1. JOHN STARK GIRLS’ SOCCER returns enough talent from last year’s Division II title team to field two competitive squads.

2. CONCORD BOYS’ X-C has six of last year’s top seven back and the hunger that comes with just missing out on a state title.

3. HOPKINTON BOYS’ SOCCER the defending D-III champs have a strong core loaded with determination and expectations.

4. GILFORD FIELD HOCKEY graduated 11 seniors from last year’s title team but has won its first two games by a combined 13-1.

5. BOW FOOTBALL the 2016 D-II runner-up has a solid quarterback and its usual stable of running backs and sizeable linemen.

6. COE-BROWN GIRLS’ X-C returns five runners from last year’s team that finished second in D-II and third at the MOC.

7. INTER-LAKES/MOULTONBOROUGH FOOTBALL the D-III runner-up lost some key pieces but returns star running back Andrew Brothers and opened with a 60-14 blowout win.

8. NEWFOUND FIELD HOCKEY returns 10 of 11 starters from last year’s semifinal team and has a Friday showdown with Gilford.

9. PEMBROKE BOYS’ SOCCER brings back the majority of its key players from last year’s 17-2 semifinal team.

10. WINNISQUAM VOLLEYBALL has Coach Mike Livernois, now in his 22nd year, and four starters back from a semifinal team.

Others receiving votes: Concord boys’ soccer, Gilford volleyball, Bow girls’ soccer