MaxPreps 2014 Idaho preseason football Fab 5

1. Highland (Pocatello)
2013 finish: 11-1
Head coach: Gino Mariani
Team preview

The Rams lost a ton of talent from a team that reached the state championship game, including all-state quarterback Tommy Jewell and all-state running back Thad Hansen. However, the offensive line returns one of the nation's top centers in Notre Dame-bound Tristen Hoge (6-foot-5, 285 pounds). The defense has an all-state linebacker in Kyler Manu, who will play at Boise State. The defensive line also includes three returning starters in T.j. Togiai and Connor Butterfield at defensive tackle and Cooper Anderson at defensive end. Returning all-state cornerback Greg Gwinn is out with a torn ACL.

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2. Coeur d'Alene
2013 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Shawn Amos
Team preview



The defending state champions must replace overall league MVP Matt James (offensive lineman) as well as offensive MVP Gunnar Amos (quarterback) and defensive MVP Jackson Carlson (defensive back). Coeur d'Alene has won three state championships in the past four seasons with four straight league titles as well. Linebacker Drew Berger is the player to watch on defense after earning all Inland Empire honors as a junior. He had 83 tackles and nine tackles for loss as a junior. Other returning all-leaguers include junior receiver Jonny Plum and senior defensive back Ryan Walde.

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3. Capital (Boise)
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Todd Simis
Team preview

If there is a team capable of knocking off the top two teams on the list, it could be Capital. The team averaged 44 points per game last year and returns league offensive MVP Conner Poulson at quarterback and all-state wide receiver Tarik Littlejohn. The defense also looks solid with all-league performers Ben Vering (junior) returning on the defensive line and Austin Thorell (senior) returning at linebacker.

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4. Rocky Mountain (Meridian)
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Scott Criner
Team preview



The Grizzlies return 12 starters from last year's squad including seven on defense. The offensive line figures to be a strength for coach Criner's squad, as he has all-league pick Connor Vrba (6-2, 285) back at guard and Austin Carlson (6-4, 280) returning at tackle.

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5. Mountain View (Meridian)
2013 finish: 7-3
Head coach: Judd Benedick
Team preview

The Mavericks will miss Southern Idaho Conference MVP Josh Buss at running back, but his replacement there will benefit from running behind returning all-league picks Camren Frasier and Blake Maculley on the offensive line. A total of 26 lettermen return from last year's team.