As we continue our look inside the 2007 football season around Central Indiana, Monday brings a peek inside Class 2A.

While many of the top 2A programs reside outside of Marion and the eight surrounding counties, there are certainly at least a couple teams to keep an eye on this season.

Let's start with Speedway, where coach Denny Pelley has built a sound program that continues to play consistent, competitive football.But the Sparkplugs are playing this season with a different kind of cause.

Last spring, assistant coach Brad Pedigo, who has been with Pelley since he came to Speedway 17 years ago, was diagnosed with leukemia. After being in touch with Pelley, it is learned that Pedigo is scheduled for a bone marrow transplant on Aug. 21.

"While he is currently at home and will be in the hospital for a period after his transplant, we talk every day and look forward to his return," says Pelley, adding that Pedigo will be helping with statistics, scouting and film once able to return.

The 'Plugs have won four straight sectional titles, but lose the multi-talented Adam Walton. However, they also have depth and talent returning in the trenches with Chris Green, Zach Hall (nine sacks in '06) and Jonathon Giesting. Linebacker Dewayne Taylor also will be a force on a gritty defense.

But Speedway has plenty to deal with in their own sectional, as has been the case for years. They appear to be the frontrunner, but North Putnam returns talented tailback Adam Vondersaar. The Cougars defeated Speedway, 23-18, in last year's regional.

Another team to keep an eye on in Sectional 30 is Tri-West. Second-year coach Chris Coll has 14 starters returning, but will have to replace QB Tyler Bruce and a host of other highly experienced players. The good news is that both lines appear to be in good shape, while sophomores John Frederick and Jake Allen will compete to take over for Bruce. In Coll's first season, the Bruins went 3-7 following state titles in '03, '04 and a sectional crown in '05.

Tuesday I'll take a look at 3A, followed by 4A on Wednesday and 5A on Thursday.