Broughton, the 2007 N.C. High School Athletic Association 4-A boys soccer champion, opens the 2008 season ranked No. 1 in the N.C. Soccer Coaches Association 4-A poll.

“That’s based on last year,” said Caps coach Izzy Hernandez. “Last year’s champion usually is ranked No. 1 in the preseason.

“We have a nice squad. The cupboard isn’t bare, but

The Caps are followed by Green Hope (No. 4), Apex (6), Sanderson (8) and Leesville Road (12).

In the 3-A poll, Wilson Fike is No. 2 and Pikeville Aycock is 10.

Cardinal Gibbons is No. 2 in 2-A and Durham Science & Math leads the 1-A ranking.
North Raleigh Christian is No. 2 in the private schools list with St. David’s taking No. 5. Wake Christian, the 2007 Christian school 3-A champ, is No. 9.

Complete polls are at http://www.ncsca.org/