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It used to be that Richard Kirkland could take a state title for granted.

When the Bowie High School boys' soccer coach took over the program 20 years ago, the Bulldogs were in the midst of a run of seven state titles in 10 years, from 1982 to 1991.

Times have changed, though. More and more boys are choosing football and basketball instead of soccer, and tryouts draw only about half as many players as they once did, Kirkland said.

On one hand, that's part of what made last year's 18-0 season and Class 4A state championship so memorable. But Kirkland now has to stress to a strong corps of returning stars that nothing is going to be handed to them on a silver platter. Bowie boys' soccer jerseys now come with a massive metaphorical target on their backs, one Kirkland anticipates every team on the Bulldogs' schedule will be looking to hit.

"You can't compare last year's team to those teams," Kirkland said of his early teams. "Last year, we had no All-Americans. [The teams from] 1990-91 were so deep and so awesome in terms of talent."

Still, with Gazette-Star Player of the Year Brian Graham and a number of other key returning starters, the Bulldogs are the clear favorite to win a fourth-straight 4A South Region championship.

Kirkland is adamant his players understand last year is in the past, and the margin for error remains as slim as ever.

"I tell them they should use last year for their enjoyment," Kirkland said. "I've always told each team they have their own make up, their own identity. It's like a different person.

"It's not going to be easy" to repeat last year's success, he continued. "Realistically, the chance of us repeating is not good. All it takes is one game, one goal."

Riverdale Baptist

Desmond Armstrong carries with him the weight of massive expectations.

The first-year Riverdale Baptist coach was hired with the intent of turning the program into a national power. It's a lofty goal, for sure, but one Armstrong believes he can achieve in three or four seasons.

A former University of Maryland star and starter on the U.S. National Team, Armstrong has spent the last few years working with elite youth camps in Ohio and Maryland.

He's already recruited a number of those top players, including U-17 National Team player Joel Nash, to join a group of Riverdale Baptist returnees, such as 6-foot-4 senior Stephen Graves, a four-year player for the Crusaders.

"I think what you can expect is a hybrid type team with players who are staunch Riverdale players and some of my players," Armstrong said. "We'll be competitive, with a chance of being highly competitive next season."

Frederick Douglass

It appears the Eagles have been caught by the shorthanded bug as they had eight players out for the team.

As those players practiced kicking field goals with Eagles' football assistant coach Bill Johnson, soccer coach Ben Shea contemplated what may be in store this season.

"It's been definitely tough, especially early on," Shea said. "We started practice with only about three guys. We've had trouble with kids getting permission slips and physical. We may end up having to combine with the girls team."

As of now, the Eagles have four returning starters and will look to sophomore midfielder Daniel Banda, juniors Josh Carter (midfielder/forward), Kendall Harrison (striker) and Zach Oates (defender) along with sophomore defender DeCarlos Daniels.

Queen Anne School

Sometimes, there's nowhere to go but up. Two years ago, Queen Anne had a co-ed soccer team. Last year, an all-boys team went winless. This year, coach Patrick Noel said with a more favorable schedule, the team should avoid another winless season. Led by four-year starting midfielder Dean Bolt, the Lions are young. But Noel expects the freshman-heavy roster to improve as the season goes.

Bishop McNamara

Mustangs coach Bob Nolte wants nothing more from his team than for them to believe in themselves.

The Mustangs have one of the most seasoned teams in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference with nine returning starters. But the experience has taken time to translate into success.

"I think the thing for them is just realizing what they're capable of," Nolte said. "That's always kind of where we struggle. We have a very deep and talented squad and they, mentally, have to convince themselves of what they're doing. Play in a really tough league, and you've got to have your "A" game each time out. Sometimes these guys allow mental lapses and letting guard down has really hurt us."

The team returners a number of key players from a squad that went 5-12-3 in 2008, including senior tri-captains Greg Carbott (midfielder), Mayoa Alli (defender) and Matt Michael (defender).

The Mustangs look to get contributions from seniors Max Allegro (forward), Ryan Leslie (midfielder), Matt Malecki (striker) and Dan Artin (midfielder).

Forestville

The Knights could be in store for a strong season in a County 3A/2A/1A League that has experienced a dose of transience at the top of the standings in recent years.

Forestville returns five starters from last season's squad. Senior center midfielder Jessie Lopez has received interest from colleges after a stellar 2008, when he scored 11 goals and added nine assists. Joining Lopez will be senior William Corvera midfielder/defender), sophomore Kenton Connors (midfield/striker) and junior Victor Igboko (defender/midfielder).

"We're very young having lost six seniors last year and three players who transferred," said coach James Connors. "What I'm trying to do now is teach them. Many of them come to us with no technical training, but the kids are excited."

Suitland

Rams' coach Charlie Shuff chooses to have a "glass half-full" approach because he doesn't have a choice.

As of Monday, the Rams had eight players, three shy of a full starting lineup. Shuff hopes the paltry showing at tryouts will improve before Suitland's season opener, Sept. 11 at Henry A. Wise.

The Rams have one returning starter in senior sweeper Lenworth McKenzie. Shuff said he expects senior Mario Amaya to step up his level of play.

"We lost a lot of players because of grades, and with an extraordinary number of kids going through this every year, it kind of devastated the ranks," Shuff said.

Henry A. Wise

After a dreadful 2008 season in which the team finished winless in 12 matches, the Pumas were in need of changes to ensure a more successful 2009.

Perhaps the biggest change was an unexpected one as former coach Moses Olubo stepped down this summer and new coach Donald Thompson was brought on board.

"We are really rebuilding," Thompson said. "The one thing that I know that will be different from last year is that we're exhibiting a prideful approach. I think we work hard as a team and whatever is lacking in the skill portion comes through hard work."

The Pumas will have six returning starters and are led by sophomore H.D. Sanderson (midfield) and junior forwards Andre Nunez and Vincent Cantorna. Thompson said he expecting a huge contribution from freshman James Kennedy.

Staff writer Terron Hampton contributed to this story.