MaxPreps 2014 Iowa preseason high school football Fab 5

1. Dowling (West Des Moines)
2013 finish: 14-0; Class 4A state champion
Head coach: Tom Wilson

Last year, Dowling was hardly challenged; in most games it dominated competition en route to a perfect season. In 2014, it returns quarterback Ryan Boyle, a second team all-state selection, who should keep the offense humming right along. Defensive lineman Max Morris, also an all-state pick, returns up front.

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2. Waukee
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Scott Carlson



Last year, Waukee played Dowling closer than any other team on Dowling's schedule. In 2014, it returns enough firepower to potentially unseat the defending 4A state champion. Two-time all-state running back Trevor Allen should enjoy a huge senior season. Six-foot-six defensive end Anthony Nelson will likely be a force on the defensive line.

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3. Valley (West Des Moines)
2013 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Gary Swenson

Receiver Anthony Holmes and running back Tyus Mason are gone from last year's 10-3 squad, but Valley features one of the state's top underclassmen in John Raridon, a class of 2016 offensive guard rated No. 57 overall in the 247Composite. Dominique Dafney, the team's leading pass-catcher a year ago, should see an even bigger workload this fall.

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4. Regina (Iowa City)
2013 finish: 14-0; Class 1A state champion
Head coach: Marv Cook



Despite being much smaller than the other schools listed, Regina can hang with the big boys. It ran the table last season and should be equally formidable in 2014. Drew Cook, an Iowa commit, returns at quarterback. Back at linebacker is all-state selection Jake Brinkman.

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5. Bishop Heelan Catholic (Sioux City)
2013 finish: 14-0; Class 3A state champion
Head coach: Roger Jansen

The quarterback-receiver duo of Trenton Solsma and Connor Niles has moved on, but Heelan will be strong again this fall. Receiver Joe Kayl will become the team's top target along with 6-5 tight end Tucker Spears.