Hartford is the obvious pick as the top team. But don't count out Fair Haven, Bellows Free Academy, Middlebury and North Country Union.
MaxPreps 2012 Vermont Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
1. Hartford (White River Junction)
2011 finish: 11-0
Head coach: Michael Stone
Team preview
With 15 straight wins, two straight state championships (four in five years)
and a strong group of returning athletes, Hartford is the easy choice to start
the season on top in Vermont. The Hurricanes blew away opponents last year with
the closest game being a 21-0 win over Bellows Free Academy. Hartford walloped
Middlebury 42-6 in the championship game. Coach Michael Stone returns a group
of players that figure to dominate the line of scrimmage. Potential All-State
players include the defensive line duo of
Nolan Frechette and
Patrick McGrath,
along with offensive lineman
Michael Dulac and running back
Josh Clafin. Hartford ranks No. 1 on our June, 2011 list of the
Top 10 Vermont football dynasties.
2. Fair Haven
2011 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Don Hubert
Team preview
The Slaters won the Division II state championship last year, despite finishing
in third place in the regular season standings. Fair Haven lit up during the
playoffs, however, including an explosive 57-34 win over Burr & Burton
(Manchester) in the championship game. The title was the 12th for Fair Haven,
but the first since 2001. Receiver
Dakota Euber is the top returning weapon for
the Slaters. Fair Haven finally added itself to our list of
Vermont state football champions for the past 10 years last season.
3. Bellows Free Academy (St. Albans)
2011 finish: 8-2
Head coach: Geoff Murray
Team preview
The Bobwhites' only losses on the season came against Hartford and Middlebury,
a team it had defeated earlier in the season. A league champion in 2010,
Bellows Free Academy finished second in the conference last year with a 7-1
mark. Bellows Free Academy returns one of the state's top running backs in
Doug Saffo. His best outing came against Essex when he rushed for 346 yards and
three touchdowns. Search for Bellows Free Academy players on our list of
2011 Vermont All-District football teams.
4. Middlebury
2011 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Pete Brakeley
Team preview
Reaching the Division I championship game last year is enough to put the Tigers
in the Top 5 to start the season. Coach Pete Brakeley's squad lost only to
Hartford and Bellows Free Academy during the season after finishing in third
place in the league standings. The Tigers should be sound on defense where
linebacker
Mitchell Clarke and defensive back
Sam Smith return. Middlebury ranks No. 3 on our
Vermont Top 10 most consistent programs list.
5. North Country Union (Newport)
2011 finish: 9-1
Head coach: Tim Simoneau
Team preview
Unbeaten in the regular season, including a win over Fair Haven, North County
Union won nine in a row before falling to Burr & Burton in the Division II playoffs.
Jason Hatin is the top returning player for the Falcons after receiving All-State honors on both offense and defense at running back and linebacker.
Last year's Division II Coach of the Year Bob Davis has resigned, making way
for new head coach Tim Simoneau.
