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The air is finally starting to chill, but boys soccer is just starting to heat up across the state. Teams are winding down their regular seasons, and the playoffs are set to begin this week.

The Class 3A West Region draw has been decided, and with first-round games just days away, a couple of teams from Montgomery County have emerged as the favorites.

Where else would you start but with top-seeded Bethesda-Chevy Chase? And deservedly so; not only are the Barons (7-1-3) the defending 3A state champs, but they've returned almost all of the key cogs from their 2007 playoff run, and tied with Northwood for the Montgomery 3A/2A/1A East Division championship.

They have all the tools to repeat: two terrific strikers in seniors David Williams and Willy Koue, one of the best midfielders in the state in University of Maryland-bound Ethan White, and defensive mid Chris Woodruff.

But they've expected to win this year, possibly to the point of overconfidence, which might be their only flaw.

While B-CC is the class of Montgomery County's 3A squads, second-seeded Wheaton (7-3) has been the surprise of the 3A West. While not having quite the firepower as the Barons, the Knights scored just one fewer goal.

The defense has allowed just eight goals all year, tied with Northwood for fewest in the 3A/2A/1A East Division. However, the question remains if Wheaton can hold a dangerous offense like B-CC's off the scoreboard.

Watkins Mill (4-5-2 ) is one of several other county teams in the mix, though its record hasn't been up to normal Wolverine standards. Unless it goes on to win the state title, the Mill will finish with fewer than 10 wins for the first time since 2003.

The Wolverines' weakness is their lack of goal-scoring, as they've put away just 13 on the season. At the same time, strikers Darrin Barry and Bryce Dang are capable of doing damage; they'll need to be at their best — and maybe better — for Watkins Mill to win the region.

Two final candidates are Paint Branch and Kennedy. The Panthers' (6-5) weakness is also their greatest strength: striker Edwin Granados is a dynamic threat up top, one of the most underrated in the county. But he accounts for the bulk of the Panthers' offense, and he'll need help if they're to do what they can meet their successes of seasons past.

Running mate Eduardo Sartor scored twice off Granados' assists in a 3-0 victory over Rockville. In both 2005 and '06, Paint Branch reached the 3A West semifinals.

Kennedy has been a bit of a surprise at 5-4-3. It's struggled down the stretch on defense, allowing 18 goals for the season (second-highest total in the 3A/2A/1A West Division).

However, it's got some pedigree, having tied B-CC and beaten Wheaton. If the Cavaliers are to make some noise, they'll need production from Jeff Martins (5 goals, 4 assists) and back Gian Bertan.

"I don't think there is one dominant team this year," said Kennedy coach Kristin Werdann. "The title could go to any team. I think it is a tough bracket because anyone can win on any given day."

Check www.gazette.net/montsports for exact dates and times

First Round (Oct. 23-24)

No. 9 Urbana at No. 8 Watkins Mill

No. 10 Kennedy at No. 7 Frederick

No. 11 Seneca Valley at No. 6 Einstein

Quarterfinals (Oct. 28)

Watkins Mill or Urbana at No. 1 B-CC

Frederick or Kennedy at No. 2 Wheaton

Einstein or Seneca Valley at No. 3 Tuscarora

No. 5 Damascus at No. 4 Paint Branch

Semifinals

Friday, Oct. 31, matchups TBD

Final

Tuesday, Nov. 4