2016 Delaware preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: 10th Grade highlights - William Knight
See the Smyrna star in action last season


1. Smyrna
Head coach: Michael Judy
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

After losing early in the season to Salesianum, Smyrna ran the table to claim the Division I state championship, including a 32-26 win over the Sallies in a championship game rematch. The Eagles could be primed to make another run at a title as they return the state's Offensive Player of the Year in junior running back William Knight. He rushed for 2,015 yards and 33 touchdowns and also had 17 catches for 310 yards. He'll run behind all-state tackle Jerren Carter while all-state quarterback Nolan Henderson (179-for-268, 3,297 yards, 36 touchdowns) joins him in the backfield.

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2. Salesianum (Wilmington)
Head coach: William DiNardo
2015 record: 10-2
Team preview The Sallies have had one of the top programs in the state over the past decade, posting a record of 111-40 over the past 13 seasons with four state championships. Salesianum reached the finals last year, but fell to Smyrna 32-26 after defeating Smyrna in a shootout 76-56 earlier in the season. The Sallies must replace State Lineman of the Year Kyle Cathers and State Defensive Player of the Year Colby Reeder. Randy Sinnott, an all-state tackle, is the top returning player. The defense should still be solid with third team all-state linebackers Josh Patrick and Billy Stradley.

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3. Middletown
Head coach: Mark DelPercio
2015 record: 9-3
Team preview

The Cavaliers are only a few years removed from winning back-to-back state championships, which they did in 2011-2012. With a record of 118-34 over the past 13 seasons, Middletown ranks with the top programs in the state. Last year, Middletown lost twice to Salesianum, including once in the playoffs. The Cavaliers had a senior-laden team in 2015, but they do return all-league picks Caleb Weatherford at center, Spencer Harbert at linebacker and Shane Wilkins at defensive back.

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4. William Penn (New Castle)
Head coach: Marvin Dooley
2015 record: 9-2
Team preview

The 2014 Division I state champions lost only to Smyrna and Salesianum last year by identical 30-13 scores. The Colonials return one of the state's top Division 1 prospects in defensive back Zachariah Burton. He earned second team all-state honors as a junior. He's joined on the defense by returning first team all-state linebacker Charles Hope.

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5. Howard (Wilmington)
Head coach: Dan Ritter
2015 record: 10-3
Team preview

The defending Division II state champion knocked off St. Georges Tech 28-13 for the title last year. Howard loses three all-state players, but it returns all-league players Darin Matthews at center, Will Morgan at fullback and Jordan Chance at tackle, and Shawn Bowman at tight end.