The top high school football teams in Central Florida, as selected by the Bright House Sports Network staff (last year's record is in parentheses):

1. Dr. Phillips (11-1) – Several transfers bolstered the Panthers roster and give DP the talent to start the season as the area’s top team. 

2. Mainland (12-2) – Buccaneers lost in the 6A semifinals last season with 15 returning starters, they should challenge for a state title this year.

3. Apopka (13-2) – Blue-collar bruisers Martez Ivey and Chandler Cox lead the way as Blue Darters seek return to state title game.

4. Cocoa (11-2) – Brevard County’s standard bearer for success has reached at least the state semifinals in seven consecutive seasons.

5. West Orange (9-2) – Warriors enter the season with high expectations but little tradition of success – West Orange has never won a playoff game.

6. Lake Mary (11-1) – After years of relying on defense to produce victories, Rams project to have one of the area’s best offenses this season.

7. Osceola (11-3) – Coming off an appearance in the 7A semifinals, Kowboys will need experienced defense to carry offense, which has to replace quarterback Daequan Harrison.

8. Palm Bay (9-3) – Pirates have made the playoffs in all 18 of Dan Burke’s seasons as coach – the 19th year shouldn’t be any different.

9. Heritage (12-1) – First year coach Mark Ainsley takes over for Ajay Ulmer as the Panthers hope to build off their best season in school history

10.  Lake Nona (8-3) – Quarterback Tucker Israel is 21 touchdown passes away from setting a new state record for career TDs. With a bevy of offensive weapons, that should come by midseason.

11.  Oviedo (6-4) – 15 returning starters aim to help Lions erase memories of 2013, when they lost four of their last six games and missed the playoffs.

12.  Timber Creek (6-4) – Running back Jacques Patrick, one of the nation’s most coveted recruits, has rushed for more than 2,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.

13.  Oak Ridge (8-4) – Pioneers advanced to second round of 7A playoffs last season and return two of the area’s most exciting players in Nyqwan Murray and Deangelo Antoine.

14.  South Sumter (12-1) – Coming off a second straight undefeated regular season with 15 returning starters, this year’s version of the Raiders could be coach Inman Sherman’s best ever.

15.  Winter Park (9-3) – The offensive line, which paved the way for Wildcats’ offensive success last season, will have four new starters.

16.  Merritt Island (11-1) – Graduation decimated Mustangs bruising defense, which was the driving force behind Merritt Island’s sixth straight district title in 2013.

17.  Lake Brantley (7-4) – Patriots must navigate an improved 8A, District 2 to make their 11th straight playoff appearance.

18.  Wekiva (5-5) – Mustangs have enough talent to reach the postseason for the first time in school history.

19.  Orlando University (7-4) – Cougars coach Don Stark is beginning his sixth season and has transformed University into an annual playoff contender.

20.  South Lake (7-3) – With 17 returning starters, there’s reason for excitement as the Eagles enter their third season under coach Mark Woolum.

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