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

Video: Jordan Love's highlights vs. Bakersfield High
See the Liberty High quarterback in action last season against the Drillers.


1. Liberty (Bakersfield)
Coach: Bryan Nixon
2014 finish: 10-3
Team preview

The Patriots made a huge statement last season by beating Southern Section power Mission Viejo and then advanced all the way to the Central Section Division I title game, which ended in a 21-14 loss to Edison. This season they bring back pieces that should ensure there won't be much of a letdown. Utah State commit Jordan Love is back for his third season at quarterback and four starters return on the offensive line. And don't forget Quincy Jountti, who will assume the top running back duties after the graduation of Anthony Mariscal. He was integral as a receiver last season.

On defense, UCLA commit Krys Barnes (130 tackles last season) will lead the way as a senior linebacker. Junior Kurtis Brown is 6-foot-2, 265 pounds and is a rising star on the defensive front as well. The entire secondary will need to be replaced, though.



A rematch with Mission Viejo (this time at home) and a battle with San Diego Section power Cathedral Catholic highlight a tough schedule for the Patriots.

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2. Clovis
Coach: Rich Hammond
2014 finish: 8-5
Team preview

It's simple math for Clovis. A reported 17 (possibly 18) starters return for a team that had a late lead on the section champ in the semifinals. That experience means that the Cougars look primed for a playoff run this season.

Jassiem Wills (who has an offer from Idaho) returns after 49 catches for 623 yards and eight touchdowns, and he will catch balls from either Sean Kuenzinger (who went 3-0 as a starter last season) or last year's JV quarterback Trey Lake. The offensive line has tons of experience with Collin Bohny, Tyler Collier and Alejandro Hernandez, plus tight end Clayton Alexander. Samir Allen led the team as a sophomore with 151 carries and 885 yards as well.

The defense returns Daniel Varian and Quinn Vosmera down low as well. Safety Josh Hokit is drawing rave reviews and also plays running back.



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3. Ridgeview (Bakersfield)
Coach: Dennis Manning
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview

The Wolf Pack reached the Southern California Regional Bowl Games last season after winning the D-II section title, but fell to Redlands East Valley. This season, they're looking to return to that level.

Lawrence White returns as the dual-threat quarterback at Ridgeview. Last year he completed 64 of 129 pass attempts for 1,228 yards and 18 touchdowns, and he ran 136 times for 1,077 yards and 11 scores. He will need someone to step up in the backfield, as workhorse Sheldon Croney graduated. But on the outside he will have some familiarity, as the two leading receivers return in juniors Jamar Moya (28 catches for 423 yards and four touchdowns) and Jaleyn Prevost (18-572-5).

On defense, leading tackler Chase Mears is back at linebacker and he will also get help from Ricky Leung-Wai, a 6-4, 240-pound junior returning after posting seven sacks as a defensive tackle.

This team beat Liberty last year, so the rematch will be huge in Kern County. But the schedule is made up of nine teams from Bakersfield, so there aren't any marquee out-of-area contests.



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4. Bakersfield
Coach: Paul Golla
2014 finish: 9-3
Team preview

The Drillers got smoked by Liberty in the playoffs last year and will look to return to State Bowl Games consideration with a 10-0 JV team coming up.

Rushing is the name of the game on offense and the most experienced returner is KeAyr Gragg - and he only carried 38 times. Finding new horses to tote the ball in Bakersfield is rarely a problem, so expect somebody to step up, whether it's Gragg or a newcomer.

Darrious Eaton is a skill player who can be expected to contribute, likely on both sides of the ball.

Bakersfield does not return any starters in key positions, so the road back is paved with uncertainty. But if tradition means anything, expect the Drillers to be in the thick of things come playoff time.



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5. Edison (Fresno)
Coach: Matt Johnson
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview

Last season's Division I section champ, and SoCal Regional participant, will be featuring some younger faces this time around. A.J. Greeley and Hunter Swearingen are gone, as are Vance Sams and Tyler Horton, and all the skill positions on offense will see new starters.

In other words, a lot needs to be replaced. But last year's JV team went 10-0 and William Lee is on colleges' radar as an offensive athlete and defensive back. Leevel Tatum is a big guy at 6-3, 275 and word is that the nose guard may also see time at fullback and tight end. Also, Miguel Marquez is a noteworthy offensive lineman at left guard.

The quarterback position is the biggest question mark. Transfer Gerard Mendez has not been cleared yet, according to the Fresno Bee, and Shareef Goodwin and Matthew Torres shared the position on the JV team last year.

All told, it's hard to tell how good this team can be. Last year's title brings about much optimism at Edison, and a second-week battle at Bakersfield will give the Tigers a chance to show that the program is here to stay.