Century leads the way this season. But also watch out for Minot/Dakota Memorial, Bismarck, Park River/Fordville-Lankin and Beulah in the North Dakota football #MaxPrepsFab5.
Video: Zach Sweep makes unbelievable INT
See the recent Century High grad's epic play2016 North Dakota Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard
1. Century (Bismarck)
Head coach: Rob Wingenbach
2015 record: 10-2
Team previewAlthough Century finished second in the Western Dakota Association last year, it swept through the playoffs to capture the Class AAA championship. Dalton Feeney, an all-state quarterback and a Major League Baseball draft pick, has graduated, but a pair of all-state players return in offensive lineman
Seth Braun and linebacker
Jacob Rader. Century was one of the most improved teams in the WDA last year, going from a losing season in 2014 to a state title in 2015.
See last season's North Dakota computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard
2. Minot/Dakota Memorial (Minot)
Head coach: Barry Holmen
2015 record: 10-2
Team previewThe Magicians captured first place in the WDA last season with a 6-1 league record, losing only to Bismarck. Looking for its first state title since 1980, Minot fell to Century 28-21 in the state final after defeating Century in league play. State player of the year Ben Bolinske has graduated at quarterback, but all-state second team running back
Garrett Larson returns to lead the offense.
See the MaxPreps national football videos page3. Bismarck
Head coach: Mark Gibson
2015 record: 7-3
Team preview
It's hard to count out a program that regularly finishes among the top teams in North Dakota. Bismarck has won four state titles since 2008 and won seven straight WDA championships before finishing tied for second last year. The Demons will miss Jaxon Ford, who rushed for over 3,000 career yards the past two seasons. Coach Mark Gibson begins his 18th year at Bismarck. All-conference defensive end
Lucus Butts is the top returning player for the Demons.
See the MaxPreps national football photos page4. Park River/Fordville-Lankin (Park River)
Head coach: Robert Goll
2015 record: 11-0
Team preview
Winners of two straight Class A state titles, the Aggies have the state's longest win streak at 19 games in a row. Last year, the Aggies averaged an incredible 50.9 points per game, including three games over 60. Class A state player of the year Levi Cudmore (QB) has graduated, but all-state linebacker
Jackson Hankey returns to lead the defense.
See the MaxPreps North Dakota high school football playoff brackets5. Beulah
Head coach: Jim Dooley
2015 record: 11-1
Team preview
The Miners captured the Class AA state championship last year with a 33-18 win over Shanley (Fargo). Beulah has been a perennial contender since coach Jim Dooley took over in 2012, averaging just under nine wins per season. Dooley has one of the state's top running backs returning in
Mikey Morris. An all-state second team selection as a sophomore, Morris rushed for 1,346 yards and 13 touchdowns last year.
