The Xavier Saints and Marion Indians had modest records during the 2011 football season, but the Des Moines Register thinks they'll be two of the strongest teams in their respective classes this year.

The Saints, who finished 5-5 last season, were ranked No. 7 in Class 4A in the Register's preseason poll announced Sunday.

The Indians, who finished 4-5 last year, were ranked No. 8 in Class 3A.

West Des Moines Valley was ranked No. 1 in Class 4A. Cedar Falls was ranked No. 2, Iowa City West No. 6 and Iowa City High No. 8.

Decorah was ranked No. 1 in Class 3A. Solon was ranked No. 9.

Marion hosts Decorah on Aug. 31. The Indians are in the same district with Solon.

CLASS 4A

1. West Des Moines Valley, 2. Cedar Falls, 3. Ankeny, 4. Bettendorf, 5. Dowling Catholic, 6. Iowa City West, 7. Xavier, 8. Iowa City High, 9. Southeast Polk, 10. Johnston.

CLASS 3A

1. Decorah, 2. Creston/Orient-Macksburg, 3. Pella, 4. Harlan, 5. Carroll, 6. Waverly-Shell Rock, 7. Keokuk, 8. Marion, 9. Solon, 10. Sergeant Bluff-Luton.