Moving up from Class 2A to Class 3A six years ago did nothing to slow the Bethesda-Chevy Chase girls soccer team. The reigning state champion Barons won two of their three state championships during their tenure in Class 3A, in 2004 and '08.

BCC looks to have similar results on the state's biggest stage, as it makes its foray into Class 4A this fall.

It is not the only county team moving up this season: Last year's Class 1A West Region champion Poolesville jumps to 2A; Clarksburg and Northwood move to 3A; and Paint Branch joins B-CC in the state's largest classification.

Two-time Class 4A state champion Quince Orchard (2002, '07), which has won the 4A West Region title the last three years, will drop to 3A along with Blake, and Wheaton drops to 2A.

The changes throw a wrench in some of the county's coveted rivalries. But the usual suspects — B-CC, Whitman, Quince Orchard, Blair, Wootton, Churchill, Walter Johnson, Poolesville — are still there with the same intention: Winning the state championship.

"Expectations in our region are going to be tricky," Churchill coach Haroot Hakopian said. "We lost Quince Orchard and as a bonus for losing Quince Orchard, we get B-CC. But we are excited about having B-CC in the 4A, it gives our region even more legitimacy."

The Barons have little to prove. They scored a county-high 87 goals in 2008 and allowed county-low five. Their depth will be tested this season with more competitive teams on the schedule, and starters will not get as much rest.

The Barons spread the field well but like to control the middle and, helmed by an international-caliber player in junior Alex Doll (11 goals, 19 assists), their midfield looks as strong as ever.

None of Quince Orchard's players has ever bowed out before the state final. It boasts a killer senior class, including last year's top five scorers. Quince Orchard is tenacious and, because everyone has been together for the better part of four years, thrives off cohesion.

The one question mark will be in goal, where the Cougars lost four-year starter Amanda Whitney. But sophomore Gabby Paolini plays bigger than her small size and is just as fearless as her predecessor.

Walter Johnson's all-time leading scorer with 91 career goals, Caroline Miller had been the focal point of Wildcats soccer the last four years. But Walter Johnson is not without talent following her graduation.

Senior Chaucia Sydnor moves up from the back to work with sophomore Dani Armstrong at the front. Both are powerful speedsters with a nose for the goal. Seniors Catherine Madden and Emma Krieger will man the midfield.

Blair reached its second-ever regional semifinal last year but is no longer content with that. The Blazers have strength all over, and with their overall speed and skill are capable of employing several styles of play.

Whitman graduated 10 players, five of whom were starters. But it returns players to key positions. The Vikings defense could be vulnerable since most of those players are new to varsity.

After losing Pam Vranis, the cog in its scoring machine, to an anterior cruciate ligament tear, Churchill's 2008 season played out much like a rollercoaster ride. But Vranis, who tallied 10 goals and 18 assists as a sophomore, is back this year. And all the young players who were thrust into the limelight last year have that experience to draw upon.

Wootton has the talent to catapult itself back to the top of county soccer this season. The Patriots are historically a good defensive team and this season should be no different. They will use play at the back to generate their attack.

Poolesville is not overly concerned about its move to 2A. The Falcons thrive year in and year out off speed and feistiness. That plays at any level. Poolesville will look for more offensive punch this season, but as long as its defense remains strong it can compete with just about anyone.

Last year's run to the state tournament set the standard for this bunch, keen on focusing more on perfecting its own play than who it might face come regional tournament time.

Last season was Damascus' best in recent years, and it returns eight starters from that squad. Its entire defense is back and most of its midfield. The Swarmin' Hornets' biggest obstacle will be filling the void of graduated leading scorer Tina Arellano.

Sherwood has undergone a complete makeover. Under first-year coach John Vukovich, the Warriors will take a more possession-oriented approach than the long-ball tactics generally employed over the last seven seasons.

Five of Good Counsel's six losses last season were by one goal. After their defense was flushed the previous year, the Falcons put together a makeshift one last year. That back line struggled to connect with the front line efficiently, resulting in just 48 goals, a small number by Good Counsel standards.

Everything is back in place this year, as the tactically savvy Falcons work toward their first Washington Catholic Athletic Conference title since winning the last of four straight in 2001.

Preseason rankings by Jennifer Beekman

1. Good Counsel

2. Quince Orchard

3. B-CC

4. Blair

5. Whitman