MaxPreps 2015 Wisconsin preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

By Stephen Spiewak Aug 7, 2015, 12:00am

Kimberly has proven it can compete with the big boys and opens at No. 1. Also watch out for Arrowhead, Waukesha West, Amherst and Homestead in the Wisconsin #MaxPrepsFab5.

Video: Kimberly (WI) 2014 highlights
See some of the top plays of the year from Kimberly's run to a state title.


2015 Wisconsin Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Kimberly
Coach: Steve Jones
2014 finish: 14-0; Division I state champion
Team preview

The 2014 season was a remarkable one for Kimberly. It made the jump up from Division 2 to Division 1 and took home a state title in impressive fashion: posting a 14-0 record and thumping Arrowhead in the title game. No team came within two touchdowns of Kimberly. While that level of dominance may be difficult to duplicate, Kimberly is clearly at a point where it will reload rather than rebuild. Running back Blair Mulholland, who rushed for 152 yards and two scores in last year's title game, returns for his senior season.

See the Top 10 teams with the most all-time Wisconsin state titles



2. Arrowhead (Hartland)
Coach: Greg Mailing
2014 finish:
10-4
Team preview

Graphic by Ryan Escobar
Arrowhead arguably has been the state's most consistent program in recent years and it shows no sign of slowing down in 2015. Quarterback Johnny Duranso, running back Nick Bastien and receiver Justin Peret are among the returners on offense. The team will have a huge offensive line, led by the state's top recruit, Ben Bredeson, a Michigan commit. Last year was supposed to be a rebuilding year, and Arrowhead played for a state title. It will be back in the state title mix in 2015.

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3. West (Waukesha)
Coach: Steve Rux
2014 finish: 11-3
Team preview

Waukesha West returns most of its offensive skill players, led by quarterback Conor Blount, who threw for nearly 1,800 yards last fall. Jair Scott and Peter MacCudden, a sophomore, each rushed for five scores last fall. Nick Daniels, Blount's top receiving target, is also back, as is Syracuse commit Sam Heckel, a 6-foot-5 offensive lineman. Only four starters return on defense, and Dyson Chmura and Marcus Kelly leave particularly large shoes to fill.

See the MaxPreps Wisconsin football photos page



4. Amherst
Coach: Mark Lusic
2014 finish: 14-1
Team preview

Amherst was the runner-up in Wisconsin's Division 5. It returns enough talent to go the distance in 2014. Quarterback Garrett Groshek, a dynamic signal-caller who amassed nearly 3,000 yards from scrimmage, is back behind center. Defensive end Tyler Biadasz, a linebacker/defensive end who is committed to Wisconsin, is a reigning first team all-state selection on defense. Senior defensive back Ben Gutschow is another key returnee. Six-foot-5 lineman Cam Gaulke will lead the offensive line, and double as the team's kicker.

See last season's Wisconsin football computer rankings

5. Homestead (Mequon)
Head coach: Dave Keel
2014 finish: 10-2
Team preview

Star defensive lineman David Pfaff is now at Wisconsin, but coach Keel will have Homestead back in contention. Six-foot-6 defensive end Josh Mueller will help ease the loss of production due to Pfaff's graduation. He has offers from Illinois, Iowa State and others. Jack Popp, one of the state's top basketball players, will once again suit up on the gridiron as a receiver. Replacing Nick Allen at quarterback could be sophomore Julius Wilkerson, who is extremely difficult to bring down.