2016 Oregon Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Ultimate highlights of West Linn quarterback Tim Tawa
See Tawa lead the state's top-ranked team


1. West Linn
Head coach: Chris Miller
2015 record: 12-2
Team preview

Only once since 2004 had the Lions recorded a double-digit win season, but they accomplished that last year even with a disappointing 21-14 loss in the 6A final to Jesuit.

West Linn put up 580 points behind returning quarterback Tim Tawa, who completed 68 percent of his passes (269 of 394) for 4,420 yards and 50 touchdowns with just three interceptions. That's a gaudy passing rating of 142.1.

The Lions also return leading rusher Elijah Molden (1,071 yards, 17 touchdowns) and third-leading receiver Qawi Ntsasa (44 catches, 570 yards, 8 touchdowns). Zack Huffstutter and Jake Porter lead the defense after each recording 90 tackles last year.

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2. Summit (Bend)
Head coach: Joe Padilla
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview The Storm boasted one of the most prolific and balanced offenses in the state last season, while averaging 204.2 rushing yards and 206.9 passing yards per game. They captured the 5A state title with a 45-28 win over Ashland, a team that handed them their only loss, 14-13 during the regular season.

This season, John Bledsoe, the son of former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, returns under center after throwing for 2,551 yards, 31 touchdowns and just three interceptions. He's committed to Northern Arizona University.

Summit also returns leading rusher Dawson Ruhl (1,099 yards, 17 touchdowns) and trio of capable receivers led by Grant Tobias. The Storm's challenge will be on defense, where their top five tacklers from last season all graduated.

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3. Jesuit (Portland)
Head coach: Ken Potter
2015 record: 14-0
Team preview

The Crusaders won their sixth state championship last season but lost most of their key offensive players to graduation. Still Potter, whose teams have won 106 games over the last decade, always seem to reload.

The good news for the Crusaders is they return almost their entire offensive line among 10 returning starters overall. Only three are on defense. The leader on the line is 6-foot-7, 310-pound senior Jaxson Kirkland. Senior Demetrius Douglas (6-0, 175) and junior Trey Lowe (5-8, 180) figure to be key players on both sides of the ball.

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4. Sherwood
Head coach: Greg Lawrence
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

One of the state's most consistent and successful programs recorded another banner season in 2015, winning 12 straight games before losing in the state 6A semifinals to West Linn, 51-7. It was a disappointing end to an otherwise fantastic year for the Bowmen, who over the last dozen years, all under Lawrence, are a combined 136-18.

With leading rusher and tackler David Morris (870 yards, 11 touchdowns, 77 tackles) and sacker Luka Nixon (seven) returning, Lawrence should have another strong squad.

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5. Lincoln (Portland)
Head coach: Wes Warren
2015 record: 11-1
Team preview

The Cardinals started the year winning 11 straight games by a 400-73 count before losing to Sherwood 16-0 in the state 6A quarterfinals. It was a landmark win for first-year coach Warren and Lincoln, which hadn't had a winning season since 2010.

The defense should be in good shape with Sam Paris (79 tackles) and Nolan Ostmo (six interceptions).