A whole new year is before us, but before we can drop the acorn, shoot off the fireworks, and get the parties going, we need to take a look back at some of the top prep sports stories of 2007.

After considering over 75 stories, I have narrowed them down to ten, the most recent happening on Saturday.

So, without further delay, here are my Top Ten Prep Sports Stories of 2007.

10. Sportsmanship Rules Tightened, Ejections Up

The N.C. High School Athletic Association and National Federation of State High School Athletic Associations tightened the grip on sportsmanship rules this year, and it cost some high school football players dearly early in the season. In fact, the 138 ejections last year had increased to to 337 this year, as of Nov. 19. The dramatic jump in ejections sparked what became a big controversy at the beginning of the football season, but as the season progressed athletes began becoming more aware of the incredible rules.

9. The East Was The Beast This Season

Out of the eight state championships the NCHSAA hands out in football, seven went to schools in the Eastern Regional. After the Western Region had dominated the state for several seasons, it was nice to see the East return to dominance.

8. Super-Bug MRSA Causes Panic

When cases of MRSA, or Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, began popping up at high schools in North Carolina and across the country, it caused a bit of a scare. There were questions as to whether or not this dangerous staph infection could be passed from player to player in sports like football and wrestling where there is a lot of contact between athletes. Although it is possible to contract MRSA in a sports setting, it is much more likely to infect someone in a hospital setting.

7. Realignment Causes Headaches, Wake County Raises Red Flags

The initial proposal from the NCHSAA Realignment was released in December, and it caused an immediate stir - especially in the Eastern part of Wake County. Garner, Southeast Raleigh, Knightdale, and East Wake will all be put into a conference with Harnett Central, the Johnston County 4-A Schools, and Greenville Rose under the initial proposal. The NCHSAA also took Holly Springs out of the Greater Neuse River Conference and put them in the Tri-Eight. In response, Athens Drive - who had requested to stay in the Tri-Eight Conference - was taken away, and put into the current Cap-Seven Conference, which will become the Cap-Eight under the new plan. Individual schools and school systems will have the opportunity to express their concerns and suggestions in January.

6. Independence's Streak Has Ended

On Sept.1, the Independence Patriots traveled to Cincinnati, O.H., to take on Cincinnati Elder in the Ohio vs. U.S.A. Challenge. The Patriots lost the game in overtime, ending their unprecedented winning streak that ranked them second all-time in the nation. The Patriots also lost to the Butler Bulldogs in the last week of the regular season, and they lost in the state championship game to the New Bern Bears.

5. N.C. Bill Would Require Random Drug Testing For High School Athletes

A bill was introduced to the North Carolina legislature that would require random testing for performance enhancing drugs among high school athletes. The bill has not been passed, and is currently sitting in committee. Bill 161 only requires testing for performance enhancing drugs, but does not mention illegal drugs or alcohol. Some people also feel that it would not be fair to test one group of students and not the entire population.

4. Broughton Soccer Experiences Tremendous Success

The Broughton Capitals' soccer team has become a dynasty. The Caps were ranked No. 1 in the nation, winning the state championship this season. The team was presented with a banner from Wake County Athletic Director Bobby Guthrie during the 2007 GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational.

3. Records Fall in 36th Annual GlaxoSmithKline Holiday Invitational

Local guard from Northern Durham Hunter McClintock broke records in an outstanding fashion during the GSK Tournament at Broughton High School. McClintock tied the records for most treys in a single game and most treys in a tournament. The interesting point about this feat is that McClintock accomplished this in two games, while the initial records were set in three. Word of God also made history, winning the first Glaxo title for North Carolina since 1989. They also pulled off one of the biggest upsets in tournament history on the second night, beating nationally ranked William Howard Taft High School.

2. James Kenan Goes Undefeated, Wins State Title, Presented With Fab 15 Award

The James Kenan Tigers finished off their season perfect, going 16-0 and winning the 1-AA State Championship. The team featured 29 seniors, all of whom remembered the 2006 runner-up finish. The Tigers responded in the championship game like a true champion would - after being down for the first time all season, James Kenan drove the ball right back down the field and scored the go-ahead, championship-winning touchdown.

1. Eligibility Mess Arises in Charlotte, Fayetteville

Several football players were declared ineligible at Charlotte schools, including infamous Independence. After an ineligible player was found on the West Charlotte squad, the athletic director, coach, and one assistant coach were all suspended with pay pending an investigation. The investigation is expected to wrap up in January, according to the Charlotte Observer. Fayetteville's Douglas Byrd had an eligibility mess of their own, forcing Byrd to forfeit their pending playoff berth. The school had not been to the playoffs in years. Parents even held protests outside of the school.

It's been a great 2007, and WRAL.com and WRAL-TV will be back to do it all over again in 2008. We'll be following the top stories all year long, as well as providing you with all the basics of local prep sports coverage.

So, let me wish all of our readers a Happy New Year! See you in 2008!