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

Video: Early Contenders - No. 8 Mallard Creek (NC)
MaxPreps reveals its pick for the No. 8 spot in the preseason football rankings.


1. Mallard Creek (Charlotte)
Coach: Michael Palmieri
2014 finish: 15-1; 4AA state champion
Team preview

Mallard Creek opened its doors in 2007, and it's already the state's top high school football program. Head coach Michael Palmieri has produced some impressive teams, but there's reason to believe the 2015 Mavericks could rival any squad in program history. Three-year starter James Smith returns at quarterback after totaling over 4,500 total yards and 60 touchdowns last fall. Most of the team's top skills players and offensive linemen return, as does its top defensive player, linebacker Josh Brown. That team was bolstered by several transfers, including Thaddeus Mekhi Moss.

See the Top 13 teams with the most all-time North Carolina state titles

2. Scotland (Laurinburg)
Coach: Richard Bailey
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview

Many of the team's key defensive players last year were underclassmen, including Jonathan Smith, a three-star linebacker who racked up 156 tackles last fall. But the team's offense holds much intrigue. Quarterback Dashaun Ferguson threw for 1,160 yards and rushed for 771 in 2014. He returns most of his favorite targets. The unit also returns reigning MaxPreps Freshman All-American running back Zamir White. The 6-foot-1, 205-pound sophomore exploded onto the scene with 1,231 yards as a ninth-grader, and could enjoy a monstrous encore season.

See the MaxPreps national football videos page

3. Crest (Shelby)
Coach: Will Clark
2014 finish: 16-0; Class 3A state champion
Team preview

Crest dominated Havelock 24-3 to capture a 3A state title, and it's poised to repeat in 2015. It will be breaking in a new head coach, but someone who is keenly familiar with the program: Will Clark, who was promoted from defensive coordinator. Quarterback Willie Green and running back Tre Harbison, two of the team's most important offensive contributors, are back. The defense will be loaded, highlighted by Georgia Southern commit Chris Willis at defensive end and 6-4 junior linebacker Justin Foster.

See the MaxPreps North Carolina football photos page

4. Vance (Charlotte)
Coach: Aaron Brand
2014 finish: 11-4
Team preview

In his first season, Aaron Brand helped Vance to its first double-digit win season since 2010. The former Mallard Creek assistant has helped generate buzz for the program in a Charlotte-area scene that has been dominated by Mallard Creek, Butler and Independence. Junior quarterback Kingsley Ifedi, a 6-3 dual-threat quarterback, should win the job behind center. The team's defense was dominated by underclassmen a year ago. It should be even better this year. Three of the team's four losses last season were by seven points or fewer. It should be on the winning end of those outcomes more often in 2015.

See last season's North Carolina football computer rankings

5. Charlotte Catholic
Coach: Mike Brodowicz
2014 finish: 14-2
Team preview

Charlotte Catholic made it to the 4A finals in Mike Brodowicz's first season. In 2015, the goal is to go the distance. Senior quarterback John Walton proved his mettle as a junior, throwing for 1,211 yards and 11 scores. However, the team will look to pound the football on the ground. Jaret Anderson topped 2,000 yards as a junior and scored 27 times. It's possible he improves on both of those marks. Duke-bound Alexander Gagnon leads the defense. He accounted for 132 total tackles in 2014.