For the last five years in the SEMO Conference, there has been the Northern Division, the Southern Division and the NMC-Central Division.
Against Charleston, Caruthersville, Dexter and Kennett, the New Madrid County Central Eagles have gone 19-1, scoring 894 points while giving up 203 during that span.
That's winning by an average score of 48 to 10. The run has been nothing short of impressive, but does it end this year? The Eagles lost everything to graduation, opening the door for both Dexter and Kennett. NMCC has some promising young talent, but it's unproven on the varsity level.
At this point, Dexter appears to be the top team in the Central. Running back Matt Burnett is a workhorse capable of leading the Bearcats to the playoffs if he can stay healthy for 10 games.
Last year he broke the single season rushing record with 1,717 yards on a whopping 286 carries. He enters the season just 53 yards shy of the career rushing mark.
The Bearcats also return quarterback Preston Clark, receivers Willie Dooley and Jeff Rawson, and linemen Chad Galloway and Andrew Webster.
Their mettle will be tested early in the season, with their first three games against Poplar Bluff, Arkansas power Gosnell and Sikeston.
Kennett also has a good shot at winning the conference. After a disappointing 3-7 campaign last season, the Indians have the talent to make a drastic turnaround this year. Losing quarterback Nathan Baker and all-state receiver Dustin Pritchett is tough, but who needs a passing game when you've got Tyree Goolsby, the fastest running back in Southeast Missouri?
Adam Winston, Brett Pu, Chris Hamlett and Tyler Fincher return on the offensive line, as does tight end Matt Thomas. If this team gets its act together, watch out.
Of course, NMCC is the Central champion until somebody beats them. The Eagles don't return any star players, but they have enough athletes to keep the conference streak going.
Pocket-passer Chris Nance will give the Eagles a new look at QB, throwing to a promising corps of receivers: Eugene Cooper, Edgar Givens, Mack Kimble and Vaughn Shephard. Remond Willis and Brian Williams will run the ball. On the line, Brandon Waters is the only returning starter.
Caruthersville probably can't go the distance, but they could turn out to be the most improved team in the SEMO Central. The Tigers turned several heads in 7-on-7 this summer with their speed and athleticism.
Jimmy Jackson and Chris Springer both return, as does fullback Cliff Edwards and defensive tackle Dustin Thrasher. Charleston lost a ton to graduation. Running back Orrice Stanback, linebacker Dadrian Jones and lineman Adam Bowles will have to carry the load until the rest of the young lineup can get some experience.