1. ARMWOOD: The Hawks are coming off a state runner-up season with one of the top players in the area, DL Byron Cowart, returning.

2. PLANT: The Panthers are hungry after getting ousted in the state semifinals by Apopka last year.

3. EAST LAKE: The Eagles lose a lot to graduation but return one of the Bay Area’s best – ATH George Campbell.

4. LAKELAND: The Dreadnaughts haven’t been legitimate state champion contenders in recent years with a young roster. This year, they might make a return to Orlando.

5. MANATEE: The Hurricanes are always in the hunt, but their focus will be tested with some off-the-field drama.

6. LAKE WALES: The Highlanders stormed through the Class 5A playoffs last year before losing to eventual state champs American Heritage in the state semifinals. Players such as S Marcus Walker want to take them further this year.

7. HILLSBOROUGH: The Terriers will be led by QB Dwayne Lawson, a player who does a little bit of everything on the field.

8. LARGO: Longtime coach Rick Rodriguez is gone and new coach Marcus Paschal, a Largo grad and former NFL player, will try to continue the Packers winning ways.

9. SICKLES: The Gryphons advanced to the Class 7A regional finals last year and Hillsborough County’s leading rusher, Ray Ray McCloud III, can take them all the way to Orlando this year.

10. LAKE GIBSON: The Braves have some extra motivation after getting bounced in the first round of the playoffs last year.

11. LAKEWOOD: The Spartans were oh-so-close to the state title game and don’t think that won’t motivate Coach Cory Moore and QB Ryan Davis.

12. TAMPA BAY TECH: The Titans and ATH Deon Cain, one of the area’s top prospects, have their sights set on Orlando.

13. CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC: The Marauders are champing at the bit after losing in the 3A title game.

14. KATHLEEN: Coach Irving Strickland has the Red Devils primed for big things this season.

15. JEFFERSON: The Dragons lose some key players to graduation but return plenty to be contenders this season.

16. PALMETTO: The Tigers are ready to pounce this year.

17. TAMPA CATHOLIC: There’s an FHSAA black cloud hanging over the Crusaders, but they should have another run in them.

18. WINTER HAVEN: Football can’t come soon enough for the Blue Devils, whose world was rocked this offseason.

19. LAKELAND VICTORY CHRISTIAN: The Storm return a good chunk of last year’s state runner-up team.

20. PASCO: The Pirates lost a good player to “free agency” but coach Tom McHugh will have his team ready.

Others receiving votes: Haines City, Jesuit, Lakeland Christian, Pinellas Park, Tarpon Springs

The Top 20 is voted on by members of the Tampa Bay area Bright House Sports Network staff that cover our seven-county region (Citrus, Hernando, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas and Polk).