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

By Dean Backes Aug 13, 2015, 12:00am

Millard North takes top Nebraska football spot from two-time defending champ Omaha North. Also watch out for Bellevue West, Elkhorn South and Creighton Prep in the Nebraska #MaxPrepsFab5.

Video: Adrian Kellogg's highlights vs. Lincoln Southwest
See the Millard North star in action last season.


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

1. Millard North (Omaha)
Coach: Fred Petito
2014 finish: 10-1
Team preview

The Mustangs ran off 10 straight wins to start the season in 2014. And then the unthinkable happened. Papillion-LaVista South thwarted any chance of a Millard North state championship with a 38-35 upset. But there is no need for Mustang fans to fret. Not only is Fred Petito's club hungry, but it's experienced and talented as well. Petito will employ the services of 13 returning starters from last season, as the Mustangs vie for their first big school title since 2012. Petito's entire backfield returns, including 1,000-yard rushers Jacob Matthew and Adrian Kellogg.

See the Top 11 teams with the most all-time Nebraska state titles



2. Bellevue West
Coach: Michael Huffman
2014 finish: 6-4
Team preview

Graphic by Ryan Escobar
Jadyn Kowalski returns after throwing for more than 3,000 yards and 37 touchdowns a year ago, a season that ended with a first-round loss to Papillion-LaVista South. He will play catch with Cade Johnson, his No. 2 receiver last fall and the younger brother of the now-departed C. J. Johnson, who is playing at Wyoming. The Thunderbirds will be more balanced offensively, thriving on the legs of Jaylin Bradley, who ran for 671 yards and 11 scores. In all, 14 starters return for Huffman to go along with transfers Trystn Ducker (wide receiver from Omaha Creighton Prep) and defensive lineman MJ Savea (Liberty, Missouri North).

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3. Omaha North
Coach: Larry Martin
2014 finish: 13-0
Team preview

The Vikings lost one of the great Class A senior classes in recent memory in Nebraska last fall after a perfect season. But Martin has built himself a program, and there are plenty of pieces returning with which to work. Running back Tavion Seals, receiver Terry Thomas, Justin Jemison (FB, DT), Grant Martin (WR, OLB) and Jordan Strong (DL) are just a few of the names you'll be hearing as the Vikings make a run toward a fourth-straight trip to the Class A state championship game, and a third-straight big school title.

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4. Elkhorn South
Coach: Guy Rosenberg
2014 finish: 7-3
Team preview

The return of sophomore running back Moses Bryant, who ran for over 1,000 yards a year ago, makes the Storm a state championship contender. But Bryant is just part of the problem for Storm opposition. Shane Henderson (T, DT), Connor Ballard (CB, WR), Tanner Meyo (MLB, FB), Connor Ebeling (QB, FS), Derrick Vander Linden (WR, CB) and Connor Childs (RB, WR) are all set to contribute in a big way for coach Guy Rosenberg as the Storm strive to improve upon last year's 42-35 first round loss to Beatrice.

See last season's Nebraska football computer rankings

5. Creighton Prep (Omaha)
Coach: Andy Yost
2014 finish: 11-2
Team preview

Creighton Prep lost plenty of talent from last season's state runner-up run. But first-year coach Andy Yost has adopted one of the great programs in Nebraska prep football. The Junior Jays have been to the state playoffs 20 straight seasons, and a total of 36 times. Returning to stretch that streak another year and possibly win the school's 10th state championship is quarterback Zach Luckey, who ran and passed for nearly 1,200 yards, collectively, and 12 scores. Returning starters Ethan Ruh and Alexander Venditte will protect Luckey, while Lucas Ripa will anchor the Junior Jay defense.