With the creation of Division II, essentially a melding of 5A-II and 4A-I from recent years, there will be an assortment of teams vying for the top spot.

That top spot is the problem. Two-time 5A-II champion Chaparral isn't going to be willing to relinquish its crown any time soon. And certainly will be fired up the rest of the year after getting pounded last Saturday by Bishop Gorman.

Still a number of schools from Tucson, the East Valley and West Valley are bound and determined to give the Firebirds a go. Here's a look at teams most likely to contend from Southern Arizona and the East Valley for DivisIon II supremacy along with Chaparral and West Valley power Centennial (the squads that met in the 5A-II final last year).:

1. Cienega. With lots of experience and the addition of one of the best backs in Tucson in former Sunnysider Manny Vera, the Bobcats may be the best of the lot in the Old Pueblo. Cienega just missed beating  CDO in last year's 4A-I semifinals. This may be Cienga's year, at least in Section II of Division II. They don't face any of the top contenders in Division II during the season. That could be a drawback come playoff time.

2. Salpointe. The Lancers have dominated Tucson opponents for several seasons and dropping a class-division won't hurt in their attempt to capture a state title. They play a couple tough Division II contenders in town -- Ironwood Ridge and Canyon del Oro. They also get Chaparral on Friday coming off Sollenberger Classic loss  -- no walk in the park.

3. Ironwood Ridge: There are plenty of good skill players back, led by Mitch Fischer, to keep the Nighthawks in the conversation. Ironwood Ridge bowed to Centennial in the 5A-II semis, but played a tough schedule in 5A-II and knows the territory a bit. They won't back down this year with CDO, Marcos de Niza, Centennial and Salpointe on their slate.

4. Canyon del Oro. Graduation losses, led of course by four-year standout Ka'Deem Carey, are a blow. But the program is strong and may not be down as much as some believe. Two-way standout Blake Martinez returns and there is enough gained from recent rwins and runs at state titles in 4A-I to keep the Dorados in the mix.

5. Marcos de Niza.  With semifinal and title game appearances the last two seasons, respectively, the Padres aren't ready to give up their quest for a title. They have leaders back on defense (linebacker Adam Pavlenko) and offense (quarterback Tommy Thornton). They also have tough draws out of the gate in Notre Dame Prep and Chaparral. Holding their own in Section III of Division II shouldn't be a problem, but the first two games may tell a tale.

6. McClnitock. A new coach trying to regroup from a 2-8 season is a tall order. New mentor Matt Lewis is encouraged by the early looks and the Chargers have a good shot at getting out fast with a light schedule. They'll get a midseason check-up from Chaparral. If they are playoff caliber they will have to give Marcos de Niza, Notre Dame and Perry all they can handle in October. If nothing else, the Chargers are a good sleeper pick.