MaxPreps 2017 West Virginia preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Tyson Bagent's highlights vs. Spring Valley High School
See the Martinsburg quarterback in action last season.


1. Martinsburg
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: David Walker

The Bulldogs' defense led Martinsburg to the AAA title last season and as good as it was last season, it might be better in 2017.

Linebacker Tavis Lee returns after earning All-State honors as a junior while finishing with 109 tackles, including 24 for a loss and 11 sacks. He is joined by fellow All-State selections Jalen Hesen on the defensive line (75 tackles), and rising juniors linebacker Dewayne Grantham (75 tackles) and defensive back Grant Harman.

Quarterback Tyson Bagent also is back.
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2. Spring Valley (Huntington)
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Brad Dingess

The Timberwolves look to get back to the title game after falling to Martinsburg in 2016.

Two All-State selections return for Spring Valley, including quarterback Derek Johnson, who rushed for 1,420 yards, passed for 809 and accounted for 27 total touchdowns as a junior. He's joined by rising junior offensive lineman Doug Nester at 6-foot-6, 290 pounds.

Owen Porter should be stout at outside linebacker and Jacob Cassidy is a 6-3, 230 pound target at tight end for Johnson.

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3. Mingo Central (Matewan)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Joey Fields



The Miners won their first title in the school's six-year existence and return with title hopes again with new head coach Joey Fields leading them after Yogi Kinder guided them to a championship in his swan song.

Senior quarterback Jeremy Dillon returns after throwing for 178 yards and two touchdowns, adding 64 rushing yards and another score in the title tilt.

Mingo lost running back Joe Hunt to graduation, but Billy Mitchem should be able to step into Hunt's shoes. Also rising sophomore wide receiver Drew Hatfield returns after five big-time catches in the state title game.

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4. Capital (Charleston)
2016 record: 9-4
Head coach: Jon Carpenter

Quarterback Jack Grimm returns for his senior season after the Cougars lost to Spring Valley in the state semifinals last season.



The Cougars need to replace their four All-State selections — Dorian Etheridge, Chris Harris, Turan Rush and Silas Nazario.

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5. St. Marys
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Jodi Mote

The Class A state champs return running back Jaiden Smith who ran for 1,726 yards and 29 TDs as a junior. Smith will be joined by junior quarterback Eric Illar and senior wideout Aaron Pinkerton.

The Blue Devils have a ton of beef returning, including Tucker Dalrymple and Elijah Hearn.