Prime prospects

Nu'u Vaifale

RB/LB, 6-0, 225, Sr., Kentlake

Physical player on both sides of the ball who can also show finesse.

Kevin Shelton

TE/DE, 6-3, 243, Sr., Auburn

Athletic, poised and disciplined, Shelton is latest in line of family football stars.

Jimmie Davis

RB/DB, 5-10, 174, Sr., Kentridge

Lightning-quick and elusive Davis is a TD waiting to happen.

Chance Kalua-Fuimaono

RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr., Kentwood

Tough kid with major motor who plays hard on every down.

Joe Miles

OL/DL, 6-5, 270, Sr., Auburn Riverside

Big, mobile athlete has outstanding footwork.

Albert Havili

OL/LB, 6-2, 235, Sr., Federal Way

Unique blend of size and speed for loaded Eagles team.

John Thompson

RB/DB, 5-9, 185, Sr., Bethel

Dynamic, versatile athlete can impact games in multiple ways.

Mike Tate

WR, 6-1, 175, Sr., Federal Way

Polished receiver plays his position like a pro.

Kahlil Dawson

WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr., Graham-Kapowsin

Makes all the big catches, prevents them on defense.

Rising stars

Steffin Church

QB, 6-1, 195, Sr., Kentlake

Great decision-maker was surprise of last year's championship team.

Shane Nelson

QB, 6-1, 167, Jr., Tahoma

Strong-armed and savvy Nelson poised for an even bigger year.

Cartez Green

WR/CB, 5-8, 155, Sr., Kent-Meridian

Speedy, shifty player makes opponents account for him.

Leuea Loto

OL/DL, 6-0, 270, So., Mount Rainier

Moves like a LB, has unlimited potential.

Chico McClatcher

RB/DB, 5-7, 165, So., Federal Way

Explosive player flashed signs of his talent as freshman.

Alex Young-Salanoa

G/NG, 5-11, 250, Sr., Spanaway Lake

Powerful blocker with big motor.

E.J. Deveaux

RB/DB, 5-10, 185, Sr., Curtis

Led SPSL in scoring in 2011 with 18 TDs.

Stefan Van Horn

QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr., Rogers

Averaged more than 220 total yards last year.

Notable

• The past six SPSL North champions have been unbeaten in division play.

• Auburn's eight-year playoff streak ended in 2011, but the Trojans lost six games by a total of 34 points.

• Federal Way's South title last season ended a three-year run by Curtis.

• Puyallup has not finished atop the South since 2006, but still has a league-best 15 championships.

• Auburn Riverside beat Auburn for the first time last year, but is still looking for its first top-three finish in SPSL 4A (the Ravens placed third in SPSL 3A in 2006 and '07).

Coaches' picks

Predicted finish in a poll of coaches, with total points (first-place votes in parentheses). Coaches could not vote for their own teams:

Sandy Ringer