Northwestern Conference forecast

The following is a capsule look at the Northwest Conference football teams heading into the 2008 season.  The teams are listed in predicted order of finish.

1. DELPHOS JEFFERSON - Nineteen returning starters (10 offense, 9 defense) and the memory of coming up just short of the playoffs last season will drive the Wildcats this fall. 

2. LIMA CENTRAL CATHOLIC - The Thunderbirds have nine returning starters (3 offense, 6 defense) from a 10-2 team. Quarterback Lance Helmig  is out for the season and will be replaced by freshman Tyler O'Connor. With as many as seven possible running backs, look for LCC to lean heavily on its traditional running game. Standout cornerback Desi Kirkman could also get some playing time at receiver or in the backfield.

3. ADA - All-Ohio quarterback Zac Dysert is gone, but his replacement, Mitchell Faine, is not exactly a rookie. He started three games at quarterback when a broken thumb kept Dysert from playing offense last season. Receiver Kyle Baker (100 catches, 1,573 yards, 16 TDs) is back. Overall, Ada has 12 returning starters (5 offense, 7 defense).

4. COLUMBUS GROVE - The Bulldogs have returning starters at nearly every position except the offensive backfield. Sixteen regulars are back from last season, including nine on defense.

5. SPENCERVILLE  - The Bearcats made their first trip to the postseason a year ago, but lost a slew of players at the skill positions. The team returns 16 letterwinners and a solid line.

6. BLUFFTON - Speed is something the Pirates think could be a strength. Tyler Neal, who shared the quarterback position with Kory Place a year ago, will fly solo this time. He has a young offensive line in front of him. Bluffton has 11 returning starters.

7. PAULDING - Following a brutal 1-9 campaign a year ago, the Panthers should show improvement with a second year under coach Chris Etzler.

8. ALLEN EAST - Former LCC defensive coordinator Cam Staley has taken over as the Mustangs' coach. 

9. CRESTVIEW - Replacing two-way starter Briggs Orsbon, now at Ball State, will be difficult. Crestview is young and inexperienced, but does have some talent and athletic skill that could surprise some people.