Mercyhurst Prep has had quite a run the past two football seasons, posting a 24-2 record, including a 13-1 mark and its first District 10 Class A title last season.

The Lakers will have plenty of competition if they hope to repeat that effort this year. Their challenge is compounded by the fact that they lost most of their key players to graduation – among them were all-District 10 lineman Jason Dorich and all-region selections like Joe Jelinek, James Cowles, Billy D’Andrea, Alex Macrino and Nick Arrigo.

However, Mercyhurst is boosted by the return of running back/defensive back Robert Carson and kicker Ryan Cammidge.

Mercer was the District 10 runner-up last season, but the Mustangs also were hit hard by graduation. Farrell, which lost to Mercyhurst 21-20 in last year’s semifinals, returns one of the premier Class A players in the district, quarterback Danny Odem. Saegertown, another Class A semifinalist, has District 10’s top returning rusher, Ian Price.

Iroquois and Linesville, also D-10 playoff teams a year ago, could be darkhorses in the Class A race.