2016 Mississippi Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

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1. Starkville
Head coach: Ricky Woods
2015 record: 14-1
Team preview

Starkville ended last season by claiming the Class 6A state title and the Yellowjackets return some vital playmakers, an experienced defense and are eyeing a repeat.

Running back Andreus Swanigan should lead the offense after posting 510 rushing yards and eight touchdowns last season. Look for receiver Tavian Clark to increase his production after notching four touchdowns. Also watch for Willie Gay to make a huge impact after notching 84 tackles (17 for loss), six sacks and four interceptions.



Oct. 14 marks a big-time showdown against Madison Central, a rematch of last year's Class 6A state semifinal.

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2. Madison Central
Head coach: Anthony Hart
2015 record: 9-6
Team preview

Madison Central reached the Class 6A state semifinals last year. But the Jaguars return a vast majority of their studs and first-year head coach Anthony Hart has them ready to take the next step.

Oct. 14 is the long-awaited rematch with Starkville, with payback on the Jaguars' minds.

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3. Clinton
Head coach: Judd Boswell
2015 record: 8-5
Team preview

Clinton fell in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs last year to Starkville. But the Arrows return one of the top playmakers in the country, arguably the best offense in the state and are primed for a state title run.



Cam Akers is the ultimate dual-threat quarterback at the high school level. He's rated as the nation's No. 2 senior running back and logged 2,331 passing yards, 1,418 rushing yards and 36 total touchdowns last season. Expect Southern Miss commit Darius Maberry to be a major force after recording 1,788 total yards and 18 touchdowns. The Arrows also bring back Iowa State commit Kam'ron White, who posted 547 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. Hard-hitting linebacker Jacobi Hearn will command the defense after racking up 64 tackles (12 for loss), seven sacks and three fumble recoveries.

Nov. 11 is the date Clinton has been waiting for, a redemption game against Starkville.

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4. Brandon
Head coach: Tyler Peterson
2015 record: 11-3
Team preview Brandon dropped a nail-biter to Petal in the second round of the Class 6A playoffs last year. But the Bulldogs bring back a bevy of playmakers, a dominant defense and should contend for a state title.

Quarterback Brady Anderson will charge the offense after notching 2,480 passing yards and 21 touchdowns last season. The two-headed monster of Vincent Butler and Jordan Willis combined for 1,342 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns. Hard-nosed linebacker Ricky Myers will control the defense after tallying 120 tackles and six sacks. The Bulldogs also might have the best defensive line in the state with Logan Robbins, Monterrio Davis and Lakendrick Jones all recording over 75 tackles last season.

Oct. 7 marks a huge battle against Petal.

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5. Petal
Head coach: Marcus Boyles
2015 record: 10-5
Team preview

Petal suffered a deflating loss to Starkville in the Class 6A state championship last season. The Panthers return an explosive offense and should make a deep playoff run.

Petal's do-it-all running back Stephon Huderson will be hard to contain. The Tulane commit racked up a wowing 2,031 rushing yards, 389 receiving yards and 29 total touchdowns. Also look for Tanner Estill to have a huge year after registering a team-high 802 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.

Oct. 21 marks a colossal clash with Meridian, a rematch of last year's Class 6A state semifinal.