-1) – Defense carried the Mustangs to an undefeated regular season, but the Mustangs return just four starters from that unit.

17. Lake Brantley (7-4) – Patriots coach George Clayton will be back on the sidelines this spring after missing all of last season with back surgery.

18. South Lake (7-3) – As Mark Woolum enters his third season coaching the Eagles, his program is poised to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2003.   

19. Bishop Moore (8-3) – With six consecutive playoff appearances, the Hornets are a model of consistency.

20. Melbourne Central Catholic (11-1) – Quarterback Brandon Ziarno and the Hustlers top three receivers return to give the Hustlers a great chance for a second consecutive perfect regular season.

Austin Lyon can be reached at austin.lyon@bhsn.com. Follow him on Twitter, @AustinRLyon