MaxPreps 2015 CIF North Coast Section preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: California (San Ramon, CA) football highlights vs. Monte Vista
See this season's No. 2 NCS team in action last season against Monte Vista.


Note: Because it is included in the statewide Fab 5, De La Salle (Concord) is not in the NCS Fab 5.

1. Pittsburg
Coach: Vic Galli
2014 finish: 10-3
Team preview

The Pirates, the last Northern California team to beat De La Salle (1991), will have a new-look spread offense this season. With a talented group of receivers returning and the promise of 6-foot-3, 217-pound junior quarterback Stephan Drugan, Pittsburg will be flinging the ball around more than in years past. Drugan, a dual-threat standout, already has interest from Nebraska. Christian Young is also a talented signal-caller. With explosive backs Montaz Thompson and Isaiah Turner, the Pirates will still be able to run the ball. Their strength lies once again on defense, where three first-team all-league players return: Charles Ramirez, Jordan Parker and C.J. McClure. The Pirates are the defending and undefeated Bay Valley Athletic League champions and their JV team went 8-2.



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2. California (San Ramon)
Coach: Eric Billeci
2014 finish: 9-4
Team preview

With Billeci, a former De La Salle tight end in his seventh season as head coach, at the helm, the Grizzlies have gone 53-22. This should be one of his better teams with the return of bullish 6-foot, 220-pound running back Justin Locklean (1,012 yards, 11 touchdowns). Three returning starters anchor the line: Scott Hansen, Kyle Lark and Nick Friedel. A talented junior class, plus the talents of senior defensive back JJ Johnson, will be key for the Grizzlies, who play nonleague games against Pittsburg and Liberty.

See the MaxPreps North Coast Section photos page

3. Antioch
Coach: John Lucido
2014 finish: 7-5
Team preview

It's been a couple of decades since the Panthers were a big NCS factor, but with the nation's top junior running back in Najee Harris and a strong supporting cast, they might give Pittsburg a strong run in the loaded BVAL. Harris, a 6-2, 215-pound specimen, has already committed to Alabama and already is the school's career and single-season rushing leader. Kobie Beltram, a 6-2, 225-pound linebacker, is the school single-season tackle leader and shed 20 pounds in the offseason to help with his speed. Nick Perry (5-9, 190) would be a starting running back for almost any other NCS school, but figures to give Harris plenty of rest. Ryan Payne (6-1, 185) leads a talented receiving trio. Antioch, which had plenty of success in a scrimmage against Clayton Valley, will need its young but athletic line to emerge, as well as quarterback play.

See last season's North Coast Section football computer rankings

4. Clayton Valley Charter (Concord)
Coach: Tim Murphy
2014 finish: 15-1
Team preview

The 2014 state Division II Bowl Game runner-ups return nine starters, but with an 87-person roster, the Ugly Eagles have plenty of bodies to fill the gaps. Nate Keisel (6-2, 180) returns at quarterback after throwing for 1,207 yards and 20 touchdowns last year. Like last year, he'll be handing the ball over plenty, especially to talented running back Ray Jackson III (5-8, 185). Jamel Rosales (5-10, 175) is another offensive weapon at receiver. Clayton Valley led the nation in rushing yards last year with 7,051 and they figure to threaten that total again. It will help to have Jalen McKenzie (6-6, 285), the younger but bigger brother of Kahlil McKenzie (now at Tennessee), on the line after missing much of last season. The Ugly Eagles open the season at the nation's top-ranked passing team from 2014 in Folsom.



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5. Campolindo (Moraga)
Coach: Kevin Macy
2014 finish: 16-0
Team preview

The defending state Division III bowl champions lost most of their skill players and linemen, but Macy somehow seems to work magic with the Cougars, who have gone 51-4 the last four seasons. Junior Jacob Westphal takes over at quarterback and look for him to get the ball to Max Flower, a 6-4, 205-pound wideout who already committed to Cal in baseball. Flower had 56 catches for 1,052 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. Joey Berzins (6-3, 221) takes over at tight end for all-state performer Tyler Petite, now at USC.