School: Charlotte
Nickname: Orioles
Coach: Jeff Finney
2012 record: 6-4
Players lost: Ryan Bartolacci, Ryan Sumner, Josh Yeary, Damian Mielke, Lindsey Prudden
Payers returning: Latrell Levanduski, Zach Telfor, Shane Goodrich, Chad McLintock, Colten Walser, C.J. VanAlstine, Adam Fisher, Alec Kushion, Bryce Rudden, Jake Gravina
Notes: The Orioles have plenty of talent returning, but one big loss is three-year quarterback Ryan Bartolacci. They also have a new coach. If a new signal caller is developed, the Orioles will take flight.
School: Eaton Rapids
Nickname: Greyhounds
Coach: Mike Smith
2012 record: 1-8
Players lost: Wyatt Howard, Gage Morris, Logan Haney, Jacob VanVliet
Players returning: James Cruz, Alex Fast, Kyle Sawyer, Nate Stoll, Reese Waters
Notes: The Greyhounds have been in a deep funk for the past decade. Eaton Rapids has not won more than two games in a season since 2006. This year it must replace its entire offensive line. The team and new coach Mike Smith face a daunting schedule.
School: Lumen Christi Catholic
Nickname: Titans
Coach: Herb Brogan
2012 record: 8-2
Players lost: Amani Bass, Justin O’Dowd, Isaiah Blierer, AJ Abrams, Matt Malecki
Players returning: Coley Crowley, Khari Willis, Chris Gaddy, Devon Barrett
Notes: After reeling off eight straight wins to start last season, the Titans hit the skids. After a week nine loss to Howell, they were upset at home in the first round of the playoffs by Lake Fenton. They have major rebuilding to do on defense and both lines as well as quarterback and running back in their final season in the CAAC Gold.
School: Waverly
Nickname: Warriors
Coach: Anthony Walker
2012 record: 6-4
Players lost: Delano Glosson, Alante Sims, Lechon Marshall, Derrick Hartwell, Thomas Houston
Players returning: Austin Jackson, Airic Boyce, Nick Morris, Kevin Kirkland
Notes: The Warriors finished with back-to-back winning seasons after going 6-4 last fall. They qualified for the playoffs for the first time since 2002 and fell to Linden in the first round. This year the Warriors must replace a number of skill position athletes but have a veteran back at quarterback.
School: Mason
Nickname: Bulldogs
Coach: Jerry VanHavel
2012 record: 5-4
Players lost: Chris Karcher, Gage Morris, Austin Barr, Micky Selby, Austin Droscha
Players returning: Cole Dekett, Stone Miller, Nathan Jones, Jarrett VanHavel, Josh Flamme, Isaiah Barker
Notes: After starting last season 4-0, the young Bulldogs hit the skids, won only one more game, and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2007. With a more veteran crew this season, look for them to rebound.
School: Western
Nickname: Panthers
Coach: Dave Mifsud
2012 record: 1-8
Players lost: Ryan Conklin, Andy Floate, Eric Simmons, Easton Oliver, Levert Franklin-Potter, Trey Shaunessy, Aaron White, Drew Martin
Coach’s comment: “We have a nice core of seniors that bring experience and some new players to the team that make it a well-rounded team. The offensive line is very experienced, and we have balance with decent athleticism.”