An overwhelming celebration followed Robinson's state title win last season. The field at University of Richmond Stadium was mobbed with students, family members and fans eager to share in the glory of the school's second championship in five seasons.

Shortly thereafter, the Rams boarded buses headed for Fairfax. For the duration of the trip 90 miles or so up Interstate 95, the players were able to revel in their accomplishment. The frustration of a dream-shattering loss to Centreville a year prior in the region title game was finally usurped by the thrill of high school football's ultimate victory.

But when the buses turned down Sideburn Road and pulled into Robinson's parking lot, the focus shifted to the future.

The Rams' seniors headed off to the locker rooms. Their work was done.

But those Rams with time remaining in their football career gathered in the school's gymnasium with the coaching staff for 30 minutes. The topic of discussion: Don't get complacent.

``We talked about staying hungry and keeping up the tradition of Robinson football," Robinson coach Mark Bendorf said. ``With the playoffs lasting as long they did, we felt like we were four weeks behind in the offseason."

While it's true Robinson lost a group of seniors that included Journal Offensive Player of the Year Mike Imoh, quarterback Brian Gulley, defensive end Pat O'Meara and cornerback Cary Wade, among others, this season the Rams return a core of seniors as talented as any in the region.

Tight end John Kinzer, who also handles kicking duties, is among the most heavily recruited players in the state.

Defensive tackle Adam Fassnacht is a two-time All-Journal choice and the 2001 Journal Defensive Player of the Year.

Chase Anastasio will start at running back and in the secondary.

Blake Shubert was the the Rams' leading tackler and an All-Journal selection.

Center Randy Holmes is entering his fourth varsity campaign.

Those players are known quantities who have proven themselves at the highest level of competition. Whether or not the Rams have a shot to defend their region and state titles will come down to the performance of that group's supporting cast.

``We have a nucleus of players that have been through a lot and having those guys is great," Bendorf said. ``But football is a team sport and the other pieces have to fall into place. A handful of stars won't win you a championship."

Anastasio is the key skill player on an offense that must replace Imoh, who finished as the school's career leader in rushing yards (5,280) and touchdowns (68), and Gulley, who was the region's third-rated passer (94.2). Anastasio's performance in the region title win over Centreville when Imoh was sidelined proved he is capable of handling a starring role. After a dedicated offseason, the 6-foot-2 Anastasio is now close to 200 pounds. However, an ankle injury suffered last week in an intrasquad scrimmage has him questionable for the season opener at Langley.

Running backs also expected to garner playing time are juniors Mike Anderson and Aaron Richards. Junior quarterback Andy Hartigan, who started last season at W.T. Woodson, has relocated to the Robinson area and is expected to start behind center for the Rams.

The fullback duties will be shared by junior Ryan Schaffstal and senior Danny Adams, who spent his junior season at West Springfield but was administratively placed at Robinson late last fall following an off-field incident.

While Kinzer should take on a larger role at tight end, all five wide receivers utilized last season graduated. Bendorf said he plans to rotate seniors Steve Hartmann and Rodney Alexander with juniors Frankie Keel and Chip Vaughn.

Up front, the Rams must replace four starters for the second consecutive season. Holmes is back at center and Fassnacht's time at guard will depend on the opponent. Senior Mike Carsten and sophomore Brent Jones are also penciled in at guard. Senior Nick Hermandorfer and juniors Brian Molle and Mike Parker are the tackles.

The fact that Robinson was able to overcome a similar challenge last season has provided confidence.

``We proved to ourselves last season that we could do it," Bendorf said of reconstructing the offensive line. ``I guess it's a credit to the system that guys are able to come up through and when they get a chance, take advantage of it."

Fassnacht and junior defensive end Olu Hall, who started the final five games of last season, are the key holdovers on the defensive line.

Jones, Hermandorfer and sophomore Franklin Herrera will complement them.

Inside linebackers Shubert and Adams, both All-Patriot District selections in 2001, give the Rams one of the region's top interior tandems. Bendorf said the competition at outside linebacker is ongoing.

When healthy, Anastasio will anchor the secondary and see time at both free safety and cornerback. Anderson and senior Todd Collier are the front runners at cornerback and senior Ryan Blosse has emerged at strong safety.

With last year's state title comes the knowledge that each opponent will circle Robinson on its schedule. And each will deliver the Rams their best shot.

But Robinson's approach remains the same.

``We're not where we were last year at this point - not even close," Bendorf said. ``It's not a matter of effort. Our kids have busted their tails. And it doesn't mean we'll accept mediocrity."

HAYFIELD

Hayfield has advanced to the Division 6 playoffs in each of the last two seasons, only to be turned away both times by Centreville in the region semifinals.

The Hawks were 6-3 in 2001 during the regular season and though they finished fourth in the district behind Robinson, West Springfield and Lake Braddock with a 3-3 record, they had necessary the power points.

Back to lead the drive for a third consecutive postseason berth is senior quarterback Kyle Morgan. His first campaign as a varsity starter produced sterling numbers: 1,210 passing yards, 14 touchdowns and the region's second-best passer rating (102.8).

But Morgan will have to do it without the graduated Robert Malone, an All-Journal selection at wide receiver who led the region in receptions (46) and receiving yards (816). That shouldn't be a problem, according to Hayfield head coach Billy Pugh.

``I think we have more weapons this year," Pugh said.

Senior Tyrone Simpson took over as the featured running back last year in Week 7 against West Springfield and keyed the Hawks' 24-14 win, rushing for 173 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries. This season, it's Simpson's job from Day 1.

Joining Simpson in the backfield will be senior fullback Ian Pleasant, who also emerged toward the end of last season.

Senior Greg Lynah and junior Carlo Sandiego give Hayfield two of the region's most versatile offensive threats. Lynah will play running back, split end, flanker and could even lineup at quarterback ``in a pinch," Pugh said. Lynah recorded team-highs of four receptions and 92 yards in Hayfield's playoff loss to Centreville.

Sandiego, who started at quarterback for West Springfield as a sophomore but transferred to Hayfield in January, will also be utilized at all of the skill positions.

``[Sandiego] has come out and really adapted," Pugh said. ``He's done everything we've asked of him."

Senior wide receiver Adam Bush, who spent much of last season blocking for Malone on Hayfield's trademark wide receiver screen, will be more of a pass-catching threat.

Seniors Dan Cowan and John Grimsley return to the offensive line. How senior Eddie Armstrong and juniors Arash Durrani and Mike Brown deal with expanded roles on the line will go a long way toward determining whether Hayfield has the region's most balanced offense again in 2002.

Defensively, Pleasant and junior Matt Downey give the Hawks a top linebacking duo that should benefit from another year of experience. The secondary will be Hayfield's strength. Lynah, Sandiego, Bush and Simpson will rotate to keep each other fresh.

Grimsley and senior Mike Delaney return at defensive end and the Hawks are hoping for immediate production from senior defensive tackle Justin Maley, who transferred from DeMatha (Md.) prior to preseason practice.

As always, depth will be key for Hayfield, a team that figures to have a number of two-way starters.

But coming off two straight playoff berths, expectations are high.

``I'd be very disappointed if we weren't as successful as we were the past two years," Pugh said.

WEST SPRINGFIELD

Last year featured West Springfield's best season since 1993, but the Spartans found themselves on the outside looking in once the playoffs began despite their second-place district finish.

Still, West Springfield's 6-3 record, 4-2 in the district, was a sign the program is on the rise.

The challenge before the Spartans this season is to build on last year and breakthrough against the region's top echelon. The Spartans were 0-3 last season against eventual Division 6 playoff qualifiers Robinson, Oakton and Hayfield.

The school's first playoff appearance in nine years is a strong possibility.

``If our personnel remains the same and we don't suffer any major injuries, our expectation is to improve on last year," Spartans head coach Bill Renner said. ``Are the pieces in place for that to happen? I think our players understand now how we would like to play."

Renner points to character-building wins at the end of last season as a possible springboard into 2002. In Week 8, the Spartans beat Westfield, 49-42, in overtime after falling behind, 21-7, at halftime. In the season finale, defensive back Deron Pinchback's 80-yard interception return for a touchdown as time expired sealed a 38-27 win over Annandale.

``That gave us a lot of confidence," Renner said. ``Not until you win a couple of close games like that do you believe you can win consistently. It showed we had the character to keep battling."

Seniors John Massie, Joe Weiderhold and Marshall Ausberry, who has committed to Virginia, return to anchor an offensive line charged with protecting senior quarterback Matt Smith. Last season, Smith split time with Sandiego for the first six weeks of the season before Sandiego took over full time.

``We're comfortable with Matt," Renner said. ``We think he can run the football team and do a good job for us."

The biggest question for the Spartans offense is who will replace running back Jamie Langley, the region's sixth leading rusher who amassed 1,236 yards and scored 12 touchdowns last season. Renner could rely on a committee of juniors Derrick Braziel, Mike McKenna and Marcus Tutt.

Senior Chris Kim returns at fullback.

West Springfield's defense is experienced and talented. Senior defensive end Tony Jenkins, who has committed to Syracuse, heads a group up front that includes returning starters Kanyon MacRae and Mike Watson, both senior defensive ends. Senior Antoine Ware is also expected to contribute at defensive end.

Adams won't be around to patrol the middle, so a big year will be needed from senior Justin Brown.

The Spartans' secondary returns intact. Seniors Brandon Rhodes and Derrick Deese will be joined again by juniors Desmond Braziel and Mike Harris.

WEST POTOMAC

The Wolverines missed the playoffs in 2001 for the first time in eight years. Four knee injuries to key personnel sidetracked West Potomac, though a 14-12 win in Week 7 over eventual state champion Robinson was a highlight.

On offense, it all starts with senior quarterback Darren Baker, the catalyst in West Potomac's option attack.

Baker helped the Wolverines to the Division 5 region title as a sophomore and last season he rushed for 1,198 yards and 13 touchdowns. Six of those touchdowns went for 42 yards or more and Baker finished as the region's fourth-leading scorer (86 points). He amassed more than 100 rushing yards in the Wolverines' last eight games.

``In my opinion, in the open field, he's the best we've ever had here and we've had a top three running back at this school since it existed," Wolverines head coach John Howerton said. ``As long as he doesn't get hurt, I don't see how he can be stopped from getting two or three touchdowns a game. He's really a running back for us and not a quarterback. We're going to try and get him over 20 carries a game this season."

Running back Marcus Harrington, flanker Jimmy Hyman, tight end Keyshawn Artis and center Larry Franklin join Baker as returning offensive starters.

Franklin weighs 205 pounds but the four new starters on the offensive line - juniors Durrell Dixie and Chris Johnson and seniors Jorge Navarro and Delonte Campbell - each weigh at least 305. It's the biggest offensive line for West Potomac in 17 seasons.

``They're inexperienced but they're strong kids," said Howerton, who coaches the offensive and defensive lines. ``If I can get them trained up and in better shape to where they can do quite a few plays, they could dominate. We'll see."

On defense, Franklin and Artis are back at nose guard and defensive end, respectively. Senior inside linebacker Greg Schmidt is the other returning starter. Senior outside linebacker Lorenzo Anderson started for the Wolverines as a sophomore and is back after spending a year living in Newport News.

Senior defensive end Norman Richardson and junior defensive tackle Jotis Brownlee join the starting lineup. Sophomore inside linebacker Tom Toliver and senior outside linebacker Tony Portillo will each take on larger roles.

The secondary will be manned by junior cornerbacks Diego Moore and Marcel Dixon and senior safety Jimmy Hyman.

Howerton is hopeful it adds up to a postseason return.

``It's definitely a motivating factor," Howerton said. ``A big part of our battle cry is to return to the playoffs."

LAKE BRADDOCK

A 1-3 start to last season could have sent the Bruins packing.

It didn't.

Under the direction of quarterback B.J. Quigley, a four-year starter, Lake Braddock responded with four consecutive victories, including wins over playoff-bound Oakton and Hayfield.

The Bruins finished 5-4, 4-2 in the district.

But Quigley, who was taking snaps at Lake Braddock before he ever took a class and was an All-Journal choice in 2001, has graduated.

Senior Shawn Harrison, a converted running back, takes over behind center. Lake Braddock head coach Marty Riddle is aware how quickly Harrison gets comfortable could be a key to this season.

``People like Shawn need to step up," Riddle said. ``We need to see if he can lead the team."

Working in Harrison and the Bruins' favor is the return of four starters on the offensive line, three of whom are seniors: center Jonathan Lupino, guard Steven Perez, tackle James Lincoln. Junior tackle Ben Manley is the other returnee.

Senior Steve Whittenburg, a starter at running back as a junior, will move to linebacker, as well, and others will also have a shot to contribute at running back. Sophomore Sean Tyree and senior Brandon Word will be key members of the running back committee.

While Riddle said the offense will at times employ the four-receiver set prevalent the last two seasons, their approach will be more diverse. Senior Craig Gallimore, a starter at wide receiver last season, has opted to focus on track. So Harrison will rely on an inexperienced group of receivers that includes seniors Tim Washburn, Vic Scoggins, Mark Neimi and sophomore David Jones. Seniors Scott Hoar and Kevin Ankrom will share the tight end duties.

On defense, Whittenburg will join senior and returning starter Lathan Romaine at inside linebacker. Seniors Kyle Snider and Dan Griffin are the outside linebackers.

Lupino will start at defensive tackle and will be joined up front by a seasoned group: seniors Brandon Klegin, Robert Newcomb, Marc Coleman and Cameron Browne.

Senior Dan Wilson is the only returnee to an inexperienced and young secondary.

``The thing I'm happiest about this season is that we've got a group of real good and focused seniors, which is helpful," Riddle said. ``But I'm a lot like everybody else. I'm anxious to see what happens."

T.C. WILLIAMS

The first year under head coach Riki Ellison was a struggle for the Titans, who finished 0-9 and gave up the most points in school history.

This year, Ellison continues to emphasize a need for the improved discipline he feels is necessary to restore a winning tradition at T.C. Williams.

``Our main focus this year was to increase participation and discipline," Ellison said. ``We made some significant strides in the offseason in discipline alone."

The numbers have also increased. Seventy-five varsity and junior varsity players attended the Titans' minicamp at Fort Pickett last week.

But turning things around won't be easy. The Titans are 2-28 in the district over the last five years and this season's out of district schedule includes Centreville, Westfield, Chantilly and Mount Vernon.

Running back Tony Hunt could be the region's best combination of size and speed. The 6-foot-3, 225-pound senior and three-year starter rushed for a team-high 739 yards last season. He has drawn interest from Virginia, Maryland, Southern Cal, Clemson and Penn State.

``Tony is the captain of our team," Ellison said. ``He has been the foundation of my football program since I've been here. He has the potential to be a great player and it's up to him to perform on game day. I believe he is a legitimate Division I candidate that will help somebody win football games.

``The significant jump he's shown is in his leadership. He's starting to show some real leadership qualities."

Ellison expects senior Anthony Suggs, a starter last season at wide receiver who also returns punts and kicks, to be another feared offensive weapon. Senior Stephen Gonzalez is also back at wide receiver.

Manuel McElroy begins his second season as the Titans' quarterback. As a junior, he completed 29 of 88 passes for 328 yards and two touchdowns. Ellison said McElroy has improved by ``50 percent" after a dedicated offseason and a trip to U.Va.'s quarterback camp.

Seniors Phillip Activie, Alberto Mata and Romel McDonald return to an offensive line bolstered by the transfer of senior guard Joseph Lytle from Florida.

Others expected to make significant contributions on offense are senior fullback Brian Shepard, sophomore guard Lars Emblem, junior tight end Dean Muhtadi and senior running back Richie Freeman.

The biggest questions for the Titans are on defense. Only one starter returns: senior defensive end Umaru Wurie. For the Titans to improve, immediate production is needed from Muhtadi and senior Gus Viani at defensive end, Shepard and sophomore Solomon Boadi at linebacker and junior nose guard Frank Mills, a transfer from Westfield.

``I believe we're headed in the right direction," Ellison said of his team. ``If we don't win any games this year, I probably won't be back. It would mean I haven't done the right things. But I'm here to turn this program around."

Annandale coach Dick Adams was unavailable for comment.