MaxPreps 2015 Alabama preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Early Contenders - No. 21 Clay-Chalkville
MaxPreps introduces one of the top-ranked teams in the nation for the 2015 season.


1. Clay-Chalkville (Pinson)
Coach: Jerry Hood
2014 finish: 15-0
Team preview

The Cougars enter the season coming off an undefeated campaign and a Class 6A state championship victory, sealing a perfect season on many counts. However, those who think they may have reached their peak may want to think again. Coach Hood's squad comes in at No. 21 in the MaxPreps 2015 Early Contenders, and could be even better than last year's team.

Ty Pigrome is back to lead the high-octane offense for the Cougars after accounting for a whopping 61 total touchdowns last season. Accompanying him will be Alabama commit TJ Simmons, who notched 943 receiving yards a year ago, and Nico Collins, who comes off a stellar sophomore season in which he reeled in 15 touchdowns through the air.

The defensive unit will need to fill some holes, but look for Amari Hollaway to provide some experience from the secondary.

Coach Hood's boys will be challenged by other state powers, but if they come out on top once again, it won't be surprising.

See the Top 14 teams with the most all-time Alabama state titles

2. Central (Phenix City)
Coach: Jamey DuBose
2014 finish: 10-2
Team preview

Entering his second year, coach DuBose has a squad that may be one of the more surprising teams in the 2015 football campaign. A second-round playoff loss ended the season for the Red Devils in 2014, but a young team with some key experience is back and will challenge the typical state powers. Junior Zion Webb will be the lead voice on offense after a season in which he compiled 23 total touchdowns. The backfield loses some valued production, but on the outside Webb will have Quan Weaver and Jamal Couch in his arsenal.

The defensive unit will be led by Markail Benton, who notched 87 tackles as just a sophomore. Adding more depth to the defense will be a combination of Toron Morten, Jacorey Jones and Walter Pritchett. The defensive unit has all the means to be a scary one and could be the driving force for the Red Devils as the season progresses.

Last season's squad was young and lacked some experience. The same won't be said for the coming season.

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3. Spanish Fort
Coach: Ben Blackmon
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview

The Toros' 2014 season ended with a loss in the state semifinals, and first-year head coach Ben Blackmon will look to change that result. The defense may be one of the top units in the state. Thomas Johnston led the team in tackles with 143 as a sophomore, and alongside him will be Auburn commit Tre Threat, who also broke the 100-tackle mark. Add in Brady Hall and Stephan Holcombe, and this Toros defense will be an unwelcome sight for any opponent.

All that being said, the offensive side of the ball is no slouch either. The Toros will lose some depth on the outside, but Tyler Johnston is back to run the show for the Toro offense after missing most of last season with a torn ACL. Receiving the bulk of carries will be Cam Harrison, giving Johnston a reliable option out of the backfield.

With a talented offense and dynamic defense, Blackmon will have the pieces he needs to open some eyes in his first year as head coach.

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4. Hoover
Coach: Josh Niblett
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview

The conclusion of the 2014 season resulted in Hoover claiming its third-straight state title for the second time since the turn of the century. The Buccaneers were hit hard by graduation, but coach Niblett has proven many times that he knows how to win. It looks to like Christopher Vacarella is next in line to take over the quarterback duties for the Bucs. Quincy Cox and Jimmie Johnson III should give Vacarella some reliable options from the tight end and receiver spots, respectively.

The defense was the talking point for coach Niblett's team a year ago, and this season he will usher in a host of new faces that will need to step up. Look for Jeremiah Moon and Jayden Jordan to be the lead voices for a defense that will need all the leadership and experience it can get.

The early-season schedule will test Niblett's boys early, but it may be just what they need for another postseason push.

See last season's Alabama football computer rankings

5. St. Paul's Episcopal (Mobile)
Coach: Steve Mask
2014 finish: 15-0
Team preview

Coach Mask guided his squad to an undefeated season and a Class 5A state title last season, and will expect just as much out of his team when fall time rolls around. He will need to replace some key contributors from a season ago, but Miller Mosley is back for his final ride on the high school gridiron. Mosley has compiled a 25-3 record as the Saints' starting quarterback and will likely build on that record in his final campaign.

While repeating a season like last year is never easy, coach Mask has made winning a norm when it comes to Saints football.