Rocky Mountain has the edge in Idaho, but Highland and Mountain View also could win Class 5A. Up and coming Eagle is also a threat along with Madison in the Idaho football #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Zach Redd - Junior highlight
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2016 Idaho Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Rocky Mountain (Meridian)
Head coach: Scott Criner
2015 record: 11-1
Team previewThe Grizzlies have been the top team in 5A Southern Idaho for the past three seasons with three straight conference crowns and a state title in 2015. They could add another title in 2016 with 10 returning starters and a 7-1 JV team moving up to the varsity level. A pair of all-state players return in kicker
Jonah Dalmas (11 of 14 on field goals, long of 51 yards) and center
Zach Redd (6-2, 283). Massive offensive tackle
Connor Wood (6-4, 305) joins Redd on the line. The Grizzlies also have an all-state linebacker returning in
Kyle Frazier, who had 109 tackles last year.
See last season's Idaho computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard
2. Highland (Pocatello)Head coach: Gino Mariani
2015 record: 9-2
Team previewThe Class 5A state champion in 2014 and winner of 12 conference titles in the past 13 seasons, Highland lost to Rocky Mountain and Coeur d'Alene, but has a 112-33 record over the past 13 seasons. Highland returns one of the state's top defensive prospects in end
Aisa Kelemete (6-4, 225). Also back is second team all-state linebacker
Aren Manu.
See the MaxPreps national football videos page
3. Mountain View (Meridian)
Head coach: Judd Benedick
2015 record: 11-1
Team preview
The Mavericks reached the Class 5A state championship game, but fell to Rocky Mountain, 41-22. While Mountain View loses Class 5A State Player of the Year Treyton Bell to graduation, Division 1 prospect
Tucker Rovig is back at quarterback. Mountain View also returns all-state defensive back
Jace Richter, who had seven interceptions last year.
See the MaxPreps Idaho football photos page
4. Eagle
Head coach: Paul Peterson
2015 record: 7-4
Team preview
Nathan Buich, Eagle
Photo by Julian Jenkins
The Mustangs suffered four losses last season, but they are loaded with returning players in 2016. Eagle has 14 returning starters, including eight on offense. The offensive line should be particularly strong, where
Alec Kuzmack (6-6, 290) and
Maxim Moore (6-3, 290) both return. Eagle also returns its top receiver from last year in
Nathan Buich.
See the MaxPreps Idaho high school football playoff brackets
5. Madison (Rexburg)
Head coach: Mitch Buck
2015 record: 10-2
Team previewThe Bobcats are four years removed from their last state title, winning it all in 2012. However, Madison finished second in conference play last year and had losses only to Mountain View and Highland. Madison returns Division 1 prospect
Zarrek Birch, who should be a force on the defensive line at 6-5, 270 pounds.
