MaxPreps 2017 New Jersey preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Toughest Schedules in High School Football
See Zack Poff break down the toughest schedules, which includes the New Jersey Fab 5.


1. Bergen Catholic (Oradell)
2016 record: 7-4
Head coach: Nunzio Campanile

New Jersey football has some big-time teams this year and Bergen Catholic leads the way. It all starts with 2018 Boston College commit Johnny Langan under center. He is one of the toughest players in high school football and the rest of the team feeds off that.

The Crusaders have three of the top six players in the state from the Class of 2019, led by 5-star defensive end Antonio Alfano, 4-star running back Rahmir Johnson and 4-star athlete Josh McKenzie.

Adding former Don Bosco head coach Greg Toal to the coaching staff only helps.
See the MaxPreps New Jersey Football Computer Rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Don Bosco Prep (Ramsey)
2016 record: 6-5
Head coach: Mike Teel

Don Bosco Prep will be one of the most intriguing stories in high school football with a new head coach for the first time since 1999. Greg Toal is now helping out at Bergen Catholic and former Rutgers quarterback Mike Teel takes over the head coaching position for the New Jersey power in 2017.

Gone is quarterback Tommy Devito, but defensively the Ironmen should be stout with tackle Tyler Friday and end Marcellus Earlington returning.

See the MaxPreps New Jersey football stat leaders

3. Paramus Catholic (Paramus)
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Dan Sabella

Paramus Catholic won one of the toughest postseason brackets in the country (Non-Public Group 4) last season by defeating St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City) in the championship game.

The Paladins added one of the best players in the state in 4-star defensive end Dorian Hardy, who transferred from St. Joseph Regional (Montvale).

They lost some key pieces on offense, but one of the top playmakers returning is Jonathan Clark.

See the MaxPreps New Jersey football playoff brackets

4. St. Joseph Regional (Montvale)
2016 record: 9-2
Head coach: Augie Hoffmann

The New Jersey power capped off the 2016 season with six straight wins, including a 26-17 victory over DePaul Catholic in the Non-Public Group 3 championship game.

The Green Knights were featured in our Top 10 toughest schedules story as they have games lined up against St. John's, Bergen Catholic, Don Bosco Prep, St. Peter's Prep and Paramus Catholic in 2017.

See the MaxPreps New Jersey football photo galleries

5. St. Peter's Prep (Jersey City)
2016 record: 8-4
Head coach: Rich Hansen

This is the most talented team Rich Hansen has had since the Marauders won the school's last state championship in 2014, led by Minkah Fitzpatrick and Brandon Wimbush.

St. Peter's Prep has one of the most talented defenses in the country led by a trio of Notre Dame commits: Shayne Simon, Jayson Ademilola and Justin Ademilola. If Maasai Maynor plays well at quarterback, expect big things from the Jersey power in 2017.