Top 10 football teams and players of 2012: No. 3 — Stratford and Romelo Doctor, Ashley Ridge

TEAM

No. 3 Stratford

2011 RECORD: 9-4, 3-1

RETURNING STARTERS: 8

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Jacob Park, RB Noah Shuler, RB Jamar Stevens, DL Shawn Peace, DL Lucas Mazyck, LB Cecil Smith, DB Michael Simmons

THE SKINNY: After a couple of subpar seasons, at least by Stratford standards, the Knights rebounded with a solid 9-4 campaign in Ray Stackley’s 27th year and advanced to the second round of the Class AAAA playoffs. Junior Park is one of the elite quarterbacks in the Southeast and will be heavily recruited.

WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “Our question mark is on the offensive line. We don’t have any starters returning. That’s going to be a critical issue.”

— Ray Stackley

PLAYER

No. 3 Romelo Doctor

SCHOOL: Ashley Ridge

POSITION: Running back

YEAR: Senior

2011 STATISTICS: Doctor rushed for more than 1,500 yards and scored 18 touchdowns.

THE SKINNY: Doctor is just one of many skill players back for the Swamp Foxes. A four-year starter, Doctor burst on to the scene when he scored four touchdowns in the first varsity game of his career. He is closing in on 3,000 yards rushing.

WHAT THE COACH SAYS: “Romelo’s so patient with his blockers. He reads his blocks so well, he always seems to put the defender in a bad situation when he makes his cut.”

— Kenny Walker