It's amazing how little respect the defending D1 runner-up has gotten. I'm seeing the same thing with D2 and Stuart. Both teams played pretty well last year and this year, and both bring back almost their full team. That's gotta count for something, right? I know that Hemingford has had an easier schedule than some, but let's look at history (I've heard it tends to repeat itself). Last year we heard the same things about the Cats, but look at the quarter and semifinal wins. Elm Creek and Overton were salty teams that Hemingford beat somewhat handily, then they went toe to toe with Exeter-Milligan, who was the favorite in my mind from the minute they lost to EPPJ the year before. I'm not saying they are going to win it, but I think they deserve to be considered the team to beat.
Anyway, it isn't often that the West side is considered the strongest. Kind of strange to see Creighton in the West. They have been right on the line for a couple of years, and then when they finally get over there it is the better field. The Bulldogs should be the favorite on that side of the bracket. It is entirely possible that the Elm Creek/Burwell game decides the fate of D1 West (assuming all of the seeds hold). Also assuming EPPJ beats Neligh (they did earlier, but now have a few kids out), Creighton will be at home throughout most of the playoffs. If Elm Creek wins, the Bulldogs go there, but if Burwell wins and Hemingford comes out over Fullerton (or even Amherst), Creighton goes to Hemingford for their first road game. I really think the host team wins it. Now it's way to early to say, but if the seeds hold in the 2nd round, which is what most people seem to be thinking, it will be interesting to see how travel plays into it.
On the East side, with apologies to Friend and Heartland, who I don't know much about, it has to be GACC and BDS right? I don't see Howells-Dodge beating GACC, and I tend to think that great programs that have been there before have the upper hand. (I think Burwell is a great example - maybe not as talented as in some years but they have that edge and experience)