MaxPreps 2014 Arkansas preseason football Fab 5

1. Bentonville
2013 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Barry Lunney
Team preview

The Tigers won the Class 7A state championship last year and have won seven straight conference crowns. Bentonville's only two losses were to out-of-state opponents Trinity (Euless, Texas) and Broken Arrow (Okla.). Coach Barry Lunney returns nine starters from last year's team and has an undefeated junior varsity team on its way. Of the six returning starters on offense, Vanderbilt-bound offensive lineman Ean Pfeifer (6-foot-5, 295 pounds) anchors the offensive line while Cody Scroggins is the top receiver. Javier Carbonell, headed to Arkansas State, leads the defense on the defensive line.

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2. Fayetteville
2013 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Daryl Patton
Team preview



Winners of state championships in 2011 and 2012, Fayetteville dropped three games last year and finished second in league play. However, the Bulldogs return six starters on both sides of the ball, including Arkansas commit CJ O'Grady (6-5, 230) at tight end and Arkansas State recruit Dre Greenlaw at safety.

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3. Cabot
2013 finish: 12-1
Head coach: Mike Malham
Team preview

The Panthers' only loss last year came against Bentonville in the Class 7A state championship game. Cabot has lost some of its top players to graduation, including the state's leading rusher Zach Launius, who won the Landers Award for superior athletic achievement. Cabot could have another contender for the award, however, as Jake Ferguson returns at safety after an all-state performer as a junior. As a sophomore, Ferguson was named the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette's Sophomore Defensive Player of the Year.

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4. North Little Rock
2013 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Brad Bolding
Team preview



North Little rock could be a team to watch this year in 7A as the Charging Wildcats return 13 starters, including eight on the offensive side of the ball. Leading the way is one of the state's top players, junior receiver K.j. Hill (6-1, 185). The backfield is also outstanding with DJ Brown, a transfer from Little Rock Catholic, and Fabian Lewis (who missed much of last season with a knee injury) sharing the load. Quarterback Heath Land is back after throwing for 2,445 yards and 31 touchdowns last year. Among the top players on defense include safety Tyler Phillips.

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5. Conway
2013 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Clint Ashcraft
Team preview

The Wampus Cats should be loaded on offense thanks to seven returning starters. Defense will be the key, though, as only two starters are back. Kevin Chamorro leads the offense after earning all-state honors as a junior. He has a top recruit paving the way on the offensive line in 6-6, 290-pound tackle Colton Jackson. Conway also has one of the state's top kickers in Matthew Cummins.