Gadsden area football rankings: Who will start the season at No. 1

Here are the all-class power rankings ahead of the high school football in the Gadsden area. All 27 teams, regardless of class, in the Gadsden Times coverage zone are eligible to be ranked.

PREVIEWS, PT. 1: Gadsden area high school football previews: How do the state finalists look this season

PREVIEWS, PT. 2: Gadsden area high school football previews: How do Etowah County teams look

BEST GAMES: Gadsden area football tour: What is the best high school football game to go to each week?

1. Cherokee County: The Warriors made the Class 4A state championship game and return all-state honorees that include Jacob Cornejo, Tristan Brown and Tae Diamond. This week: Home vs. Alexandria on Friday

THE WARRIORS: After state title game loss, Cherokee County ready to write new story in 2023

2. Gadsden City: The Titans are coming of a season win which they won their region, in the first year being a part of it. They return a lot of experience from last season, including safety Dre Kirkpatrick. This week: Home vs. Carver-Montgomery on Friday

THE TITANS: After a strong finish, Gadsden City football ready to carry momentum into this season

DRE KIRKPATRICK: Gadsden City football's Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. picks Alabama, over Auburn, Arkansas, Missouri

3. Coosa Christian: The Conquerors made it to the Class 1A semifinals last year and return most of their starters. This week: at Geraldine on Thursday

4. Fyffe: The Class 2A state champions from last season return their back and lineman of the year nominees. This week: bye

5. Etowah: The Blue Devils finished second in their region last season and return a couple starters on each side of the ball. This week: at Springville on Thursday

THE BLUE DEVILS: Etowah high football knows there's high expectations and are ready to face them

6. Piedmont: The Bulldogs made the state championship game, but lost coach Steve Smith and their record-setting quarterback. This week: bye

7. Southside: The Panthers look to improve off of last season and have the offense to do it with Gauge Nesmith, and Mason Teague returning at quarterback. This week: at Guntersville on Friday

THE PANTHERS: With key returnees, Southside football ready to make noise with 'most connected team'

8. Fort Payne: The runner-ups in the Gadsden City region last year return multiple starters. This week: Home vs. Scottsboro on Friday

9. Jacksonville: The Golden Eagles are led by Troy commit Jim Ogle and return multiple starters from last year's team. This week: at Boaz on Friday

10. Spring Garden: The Panthers have won their region for the last five years, but will break in a new coach this season. This week: Home vs. Sand Rock on Friday

Others receiving consideration: Collinsville, Geraldine, Pisgah, West End, Westbrook Christian

This article originally appeared on The Gadsden Times: Gadsden area football rankings: Who made the preseason top-10