Brashear: Ron Wabby has retired as coach after compiling a 166-93-4 in 26 seasons. Rick Murphy takes over, but he's quite familiar with the program, serving as an assistant the past eight seasons. Murphy has five starters returning on offense and four on defense. Lineman John Wetzel is getting Division I college attention, and he will play alongside his twin brother, Dave. Junior Bruce Patterson led the team in rushing last year with more than 800 yards.

CONTENDERS

Allderdice: The Dragons are inexperienced at the skill positions, but the lines should be among the best in the league. Tight end-defensive end Will Clarke committed to Pitt.

Carrick: With seven starters returning on offense and six on defense, a return to the playoffs is certainly a possibility. Ray Seskey led the team in rushing last year and receiver-defensive back Bruce Thornton had 21 catches and seven interceptions.

Peabody: Eight starters return on offense and seven on defense. A newcomer to watch is running back Pierre Carr, who transferred to Peabody in the spring and won a state championship in the 100-meter dash. Stewart Townsend rushed for 362 yards last season.

Perry: The Commodores missed the postseason last year for the first time since the City League went to a four-team playoff field in 1986. With a line featuring 6-4, 270-pound Matt Drayton and 6-3, 260-pound Rakim Swinton, the Commodores figure to be back in the hunt.

THE OTHERS

Oliver: Coach Tim Keefer expects the Bears to be much improved over last year's 3-7 team. Devaughn Copeland is back at quarterback and David Marshall (75 tackles) at linebacker.

Schenley: New coach Jason Bell will look to quarterback Eric Carter and running back Bill Gilliam to help get the Spartans to the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

Westinghouse: New coach Monte Robinson has Antione Mathis, the team's leading rusher last year.

Langley: With quarterback Jesse Bell, fullback Tim Thornhill and lineman Michael Akers, the Mustangs are hoping to break their 20-game losing streak.