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

By Aaron Williams Aug 18, 2017, 8:00am

Troy leads Empire State football but Canisius, Somers, New Rochelle and Victor all factor in New York's #MaxPrepsFab5.

Video: Kenyatta Huston's highlights vs. St. Francis
See the Canisius running back in action from 2016.

MaxPreps 2017 New York Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Troy
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Bob Burns

The Class AA champs have quarterback Joe Casale returning for his senior season after guiding the Flying Horses to an unbeaten year in 2016.

Two of his main skills weapons also return in running back Joey Ward and wide receiver Dev Holmes, who had two touchdowns in the 2016 title game finishing with 95 yards rushing and 119 yards receiving.
Troy looks to repeat as AA champions in 2017.
Troy looks to repeat as AA champions in 2017.
File photo by William Pine
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2. Canisius (Buffalo)
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Rich Robbins



The Catholic State champs return 6-foot-5, 200 pound quarterback Jayce Johnson for his senior campaign after throwing for over 1,200 yards and 13 scores as a junior. Johnson also ran for 656 yards and five scores.

He's joined by rising senior running back Kenyatta Huston, who churned out neatly 700 yards with 10 touchdowns. Senior wideout Paul Woods leads the receiving corps after 35 catches for 684 yards and eight scores last season.

Cornerback Keenan Ollison is the leading returning tackler with 35 past season.

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3. Somers (Lincolndale)
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Anthony DeMatteo

The Class A champions lost running back Messiah Horne to graduation and must find someone to fill his production (2,254 yards rushing and 29 touchdowns).



The Tuskers do return senior quarterback Kevin Olifiers, who threw for nearly 1,500 yards and 14 touchdowns as a junior.

Antonio Vieira is back at fullback and middle linebacker and led Somers last season with 103 tackles. He's joined on defense by senior safety Vincent DiFilippo who recorded 93 tackles last season.

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4. New Rochelle
2016 record: 10-1
Head coach: Lou DeRienzo

Back for the Huguenots are quarterbacks Keion Jones-Hiland and Jonathan Saddler (they split time last season), along with senior running backRomeo Holden.

Senior center Marshall White and tackle Rhain Allen should anchor the line for New Rochelle.



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5. Victor
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Geoff Mandile

The Blue Devils look this season without their 2016 quarterback and top two running backs. Clay Bleier threw for nearly 900 yards and backs Mitch Spindler and Zack Estabrooks combined for nearly 2,000 yards on the ground and 29 touchdowns.

Hudson Alread appears poised to get the keys to the offense and sophomore Joseph Theede could be the Blue Devils' every down back.

CJ Williams, at 6-4 270 pounds, should anchor the line and 6-7 freshman Connor Williams is an interesting prospect at tackle.