MaxPreps 2017 Iowa preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Jack Bertram's highlights vs. Ankeny Centennial High School
See the Dowling senior linebacker in action from 2016.


1. Dowling (West Des Moines)
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Tom Wilson

Dowling has won four straight 4A titles, 52 of its last 54 games and shows no signs up letting up.

Though they lost more than 2,500 yards rushing and 27 scores in graduated senior running back Jacob Zachary and Cole Deskin, the Maroons should look to Matt Moore and John Schmidt to step in to those roles.

Mitch Riggs returns at linebacker for his senior season, and All-State offensive lineman Zach Ross returns, as does All-State defensive lineman John Waggoner.
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2. Pella
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Jay McKinstrey

The Dutch have won 41 straight games as well as three consecutive 3A titles.

Pella must replace Nick Finney at quarterback after he threw for more than 3,500 yards in last year's title season. Also gone are wideouts Donovan Holterhaus and Ryan Van Wyk.

Avery Vanzee should lead the Pella ground attack behind a good-sized line that includes Logan Hudson and Clayton Steven.

All-State linebacker Lucas Warner is back for his senior season, and Nick DeJong is a big body (6-6, 240 pounds) on the defensive line and at tight end.

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3. Valley (West Des Moines)
2016 record: 10-1
Head coach: Gary Swenson

All-State quarterback Rocky Lombardi is gone to Michigan State, but the Tigers should have three-sport athlete Jevon Mason back at running back.

Beau Lombardi, Rocky's brother, could step into the quarterback spot and will have a young line protecting him led by rising senior tackles Nash Thompson (6-4, 202 pounds) and Adam Klinkner (6-1, 240 pounds).

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4. Ankeny Centennial
2016 record: 10-2
Head coaches: Jerry and Ryan Pezzetti

The Jaguars look poised for 2017 with rising senior quarterback Chance Gibbons back and a trio of back in Jensen Gates, Sam Snyder and Kole Denny ready to carry the rock for coaches Jerry and Ryan Pezzetti.



Tackle Joseph Weringa is an imposing force on the line at 6-4, 280 pounds and tight end Benjamin Breeding is a massive target at 6-5, 205 pounds.

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5. Webster City
2016 record: 11-2
Head coach: Bob Howard

The Lynx lose quarterback Drew Fielder to graduation, but have a triumvirate of rising seniors returning, including Luke Rohmiller, Max Hackbarth and Zane Williams.

All-State offensive lineman Cooper Lawson returns, as does rising junior linebacker Caleb Olson, a second team All-State pick.