If parity makes a sport more enjoyable for the spectator, then this year of county public high school football should keep the fans on the edge of their seats.

With a few returning juggernauts, new additions to one of last year's cellar-dwellers and some unforgiving schedules, the chase for the playoffs and the Anne Arundel County crown appears to be wide open.

"This year, I think, is going to be a very competitive conference because there are several teams who can beat each other," said Broadneck coach Jeff Herrick. "It's usually been three teams or so, but now I think there are as many as six and seven teams that could knock...