MaxPreps 2014 Connecticut preseason high school football Fab 5

2013 finish: 12-1; Class LL state champion
Head coach: Mike Drury
Team preview

The Blue Knights have more than enough talent and experience to defend their title. The three Matt's — defensive end Matt Koczera and linebackers Matt Maxwell and Matt Thomson — are among eight starters returning to a defense that swarmed like piranhas last season. Southington is deep at receiver, led by Alex Jamele (79 catches, 1,623 yards, and a state-record 29 touchdowns). Junior Jasen Rose (6-3, 225) moves from tight end to quarterback and already has an offer from UConn. The offense needs four new starting linemen to come together fast in order to keep their high-speed attack running smoothly.

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2. Hand (Madison, Conn.)
2013 finish: 8-4
Head coach: Steve Filippone
Team preview

The Tigers should benefit greatly from last season's on-the-job experience. UMass-bound tackle Jack Driscoll (6-foot-6, 255 pounds), center Tom Durkin (6-1, 275), safety Scott Sweitzer (96 tackles) and defensive end Cory Walsh (6-2, 235) are among 15 returning starters who played against five state playoff semifinalists last season, including a win over LL runner-up Fairfield Prep.

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3. Ansonia (Conn.)
2013 finish: 15-0; Class S state champion
Head coach: Tom Brockett
Team preview

On paper, it might look like the Chargers will have trouble winning a fourth straight state title and extending their 43-game winning streak as they lost 11 starters to graduation, including record-setting running back Arkeel Newsome. No one reloads like the Chargers, though. Jai-Quan McKnight starts his third year at quarterback and has a few more weapons at his disposal, such as tailback Tajik Bagley and receivers Tyler Bailey and Witold Gul. Linebacker Paul Makinano will lead a defense blessed with speed. Ansonia has a very good chance to win a state-record 20th CIAC championship and best Cheshire's state-record 49-game winning streak.

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4. Fairfield Prep (Conn.)
2013 finish: 11-3; State Class LL runner-up
Head coach: Tom Shea
Team preview

The Jesuits were one half away from their first state championship in 24 years when Southington blitzed them in the second half last December so, yeah, they won't need any motivation this season. Quarterback Colton Smith is one of Connecticut's most dangerous scorers (3,607 total yards, 29 rushing touchdowns). He's ably enabled by receiver John DelliSanti (45 catches, 935 yards, nine touchdowns), guard Arthur Mansolillo (6-1, 280 pounds) and tackle Anthony Palazzolo (6-6, 323), the latter of whom has committed to Boston College.

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5. Darien (Conn.)
2013 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Rob Trifone
Team preview

A whole new group of starters will be asked to provide the offensive production this season. Luckily for them, they'll be playing behind a hulking offensive line, and the defense will give them more than enough opportunities to score. Ends George Reed and Mark Evanchick will ransack many an opposing backfield. Two-way tackles Jack Tyrrel (6-3, 242) and Jack Griffiths (6-2, 270) return to further strengthen Darien's front lines.

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Ned Griffen has covered high school, college and professional sports in the Northeast since 1992. A 2003 New England Associated Press News Executives award winner, he may be reached at nedgriffen@gmail.com or follow him @MetalNED.