MaxPreps 2013 Idaho preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Idaho Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Coeur d'Alene
2012 Finish: 9-3 record
Head coach: Shawn Amos
Team preview

The Vikings missed out on a threepeat last season when Madison (Rexburg) defeated Coeur d'Alene 37-30 in the Class 5A state championship game. The Vikings had won state titles the previous two seasons and they've won three straight Inland Empire championships. Although All-State running back Reece Mahaffy is gone, along with standouts Jeremiah Hazard and Sean White, coach Shawn Amos returns a wealth of talent, including son and quarterback Gunnar Amos. As a junior, Amos threw for 2,815 yards with 25 touchdown in earning league Offensive Player of the Year honors. He also ran for 708 yards and 12 scores. Additionally, Amos's three top targets from last year, Chase Blakley (51 catches, 598 yards), Addison Johnson (48-755) and Jackson Carlson (27-522) all return. Blakley (6-foot-5, 240 pounds) is headed to Washington next year. The defense returns All-Conference defensive lineman Matt James (6-5, 270) and linebacker Carlson, who was second team All-State as a junior. The Vikings have 13 total returning starters, including eight on offense. The Vikings have a rough preseason schedule with games against Washington powers Bothell and Skyline (Sammamish) before taking on one of Idaho's best, Highland (Pocatello).

See the top 15 football dynasties in Idaho

2. Highland (Pocatello)
2012 Finish: 8-3
Head coach: Gino Mariani
Team preview

With 13 returning starters and a 9-0 junior varsity team moving up, Highland has the best chance of keeping Couer d'Alene from hoisting the championship trophy this season. The Rams return All-League linemen Tristen Hoge (6-5, 270), a junior, and Bo Burrup (6-4, 230) along with All-State defensive back Angel Chavez (5-11, 159). Linebackers Danny Rasmussen (6-2, 220) and junior Kyler Manu (6-2, 195) anchor the defense. Highland also has one of the best kickers in the state in Dallan Rodriguez, who made seven field goals and all 44 PATs in earning All-State honors as a junior.

See last season's final Idaho rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

3. Bishop Kelly (Boise)
2012 Finish: 8-2
Head coach: Tim Brennan
Team preview

The Knights have their best chance at winning their first state title since 2010 thanks to 25 returning lettermen, including second team All-State quarterback Bowen Ogata (6-1, 175), who is also one of the top baseball players in the state. Ogata has three quality receivers in All-State wideout Turner Simmons (49 catches, 933 yards, 19 touchdowns), and all-league honorable mention picks Luke Meyers (6-3, 185), a wide receiver, and tight end Spencer King (6-5, 220). All-League linemen Dominick Fery (6-0, 215) and Connor Mallet (6-5, 185) return to lead the defense.

See the top 50 Idaho passing leaders from 2012

4. Blackfoot
2012 Finish: 11-1 record, Class 4A state champion
Head coach: Stan Buck
Team preview

Blackfoot has been the top 4A team in the state for most of the past five seasons, winning state titles in 2007, 2009 and the past two seasons. Coach Stan Buck has posted a 50-8 record over the past five seasons and has a solid group returning, including wide receiver James Korth (6-2, 185), linebacker Kylar Haddon (5-11, 205) and defensive lineman Tell Cottrell (5-11, 250). However Buck will have to replace state MVP Alonzo Ramos, who threw for 2,643 yards last season, and two-way all-state player Colby Pearson, who is walking on at BYU.

See top 50 Idaho rushing leaders from 2012

5. Madison (Rexburg)
2012 Finish: 12-0, Class 5A state champion
Head coach: Mitch Buck
Team preview

The Bobcats had a dream season in 2012 posting impressive wins over 4A state champion Blackfoot (35-14) and two-time defending state champion Coeur d'Alene in the Class 5A championship game. However Madison had a senior-dominated team last year with not one of Madison's 12 first team All-League players return to the fold. One big cog to replace is Class 5A state MVP Lance Anderson, who threw for 3,588 yards last season. Alex Mumm, last year's backup quarterback, likely replaces Anderson. Lyle Sutton is the top returning defender with 56 tackles.