Teams that had memorable seasons a year ago are expected to carry on strong football traditions again this fall.

Warner, which is coming off a state championship in Class 9A, will be among the top squads in that division this season as well. While the Monarchs lost do-it-all Hunter Cramer to graduation, they will have plenty of talent returning off that state title squad.

Warner, which is rated fourth in the first poll of the season, will be led up front by seniors Preston Cavalier and Zachary Evans, and have plenty of people at the skill positions in the likes of Payton Volk, Jesiah Baum, Devon Fischbach and others.

The Monarchs have a new coach this season as former assistant Derek Hoellein is replacing his dad, Kerwin. Warner has an interesting schedule including a new matchup with Redfield, which has dropped down to the 9-man ranks this season.

Faulkton, which was runner-up in Class 9B last season, is similar to Warner in that the Trojans suffered key losses to graduation, but return many members from a state championship contest.

Spencer Melius and Gian DiMaria will be key playmakers, while Lincoln Dikoff, Charlie Deiter and Trey Machtemes will anchor the line.

The Trojans are rated third to start the season. Half of Faulkton’s eight opponents are either rated or receiving votes in the initial poll.

Look for Hamlin to be a force in Class 9AA. The Chargers are rated second in this week’s poll and have a roster full of accomplished athletes.

Hamlin will feature a potent passing attack led by key target Zac VanMeeteren at 6-foot-6 and 206 pounds. The Chargers won the State A basketball championship last winter and had numerous members on an American Legion baseball team that advanced to the final four a few weeks ago.

Wolsey-Wessington, which is rated third in Class 9A, is loaded with playmakers in the form of Moshe Richmond, Caleb Richmond and Colin Hughes. The Warbirds also have solid size upfront.

Wolsey-Wessington will face a loaded schedule, which includes five teams mentioned in the first poll of the season, including top-rated Class 9AA Parkston.

Potter County, led by Landon Larson, Herreid-Selby Area, Hitchcock-Tulare, and Sully Buttes, also received votes in the first poll and will look to continue to build on strong football traditions. Castlewood, with returning all-state performer Cameron Eng, also figures to be a formidable opponent.

In the 11-man ranks, Mobridge-Pollock, led by Jackson Eisemann and Shane Henderson, has a roster full of athletes, while Groton will feature one of the biggest lines in the region with talented playmakers in the skill positions including the likes of Ryder Johnson and Keegen Tracy.

Most teams will start this seasons this weekend, while the rest will have their openers next week.

(Note: A preview on Aberdeen Roncalli ran last week, and a preview on Aberdeen Central will run in the near future).