MaxPreps 2012 West Virginia preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012 West Virginia Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Martinsburg
2011 finish: 14-0
Head coach: David Walker
Team preview
The Bulldogs haven't sniffed defeat in more than two years, posting back-to-back 14-0 seasons with a pair of AAA state titles. Martinsburg has also won four straight Cumberland Valley crowns and starts the season as the favorite to win it all again. Coach David Walker returns one of the state's most talented receivers in All-State pick Cedric Brown (6-foot-3, 185 pounds) while offensive lineman Eugene German (6-5, 250) is a potential Division 1 prospect. Martinsburg tops our list of West Virginia's Top 10 most consistent football programs.

2. George Washington (Charleston)
2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Steve Edwards
Team preview
The Patriots came within eight points of finishing undefeated, falling to Martinsburg 35-27 in the Class AAA championship game. Coach Steve Edwards' squad could bump off Martinsburg this year thanks to the return of three Division 1 prospects: Ryan Switzer (5-9, 165, RB), Dustin Crouser (6-2, 225, MLB) and Jordan Clay (6-4, 185, TE). Juniors Adam Huffman (5-10, 210, DL) and Jacob Jackson (5-11, 160, DB) will bolster the defense. George Washington ranks No. 3 on the June, 2011 list of the Top 10 West Virginia football dynasties.

3. Morgantown
2011 finish: 10-3
Head coach: John Bowers
Team preview
The Mohigans can't be overlooked when it comes to picking potential Class AAA state champs. Morgantown lost twice to Martinsburg and suffered a defeat at the hands of Ohio power Steubenville, but coach John Bowers returns six starters on offense and five on defense from a team that went unbeaten in league play. Mark Johnson (6-2, 190) returns at quarterback while Jalen Thomas (5-10) and Alex Weidman (5-9, 185) return at running back. Morgantown will need to replace one player whose name is found on our list of every West Virginia Class of 2012 Division 1 signee.

4. Huntington
2011 finish: 8-4
Head coach: Billy Seals
Team preview
Look for the Highlanders to improve on last year's record thanks to the return of 12 starters and an 8-0 JV group moving up to the varsity. Mark Shaver (6-0, 180) returns at quarterback along with tight end Jarod Martin (6-2, 210) and outside linebacker Payton Johnson (6-0, 190). Paden Christian (FB) and Marcus Eller (LB) also figure to shine for the Highlanders. Search for Huntington players on the 2011 West Virginia All-Conference football teams list.

5. Wayne
2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Tom Harmon
Team preview
Wayne received little resistance in the playoffs last year, winning by an average of 38 points per game along with a 34-7 win over Point Pleasant for the Class AA title. Brandon Spurlock returns to lead the offense after rushing for 1,698 yards and 29 touchdowns as a junior. He'll run behind All-State candidates Austin Pyles (TE) and Anthony Bryant (OL). Mason Hodge (sophomore, LB) and Dwight Blankenship (DL) return to lead the defense. You can find Wayne listed on our West Virginia state football champions for the past 10 years story.