my predictions...
1. Cadets- Have had great horn lines and visual programs the last few years... As long as they don't go back to talking shows, they'll be in the top 3 this year.
2. BD- Will take their season undefeated into Allentown, and lose the lead in the last week of summer.
3. Crown- Great progress the last few years, and will be great again this year, but will not take the top spot. Maybe next year?
4- Cavaliers- After their show last year (really disappointed me), they've got to prove to me they belong in the top 3 again.
5- SCV- Will be a crowd favorite again, but will place the same as they did last year
6-Blue Stars- Great progress the last few years will help them jump a few spots, and won't disappoint this year.
7- Phantom- Its going to take more than one year to re-build them to the level they were at in 08.
8- Bluecoats- Will be as good as they were last year, but the level of competition will rise above their current bar of expectation, causing a position drop.
9-Boston Crusaders- Same as Bluecoats.
10- Glassmen- Their shows always bore me to death, but they'll find a way to get the scores they get.
11- Colts- not much off season news, but after i heard their brass book in person, i can guarantee they're not going to have another "average" show. This year will be a real turning year for them, and the all new staff will be a big part of it.
12- Madison- Despite all of the hype, I don't see them much higher than 12-13 range. They will be better and will soon return to their old selves, but its not a one-year rebuilding process for them.
13- Blue Knights- Scores and positions slide this year, partially due to show design.
14- Troopers- I'm not sure they are ready to contend year to year in the top 12. This year will be similar to 08
15- Academy- Good improvement over the last few years, but need to show that they want to put themselves into the top.
16- Spirit- Better than last year, but will need a few more years to get back where they want to be.
The top 4 or 5 will be extremely close, as will 10-14. Average finals scores will be up from years past, with the top 9 at or above 90.5.