Cleveland Hill figures to have some of the best running backs in the state this season.

Javon Thomas and Aaron Wahler have picked up plenty of Division I interest after helping the Eagles reach the state semis last year.

Thomas broke 400 yards and scored five times in that game, with both backs enjoy sharing the spotlight.

“Obviously, one of the most dangerous backfields in the entire country, me and Javon back there. He's such an amazing athlete himself and when he came to our school last year, he didn't really have a set position, but as soon as I saw him run, I told him, 'Just learn from me,'" said Wahler.

“Like thunder and lightning, that's how I look at it," said Thomas. “It was very fun. I'm very excited for this season to come. I can't wait to get going.”

Cleveland Hill has won the last two Class C sectionals topping our next feature team, Southwestern, in both those contest.

To get over the hump in 2018, the Trojans will rely heavily on the talent they return.

Southwestern sees the majority of its linemen, skill position players, plus QB and Rutgers commit Cole Snyder back for another run at the crown.

“You know we can open things up a lot, we can add a couple more wrinkles to different plays, our quarterback will have more freedom at the line too. We can have two plays in one with kills at the line. That is huge for us to have the opportunity and ability to do something like that," said Southwestern head coach Jehuu Caulcrick.

"You win the games in the trenches, I mean you can have the best skill position players in the world, but if you can't get them the ball or you don't have time to get them the ball, it won't work. I have been lucky while I've been here to have a great offensive line all the years we have been here. We are back with another great offensive line, so all the credit is to them," said Snyder.

Both teams open the season this Friday.