Ranking the top 10 football teams in Lowcountry

High school football season is finally here. Week 1 is upon us, and so are opinions and polls. Here's my poll for the top 10 teams in the Lowcountry:

1. Beaufort: Coach Mark Clifford has 11 starters back from last year's team that reached the Division II-AAAA state championship game, including defensive end Duane Chisolm, who is often mentioned as one of the top 10 prospects in the state. Running back Andre Carpenter doesn't have to share the spotlight with graduated Adrene Byas, so look for big numbers from him. The defense should be a force.

2. Fort Dorchester: The Fort went 9-4, OK 0-13 if you count the forfeits, and 13 starters are back. Any team has a big advantage when it has a three-year starter back at quarterback. It helps even more that Galen Bennett is a dual threat, passing and running. LB Geno Porter might not have Carlos Dunlap's and Robert Quinn's size, but the swift linebacker is an outstanding high school player.

3. Timberland: The stars have lined up for the Wolves, who drop to Class AA after playing for the Class AAA state title two years ago. The Wolves have three of the top 25 players in the state in RB Rockarius King, DE Aldrick Fordham and OL Quinton Washington. The team's offensive fate may rest in the hands of quarterback Cody Craig. The defense should be typical of Timberland teams: fast and furious.

4. Summerville: This isn't the team that went 13-2 last fall and reached the Division I-AAAA title game. Gone are headliners A.J. Green and Reid McCollum. The team struggled in its first three scrimmages of the year, scoring only one TD. But if you give the Summerville OL time to develop, the group should provide enough time for quarterback Donny McElveen to showcase his arm. Keep an eye on DL Demetrius Sherman and OL Chad Brisben.

5. Berkeley: A lot of people believe the Stags will repeat as Region 7-AAAA champions, and that can happen if they find a replacement for All-American Andre Ellington, who was one of nine starters on offense who graduated. The defense should be solid with seven starters back, including Bobby Gadsden and Jamichael Beckford.

6. Goose Creek: The Gators have become a force to be reckoned with under Chuck Reedy, and this year should be no different. Donta Brown is the ringleader on offense, and the defense should be the most athletic group Reedy has had.

7. Stratford: The Knights weren't their usual selves last year, managing only a 6-6 record. The offense could be the key early as the Knights replace eight starters on defense. Quarterback Tyler McDonald can be a difference maker.

8. Hanahan: Jeff Cruce is gone, but Charlie Patterson knows what it takes to win after serving as an assistant at Gaffney. The passing combo of John Carnell and Brandon Ford is graduated. DB Nick Carson is a Shrine Bowl candidate.

9. West Ashley: The Wildcats went 4-7 in coach Bobby Marion's first year, and give him time to get every aspect of his model in place and give the players a little more time in the weight room. Thirteen starters are back, including eight on offense.

10. Woodland: Coach Reed Charpia has done a good job of building the program in his five years at the school. The Wolverines have 12 starters returning from a team that went 7-3, including 3-2 in Region 5-AA. They will compete in Region 6-AA and should be serious contender for the region crown.

Reach Phillip Bowman at 937-5592.