2016 California North Coast Section Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

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* Editor's note: De La Salle (Concord) is in the California overall Fab 5, so is not featured in this article

1. Clayton Valley Charter (Concord)
Head coach: Tim Murphy
2015 record: 13-2
Team preview

Decimated by injuries and largely junior-laden, the Eagles somehow reached the State Division I-A title game, losing to Narbonne, 28-14.



With 14 starters returning, including nine on defense, the Eagles might have their best team since Murphy took over in 2012. That's saying something because Clayton Valley has gone 51-7 in that time. Among their standout returners is 6-foot-6, 285-pound lineman Jalen McKenzie, a three star recruit who missed all but three plays last year with an ACL tear. He has offers from Michigan, LSU, Tennessee, UCLA and Miami, among others. Running back and defensive lineman Heikoti Vaisima is a load to bring down and senior running back Akeal Lalaind should put up huge numbers.

"It's one of the most athletic groups I've coached in years," Murphy said. "We're very big and mobile on both lines."

See the North Coast Section computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Antioch
Head coach: John Lucido
2015 results: 11-1
Team preview

The Panthers are largely on the map because of the nation's top recruit, running back Najee Harris, who has rushed for 5,172 yards and 60 touchdowns in his career. Now up to 6-3 and 228 pounds, Harris is committed to Alabama.

But the Panthers are not just the "Najee Show." They have seven players who have been offered Division I scholarships, including junior running back and linebacker Omari Harris (6-0, 200) and seniors Issac Freytes and Isaiah Dunn, a pair of receiver and defensive backs, and sophomore receiver Gaudie Campbell.



Yet another receiver, senior Antione Tanner, has received FCS offers. Senior Justin Kennard (6-3, 290) leads the offensive line. In all, the Panthers have 11 returning starters.

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3. Pittsburg
Head coach: Vic Galli
2015 record: 10-3
Team preview

The Pirates are always brimming with talent and hope, and with 11 returning starters, six on defense, 2015 is no different.

The entire defensive front returns for Galli, including third-year starter Tariq Wright (6-1, 250), who also starts on offense. That's good news for Montaz Thompson (5-9, 190), who rushed for more than 1,700 yards as a junior.

Other top players include junior receiver A'jae Boyd and linemen Sergio Vargas and Devon Taylor.



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4. Monte Vista (Danville)
Head coach: Craig Bergman
2015 record: 7-4
Team preview The Mustangs return the region's top quarterbacks and one of the best in the state in Jake Haener, who completed 208 of 321 passes for 3,005 yards and 35 touchdowns (just six interceptions) last season.

The 6-1, 188-pound senior has committed to Washington and is considered cool under pressure with good feet and an accurate arm. He completed 65 percent of his passes last year.

His top target will be 6-6, 243-pound USC-bound tight end Erik Krommenhoek, ranked the 21st top player at his position in the country, according to 247Sports. The Mustangs also return Colorado-bound linebacker Nate Landman, running back and defensive back Shane Perry and lineman Corey Luciano.

Kicker Peyton Henry is also a college prospect.

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5. Freedom (Oakley)
Head coach: Kevin Hartwig
2015 record: 7-5
Team preview



The Falcons return one of the best and most dynamic running backs in Northern California in Ronnie Rivers, son of former NFL back Ron Rivers.

The younger Rivers rushed for 1,584 yards and 23 touchdowns as a junior and had 18 catches for 294 yards and four more scores. Baylei Coston (43 catches, 657 yards) is one of the top junior receivers in the section and he and Kevin Lonergan (28 catches, 301 yards) will make up a superb tandem.

Freedom should excel on defense with perhaps the section's top linebacker returning in Kyle Harmon, a 6-1, 220-pound senior. He had 134 tackles last year and has offers from UNLV, Colorado State, Army and Air Force.