2016 Maryland Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Anthony McFarland Jr. Ultimate Highlights


1. DeMatha (Hyattsville)
Head coach: Elijah Brooks
2015 record: 11-1
Team preview

DeMatha finished last season as the No. 16 team in America. The talented Stags enter this campaign with huge star power on both sides of the ball and are now the No. 19 team in the country.

DeMatha might have the best running game in the state with the nation's No. 3 all-purpose back Anthony McFarland pounding the ball. Expect five-star defensive end and Ohio State commit Chase Young to anchor the defense.

Nov. 4 marks a huge showdown with No. 37 Our Lady of Good Counsel.

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2. Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney)
Head coach: Bob Milloy
2015 record: 7-5
Team preview Our Lady of Good Counsel completed last season as the No. 3 team in the state. The feisty Falcons return talented playmakers and are now ranked the 37th-best team in America.

Three-star running back Mohamed Ibrahim will spearhead the offense after posting 1,292 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns last season. Three-star outside linebacker and Maryland commit Ayinde Eley should command the defense after notching 66 tackles.

Nov. 4 is a big-time battle with DeMatha, the No. 19 team in the nation.

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3. Gilman (Baltimore)
Head coach: Tim Holley
2015 record: 10-1
Team preview

Gilman ended last year as the No. 17 team in the country. The Greyhounds are consistently a battle-tested bunch and should be tough to tangle with. Sept. 17 marks a colossal clash with Our Lady of Good Counsel, the No. 37 team in the country.

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4. Damascus
Head coach: Eric Wallich
2015 record: 14-0
Team preview

Damascus capped off an undefeated season last year by capturing a Maryland Class 3A state title. The Hornets have only lost one game over the past two seasons and will be a formidable force. Oct. 28 marks a huge matchup with Seneca Valley, a rematch of last year's Class 3A state quarterfinal.

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5. Archbishop Spalding (Severn)
Head coach: Kyle Schmitt
2015 record: 8-3
Team preview

The Cavaliers return one of the top quarterbacks in the state and key playmakers on defense. Expect exciting dual-threat quarterback Evan Fochtman to run the show. Fochtman racked up 1,955 passing yards, 896 rushing yards and 34 total touchdowns last season. Linebacker Nick Vermillion should guide the defense after registering 55 tackles and three forced fumbles.

Nov. 4 is a big test for Archbishop Spalding, a date with No. 66 Gilman.