Clark Fork's Wampus Cats knew they had the makings of something special, though. They proved it by outscoring league opponents an average of 43 points per game; posting four shutouts in eight league games; and ending six of those games early by virtue of the 45-point mercy rule.

The season culminated with a trip to the state championship game, marking the first time an NSL team advanced to an eight-man final.

So instead of tabbing a clear-cut favorite as they did last year, NSL coaches appear to be hedging.

Mullan, a distant second to Clark Fork last year, and Kootenai, which finished third in the five-team league but was picked to capture the title, figure to have the best chances at dethroning the Wampus Cats. And Clark Fork could challenge for a repeat if it can fill four positions lost to graduation.

Or so the coaches say.

The 2003 schedule allowed NSL fans an early look at the challengers as Kootenai and Mullan squared off last Friday at Harrison. Judging by the outcome -- Kootenai tripped Mullan 44-38 by scoring as time expired -- it could be a wildly entertaining season.

"It was inspirational for us," Mullan coach Norbert Lane said of Clark Fork's march to the state final. "We figured we gave them a pretty good game both times. We thought we should have beat them the first time."

Clark Fork topped Mullan 44-28 in the second week last year as the Tigers played the Wampus Cats to their closest league margin.

Kootenai coach Doug Napierala thought his team would win the league title a year ago, and he's touting the same this fall. He didn't mind taking on Mullan right out of the gate.

"Let's find out what we're all about right away and find out what they're all about right away," Napierala said about facing Mullan.

In the other opener, Lakeside and Post Falls Christian, teams that finished tied for last a year ago, squared off at Post Falls with Lakeside prevailing 24-18. They're picked to finish in the bottom half again this season.

Lane didn't flinch when told his team is picked to challenge for the league title.

"They (the coaches) all tell me we're the favorite," Lane said. "We'll be on top somewhere. I think we're going to do well. We'd like to make a run like Clark Fork. The first thing you have to do is win the league."

Mullan will strap its hopes on the talented shoulders of three-year starters Jimmy Hegbloom (running back), Jeff James (quarterback) and Norbert Lane Jr. (guard/tight end). All three are seniors.

Hegbloom is the NSL's top returning rusher after gaining more than 1,000 yards last year.

"He's the complete package," Lane said.

Kootenai senior Mike Wiedmer moves from wide receiver to tailback where he will be the featured offensive weapon. Senior backup Jerry Strong takes over at quarterback where he backed up four-year starter Gus Gustin the past two years.

Blocking and creating holes for Wiedmer, Strong, senior fullback Tom Steves and all-purpose back junior Tony Kraack will be Keith Whipple, a 6-foot-5, 301-pound junior lineman.

If last year proves anything it's that teams shouldn't sell Clark Fork short -- even if the Wampus Cats have more holes to fill this year than a year ago.

At Clark Fork, tailback and league most valuable player Allen Potter has graduated, but senior wide receiver Russell Warner, a second-team All-Idaho pick, and junior quarterback Clayton Hewitt return.

"We'll be in the hunt," Clark Fork coach Frank Hammersley said. "We're going to improve each week. Give us some time and we're going to have a good, sound team. Where we end up is up to them."

Much like last year, Hammersley said.

"That was a lot of fun," he said. "Hopefully we can continue to do that type of thing."

Clark Fork had a first-week bye. And that was fine with Hammersley. It afforded him a chance to see the other four teams.

Wallace expects improvement

Wallace's second -- and final season -- in the 2A Central Idaho League should be markedly better. But it might not be enough for the Miners to break through in the tradition-rich conference.

This will be Wallace's 12th and last year in 2A. It will drop to 1A next year and join the North Star League. That means this will be the Miners' final year of playing 11 man; NSL teams field eight-man teams.

Wallace coach Dave Rounds is guardedly optimistic about his team's final year in 2A.

"There's no question we'll be better," said Rounds, whose team finished sixth at 2-5 in the eight-team league and 2-6 overall. "We're a far cry from being a powerhouse in the (CIL), but we've got a shot of finishing in the top four."

The top four teams qualify for the state playoffs.

Grangeville, state runner-up last year, and Potlatch tied for the league title while Kamiah, which won back-to-back state titles in 2000 and 2001, and Orofino tied for third and advanced to the playoffs.

"Those four teams are the front runners," Rounds said. "Kamiah and Grangeville will be great."

Kamiah, Grangeville and Orofino must make long road trips to Wallace.

"They're not used to traveling," Rounds said. "The schedule favors us."