MaxPreps 2014 Massachusetts preseason football Fab 5

1. Xaverian (Westwood)
Head coach: Charlie Stevenson
2013 finish: 10-2
Team preview

Joe Gaziano, who is a four-year starter and recorded 12 sacks last season for the Hawks, will help lead a team that returns 15 of 22 starters. This is also a team that will also be a bit celebrity stricken, with New England Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork's son, D'Aundre Holmes, and former Patriot and Hall of Fame defensive end Andre Tippett's son, Coby, playing a big part. Holmes will start at linebacker and Tippett is expected to star at wide receiver on a team that has high expectations.

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2. Everett
Head coach: John DiBiaso
2013 finish: 8-2
Team preview



After pulling down the Division 1A Super Bowl title last season, the Crimson Tide have an exciting cast that will set the team up for another championship run, including sophomore quarterback Jordan McAfee (6-foot-3, 190 pounds), who will pair with wide receiver/running back Lukas Denis (seven touchdowns), a Boston College commit.

"I think we'll be able to do a lot of the things we did with Jonathan," said Everett coach John DiBiaso, referring to his son who broke the state record for touchdown passes in 2012. "He's the real deal."

Be on the lookout for J.J. Colimon as well, a 6-3, 270-pound defensive end and tight end. "He's already got offers," said DiBiaso.

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3. Central Catholic (Lawrence)
Head coach: Charles Adamopoulos
2013 finish: 11-1
Team preview

Despite losing core stars in the wide receivers and tight ends group, Central Catholic will return third-year quarterback Michael Milano, who threw for 13 touchdowns and ran for another 14. The defending Division 1 state champions will also bring back four-year starters Mike Balsamo and Markus Edmunds.

"We got some key guys back, we got some linemen back. And I think we got some young kids that can step up," said head coach Charles Adamopoulos.



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4. St. John's Prep (Danvers)
Head coach: Brian St. Pierre
2013 finish: 6-5
Team preview

Former professional quarterback and Xaverian graduate Brian St. Pierre takes over as head coach of the Eagles, leading a team that lost 25 seniors. But there is optimism about the Eagles' younger talent and St. Pierre's direction.

Senior A.J. Carrigan goes into camp as the default quarterback, but there will be competition, according to St. Pierre. Tight end Jake Burt has verbally committed to Boston College.

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5. Boston College High
Head coach: Jon Bartlett
2013 finish: 6-5
Team preview

The Eagles will be bolstered by the return of coach Jon Bartlett, who took a two-year hiatus from the sidelines while remaining the school's athletic director. In Bartlett's last run with BC High as coach, the Eagles won the Division 1 Super Bowl in 2011.



Running back Sam Friedman, who tallied two touchdowns in the team's season finale against Catholic Memorial on Thanksgiving Day, returns with a host of talent younger players.

Zuri Berry is a sports writer and producer for the Boston Globe and Boston.com. You can follow him on Twitter @zuriberry, and reach him via e-mail at zuri@zuriberry.com.