If we're being honest, Chico probably won't be among the top 30 teams in the state by the end of this season. The Panthers do have some strong returning talent from the team that finished 18th in the Division 3 state meet last fall, but they don't grade out particularly well in any of our statistical measures. However, one of the goals of this countdown is to recognize teams that will have an impact at the section level as well as at the state level, and Chico is the clear favorite in the Northern Section for 2017. It's too early to anoint them champions and punch their ticket to the state meet, of course, but it seems that everyone in their section is chasing the Panthers right now, and that earns them a spot in the countdown.
2017 Returning Stats:
