The high school football season starts tonight, with eight local schools taking the field in their regular season openers. Each week, The Natchez Democrat will list its top five teams in the 13-team area, beginning with today’s preseason poll. The teams will be ranked based on their record and strength of schedule. Enjoy the list and let the debating begin.

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1.CENTREVILLE ACADEMY

Last season’s record: 13-2

Tonight’s Game: at Oak Forest

The Tigers are the two-time defending MAIS Class AA state champions. They deserve to start this season where they finished last season.

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2. TRINITY EPISCOPAL

Last season’s record: 11-2

Tonight’s Game: at Prairie View

The Saints compiled a 24-3 record in their two years in MAIS Class AA, and now, after dropping back down to Class A, they are one of the favorites to win the state championship.

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3. FRANKLIN COUNTY

Last season’s record: 12-2

Tonight’s Game: at Loyd Star

The Bulldogs made it to the MHSAA Class 3A South State championship game last year, before losing to Tylertown. Franklin County lost some key players, including all-everything playmaker Jamie Collins, but do return many players in order to make another run at a state title.

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4. NATCHEZ HIGH

Last season’s record: 7-5

Tonight’s Game: vs. Jefferson County

Natchez is coming off its best season since 1997, making it to the second round of the playoffs. The Bulldogs goal is to advance even farther in the playoffs, and they have some weapons back this year to make that goal a reality.

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5.HUNTINGTON SCHOOL

Last season’s record: 8-4

Tonight’s Game: vs. Central Private

Huntington returns just five starters from last year’s team that made it to the MAIS Class A South State semifinals, but have several key transfers that should make a big difference in the Hounds getting back to the playoffs.