MaxPreps 2015 Idaho preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Christian Blaser's highlights vs. CDA
See the Rocky Mountain High quarterback in action last season.


1. Rocky Mountain (Meridian)
Coach: Scott Criner
2014 finish: 8-3
Team preview

Rocky Mountain reached the Class 5A semifinals last year before falling to eventual state champion Highland. This year, the Grizzlies should be the favorite to win it all as coach Scott Criner returns 16 starters, including nine on defense, from a team that went 8-3. Among the returning players are quarterback Christian Blaser and running back Jake Roper. Blaser was part of a two-headed quarterback system last year, along with the graduated Ryan Beard. Blaser ran the read option while Beard ran the spread formation. Roper was all-state last year, rushing for 1,392 yards and 20 touchdowns.

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2. Highland (Pocatello)
Coach: Gino Mariani
2014 finish: 12-0
Team preview

The defense should still be tough at Highland, as the Rams have seven starters returning on that side of the ball. The defense gave up less than 13 points per game last year while averaging 42 points on offense. But most of the offense has graduated, as only two starters return. The biggest loss could be All-American center Tristen Hoge, who was the state MVP last year by the Idaho Statesman. Leading the way on defense is returning all-state defensive lineman Wayne Kirby (6-foot-3, 265 pounds), who had 49 tackles and four sacks last year. Connor Harding (6-6, 180), takes over the reins of the offense at quarterback.

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3. Bishop Kelly (Boise)
Coach: Tim Brennan
2014 finish: 10-2
Team preview

The Knights have won the Class 4A state title the past two seasons, but they will have to defend the title this year without state MVP Vincent Galindo III and all-state quarterback Tyler Allumbaugh. Coach Tim Brennan enters his 20th season with the team and has produced six state championships during that span. His top returning player is all-state offensive lineman Caden Finkley (6-3, 245).

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4. Mountain View (Meridian)
Coach: Judd Benedick
2014 finish: 9-3
Team preview

The Mavericks reached the state finals last year, falling to undefeated Highland. Mountain View's nine wins marked the best record the team has had under Benedick, who has coached the team since 2008. The Mavericks have over 30 lettermen returning from last year, including all-state second-team receiver Trey Bell.

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5. Snake River (Blackfoot)
Coach: Jeff Dalley
2014 finish: 11-1
Team preview

The Panthers posted one of the best seasons in school history last year, going 11-1 with a Class 3A state championship. The title is the second in four seasons for Snake River, which returns its top player from last season in State MVP Wyatt Vogler. As a junior, Vogler rushed for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. The Panthers also  return all-state offensive lineman Porter Thomas (6-5, 260).