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

Video: Teradja Mitchell Ultimate Highlights
See the best of the Bishop Sullivan inside linebacker in action.


1. Bishop Sullivan Catholic (Virginia Beach)
2016 record: 7-3
Head coach: Chris Scott

The Crusaders return a ton of talent from a 7-3 team looking to make a big impact this season.

Rising senior quarterback Tyler Desue is back to lead the offense after throwing for 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns. His 57 percent completion percentage was impressive and DeSue will have senior Armani Chatman to throw to this season.

Senior guard Zachary Bevins is a big body up front at guard and Bishop Sullivan will need that beef in the trenches as they try to replace 1,500 yard rusher Khalan Laborn. Rising junior Jake Low could step into that every-down back role.



Defensively, the Crusaders will be stout led by inside linebacker Teradja Mitchell and defensive end Dante Burke.
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2. Westfield (Chantilly)
2016 record: 13-2
Head coach: Kyle Simmons

The two-time 6A champions must find a way to replace a ton of offense.

Rising sophomore Noah Kim looks to take over the quarterback spot for Rehman Johnson (2,000 yards and 31 TDs). A duo of juniors in Eugene Asante and Sean Goodman look to replace Nathanael Chung (754 yards) and Gavin Kiley will be at wide receiver in place of graduated Sean Eckert (40 catches, 963 yards and 17 TDs).

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3. Episcopal (Alexandria)
2016 record: 8-1
Head coach: Panos Voulgaris



The Maroon enter 2017 with senior quarterback Seth Agwunobi ready to lead the offense. He's joined by senior running back Perris Jones and sophomore back Jack Lee.

The defensive line is bookended with monster ends in seniors Orin Ormsby (6-4, 230) and Tola Banjoko (6-5, 255).
 
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4. Highland Springs
2016 record: 14-1
Head coach: Loren Johnson

The back-to-back 5A champs have had to reload each of the past two seasons and 2017 will be no different.

D'onte Waller looks to step in at quarterback in place of Juwan Carter. There is plenty of size up front for the Springers, including junior tackle Xavier Gaines (6-5, 305), guard Justin Carey (6-2, 295) and D'angelo Williams (6-2, 295).

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5. Salem
2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Steve Magenbauer

With only four starters on each side of the ball, the Spartans' learning curve will be sharp.

The Spartans return to 2017 as defending 5A champs with an experienced secondary led by Luke Owen, who also will lead Salem at running back. Owen will be able to run behind junior lineman Da'jon Cardwell (6-1, 238).

Rising junior quarterback Jack Gladden will have senior wide receiver Viante Tucker to target.