Blue Springs is No. 1 in the Show-Me State, but will have to be on the lookout for Rockhurst, Lee's Summit West, Kirkwood and Webb City.
MaxPreps 2013 Missouri Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Coming off of a Class 6 state title in 2012, Blue Springs appears ready to defend itself against Missouri's best.
Photo by Sam Soliday
Kelly Donohoe
2012 finish: 13-1; Class 6 state champion
Team PreviewThe defending Class 6 state champions return three all-state selections from a year ago, led by running back
Dalvin Warmack, who is committed to Kansas State. He rushed for a stunning 2,475 yards and 41 touchdowns a year ago. Teammate
Elijah Lee, who was an all-state pick at defensive end, is also a future Wildcat. Receiver
Darrius Shepherd will look to build on a 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown season as a junior. Blue Springs will be tested immediately by Lee’s Summit West in its opener.
See the Top 15 Missouri football dynasties2. Rockhurst (Kansas City)Head coach: Tony Severino
2012 finish: 10-3
Team Preview
Ten starters are back for head coach Tony Severino, who enters his 31st season at the helm for the Kansas City Jesuit high school. In 2013, Rockhurst will once again be in the mix for a state title in Missouri’s largest classification. Dynamic quarterback
Ahmad Tyler is back behind center for the Hawklets. The offensive line should be very solid, as it features 6-foot-4 tight end
Jayke Simsheuser and junior tackle
Jackson Jenkins. This team opens with a challenging schedule: a road game against East St. Louis, a game with Arkansas power Bentonville and a rematch with Blue Springs. A 3-0 start would be extremely impressive.
See our Missouri football professional photo galleries3. Lee's Summit WestHead coach: Royce Boehm
2012 finish: 11-1
Team PreviewAfter falling short of a state title last year, Lee’s Summit West brings back an impressive roster that should leave it poised to be playing late into November.
Thomas Ganaden, the team’s 6-5 quarterback, will once again look for gifted receiver
Monte Harrison, who is committed to play for Nebraska and was the conference offensive player of the year last fall. Offensive lineman
Kevin Pendleton and defensive back
Logan Cheadle are both committed to Missouri. Linebacker Zach Rasmussen will be a difference maker on defense.
See last season's final Missouri football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard4. KirkwoodHead coach: Matt Irvin
2012 finish: 13-0; Class 5 state champion
Team Preview
In just his third season as head coach, Matt Irvin led Kirkwood to its finest season in program history, as the Pioneers finished 13-0 and captured a Class 5 state title. The team needs to replace its key playmakers on offense, but
Blake Goddard, who was one of the team’s top linebackers last year, should fit the bill. Linebacker
Jordan Brown will hold down the unit this fall. Still, 2013 will be a test to see if Irvin’s 2012 squad was a tremendous team, or if it laid the foundation for a perennial title-contending program.
See last season's Missouri All-Conference football teams5. Webb CityHead coach: John Roderique
2012 finish: 15-0; Class 4 state title
Team PreviewDespite only being a Class 4 program, Webb City has proven itself to be among the state’s top teams each year. The Cardinals were a senior-dominated team in 2012. However, a program doesn’t win 45 consecutive games without bringing along young players and filling in holes. A road matchup against Har-Ber will be a huge test to the team’s string and a good indicator of how quickly its young players have or have not developed.
See last season's Missouri football playoff brackets
