MaxPreps 2013 Arkansas preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Arkansas Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Bentonville
2012 Finish: 12-1
Head coach: Barry Lunney
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The Tigers had a number of big wins in 2012, including victories over one of Mississippi's top programs, South Panola, one of Missouri's best teams, Rockhurst, and some of the best teams in Arkansas, including Southside (Fort Smith), Har-Ber (Springdale) and Fayetteville. But it was the one win in the playoffs they didn't get, a rematch 31-20 loss to Fayetteville, that haunts Bentonville the most. The Tigers appear to be well-positioned to put those bad memories behind them as coach Barry Lunney returns 12 starters from last year's 12-1 team, including eight on offense. Leading the way for the offense, is a receiver corps topped by Arkansas commit Jack Kraus (6-6, 245) at tight end and Jimmy Jackson (6-2, 200) at wide receiver. The Tigers also look to Clay Wallace (6-0, 190) to lead the defense at linebacker. Bentonville has won two state titles in the past five seasons (2010, 2008) and has finished first place in league play each of the past six seasons.

See the Top 15 Arkansas football dynasties

2. North Little Rock
2012 Finish: 10-2
Head coach: Brad Bolding
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The Charging Wildcats could charge right to the top of the state rankings this season thanks to the return of nine starters and a group of incoming juniors that went 7-1 at the JV level last season. While coach Brad Bolding must replace Alabama-bound running back Altee Tenpenny, he does have some outstanding players returning, including Arkansas-signee Juan Day (6-2, 215) at running back and Kavin Alexander (5-10, 190) at cornerback. North Little Rock will also benefit from the addition of transfers Tim Quickel at linebacker and junior K.J. Hill at wide receiver.

See the Arkansas football programs with the most wins since 2008

3. Southside (Fort Smith, Ark.)
2012 Finish: 8-4
Head coach: Jeff Williams
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The Rebels haven't won a state title since 2006, but all signs point to Southside being a legitimate contender in 2013. For starters, the Rebels return all-state quarterback Isaac Jackson (6-3, 220). His brother, junior linebacker Ian Jackson, is among the leaders on defense. Southside also returns all five starters along the offensive line and has the top returning running back from last year in Quincey Whitfield (6-0, 220). Southside gets a big test earlier in the season when it hosts Har-Ber (Springdale) on Sept. 20.

See last season's Arkansas football playoff brackets

4. Greenwood
2012 Finish: 14-0
Head coach: Rick Jones
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The Bulldogs have the state's longest winning streak at 38 games and they benefit from the return of Tulsa committ Jabe Burgess (6-2, 200) at quarterback. As a junior, Burgess threw for 3,128 yards and 36 touchdowns. He is reportedly the cousin of former Greenwood star Tyler Wilson who was drafted by the Oakland Raiders earlier this year. The Class 6A state champion the past three seasons, Greenwood also won three straight crowns from 2005-07.

See last season's final Arkansas football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard



5. Fayetteville
2012 Finish: 10-3
Head coach: Daryl Patton
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The loss of one of the top quarterbacks in the program's history, Austin Allen, will make it difficult for the Bulldogs to return to the state championship, which they won 31-20 over Bentonville last season. However, it won't be impossible for Fayetteville to claim its third straight Class 7A state title. Nine starters return for coach Daryl Patton, including talented skill players Terrell Tyson (6-1, 190) at running back and Jordan Dennis (6-2, 175) at wide receiver. Dennis also plays in the defensive backfield, along with junior Dre Greenlaw (6-0, 205), giving the Bulldogs one of the division's top secondaries.

See every Arkansas FBS football signee from 2013 National Signing Day