MaxPreps 2014 Central Section preseason football Fab 5

1. Bakersfield
2013 finish: 13-2, Central Section and California Division I champion
Head coach: Paul Golla
Team preview

The Drillers are back with Marcus Bruce at linebacker and running back, plus Coleman Olivas at kicker and wide receiver. They did lose two Division I recruits, including quarterback Asauni Rufus, so getting as much production at that key spot in unlikely. There are six returning offensive starters and five defensive starters returning. Still, it's a program steeped in tradition, and it's a program that isn't afraid: The Drillers face Oaks Christian, Edison (Fresno) and Crenshaw (Los Angeles).

See the Top 20 most dominant Central Section football teams in the MaxPreps era

2. Edison (Fresno)
2013 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Matt Johnson
Team preview

The Tigers were 9-0 last season before dropping their final regular season contest and playoff opener. That emergence has led many to tout the Bakersfield vs. Edison game in September as perhaps the best in the section. A solid defense is likely to lead the way with A.J. Greeley (quarterback/athlete/defensive back), Tyler Horton (defensive back/wide receiver) and outside linebacker Anthony Shepard. The team lost talent at running back and will have a young offensive line, but has some top athletes who can make up for it. Khai Williams will be asked to step up at running back.

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3. Clovis North (Fresno)
2013 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Tim Simons
Team preview

A new head coach will take the Broncos through a tough schedule, and he'll have some quality players to do that with. Jacob Daniel is a beast at defensive tackle (6-foot-4, 295 pounds) and is headed to USC. UCLA commit Bolu Olorunfunmi is a senior running back and will once again likely put up big numbers. There will be solid senior leadership for the Broncos, who will look to avenge a blowout loss to Bakersfield in the title game.

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4. Liberty (Bakersfield)
2013 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Bryan Nixon
Team preview

The Patriots' losses were to Bakersfield and Clovis last season, proof that while they are good, getting up to the top is not easy. This year, athlete Anthony Mariscal (an Arizona commit) will be the highlighted performer. A road trip to Mission Viejo kicks the season off, and that will be a big test for the defense, as the Diablos put up tons of points. Can they keep up with Bakersfield? We will find out in league play.

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5. Central (Fresno)
2013 finish: 9-4
Head coach: Justin Garza
Team preview

The Grizzlies were loaded with college-caliber talent last season. And there's still some coming back, like San Jose State commit Dehlon Preston (defensive back) and Cal commit Zeandae Johnson (tight end). Savion Simms will also return as an athlete all around the field. A showdown with Grant of Sacramento will be a nice out-of-section test for Central, a team that nobody should overlook in Division I.