Ladies and gentlemen, The Cavaliers are back and you better not sleep on them in 2018. 

Powered by a crazy talented percussion unit, a revamped brass section, and a guard that is incredible, this version of the Cavies could possibly be the one that puts them back in the conversation for a DCI World Championship.

GUARD

In talking with caption manager Travis Speice, the guard staff is taking a little different approach this year. It's similar to the old saying, "It takes a village to raise a child," meaning the entire guard staff is super engaged in all levels of teaching the guard. Whether it's from the press box or on the field, the entire staff is seemingly interchangeable.

During rehearsal, you're also seeing a level of detail that is pretty rare this early in the season. Definition of precise angles, hand placements on the equipment, and a renewed focus on the body are helping them already clean from the box.

Building on their early-season focus on dance and body, which included an extended camp at a Chicago-based dance studio, look for The Cavaliers guard to contend for the Guard caption award and for a world championship.

PERCUSSION

It's really early, but these gentlemen are jamming. From crazy split snare breaks to unbelievable early-season clarity in the front ensemble, caption supervisor Mike McIntosh and fellow caption manager Joe Hobbs have the Cavaliers percussion firing on all cylinders. There's no need for a bunch of written words to explain how they are doing so far. See for yourself:

The front ensemble is tearing it up as well. What is making them this clean this early? Technique. Beautiful technique. Their approach to the instruments and definition of what their hands are doing is allowing them all to hone in on the sounds they are producing.

BRASS

When it comes to the brass, Michael Martin and Kevin Leboeuf have the men producing wonderful sounds. Aside from their technical precision that the staff is getting the players to achieve, it's the "vibe" that Martin and Leboeuf have created that is making the hornline jell together.

From every player to every staff member, the level of encouragement, support, and accountability is really high right now. Yes, they have a great time during rehearsal. But don't think they aren't holding everyone to a very high level.

What will 2018 have in store for The Cavaliers over the course of the summer? Who knows. However, one thing is for certain: They will have a blast doing it. By the time the World Championships come around, they will be ready to unleash Madness.