The Alabama Sportswriters pre-season high school football poll was released Aug. 4 and features plenty of local seasoning.

Piedmont holds the highest ranking in the area as the Bulldogs are positioned at No. 2 among the Class 3A elite, just behind reigning 2011 state champion Leeds. The Bulldogs open Region 6 play against Hokes Bluff Aug. 26 and close out the regular season against 4A Cherokee County on Oct. 28 (area prep schedule on page 25). On Sept. 2, Piedmont hosts Susan Moore and the newly-renovated Field of Champions.

Cedar Bluff nailed down the No. 5 spot in Class 1A. Tiger fans are hopeful for another run deep into the state playoffs. Cedar Bluff kicks off their season against Cherokee County on Thursday, Aug. 25. On the Tiger radar screen will be a week six tussle with defending Region 7 champion Collinsville. The Panthers showed up on the 1A poll in the seventh spot.

Other local teams received voting recognition from the state's sportswriters, as well.

Cherokee County is one of those teams currently positioned outside the top 10 in Class 4A. The Warriors will have to fight their way into contention as the season progresses. The schedule doesn't afford the Warriors an easy road, but the first two games against Cedar Bluff and Region 7 foe Fairview should provide direction.

In Class 5A, Fort Payne will have to follow the same path. The Wildcats came up 21 votes shy of a spot in the top ten. Fort Payne should not have any problem extending their streak of consecutive playoff appearances.

Gadsden was just three votes short of the top ten in class 6A. The Titans will be tested early by the Oxford Yellow Jackets. In a game that may determine the Region 7 title, Oxford (the pre-season No. 9 pick) and Gadsden City clash on Sept. 2.

Other teams receiving votes and looking to make their mark include 2A Westbrook Christian, 1A Gaston, 5A Etowah and 3A Glencoe.