La Salle Academy leads the way. Also watch out for Moses Brown, Bishop Hendricken, St. Raphael Academy and Portsmouth in the Rhode Island #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Jace Pena's highlights vs. Cumberland
See the La Salle Academy running back in action last season.2015 Rhode Island Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. La Salle Academy (Providence)Coach: Geoff Marcone
2014 finish: 10-3
Team previewA disappointing finish in 2014 should fuel coach Marcone's squad entering the new season. The Rams lost in the Division I state championship game a year ago, but the outcome in 2015 could be much different. Coach Marcone returns a number of key players from last season's team that was fairly young. Three-year starting quarterback
Jace Pena is back for his final ride as is his backfield mate
Kyron Lopes. Together the two may very well be the most dynamic combination in the state. The defensive unit will be highlighted by
Avien Peah, who recorded 63 tackles and nine sacks in his junior campaign. The Rams will be paced by a lethal duo on offense, but the defense will be no slouch either.
See the Top 10 teams with the most all-time Rhode Island state titles
2. Moses Brown (Providence)Coach: Willie Edwards
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview
Adam Romano, Moses Brown
Photo by Mike Braca
The reigning Division II state champions will enter the new year in great position to repeat last season's result. Leading the charge will be
Adam Romano, who racked up 2,600 yards through the air in 2014 and tallied 18 total scores. He will have some new faces to get familiar with, but look for
Kuba Witczak to be a top option on the outside. The Quakers will bring some thump on the opposite side of the ball as well.
Spencer Penney will be the name to watch after he led the team in tackles last season.
See the MaxPreps national football videos page3. Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)Coach: Keith Croft
2014 finish: 12-1
Team previewThe Hawks claimed their fifth-consecutive Division I state title in 2014, but the road to number six may be slightly more difficult. Adjusting to life without John Toppa, who has moved on, will be a task for coach Croft, but the strength of this year's team may be on the defensive side of the ball. Linebacker
Shane Olson racked up 102 tackles as a junior last season, and he will be accompanied by
Kwity Paye, who lines up with his hand in the dirt and posted 76 tackles in his sophomore season. Coach Croft will be tasked with getting an inexperienced offense up to speed, but the Hawks have a tradition of winning and that should not change.
See the MaxPreps Rhode Island football photos page
4. St. Raphael Academy (Pawtucket)Coach: Michael Sassi
2014 finish: 10-1
Team previewA loss in the first round of the playoffs last season offered a disappointing end to the Saints season. Coach Sassi's team will be anchored by a young defense that has shown some promise. Juniors
Jaylen Encarnacion and
Trevante Jones anchor the front seven from the linebacker and defensive end positions, respectively, while
Xavier Torres roams the secondary. The offense will be led by
Jarrett Collins, who returns for his senior season. Coach Sassi will have one of the younger teams in the state, but they should be able to build on last season's success.
See last season's Rhode Island football computer rankings5. PortsmouthCoach: Ryan Moniz
2014 finish: 7-5
Team previewCoach Moniz's squad plays in Division I with the likes of aforementioned Hendricken and La Salle, making the schedule a difficult one. There will be a new quarterback under center come opening day, but the lead weapon on offense will be running back
Ryan Macdonald. On the other side, the Patriots will be led by
Rashad Rockett, who compiled 68 tackles and 10 sacks as a junior.
