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

Video: 2015-16 sophomore year highlights - Cross Wilkinson
See the Wheeling Park quarterback in action last season
 

1. Wheeling Park (Wheeling)
Head coach: Chris Daugherty
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

The Patriots won the first football state championship in school history last year by edging Capital 23-15 in the Class AAA final. The championship appearance marked the first time since 1991 that Wheeling Park had reached the finals. The Patriots could be there again this year, as junior quarterback Cross Wilkinson returns after throwing for 107 yards in the state championship game and earning second team all-state status. He finished with 2,249 yards and 27 touchdowns as a sophomore. The Patriots will miss graduated all-state wide receiver Elijah Bell (50 catches, 1,214 yards) as well as all-state running back Savion Johnson (1,884 yards rushing), but they have averaged over 10 wins per season the past three years under Daugherty.

See last season's West Virginia computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Capital (Charleston)
Head coach: Jon Carpenter
2015 record: 10-3
Team preview

Capital reached the Class AAA state championship game last year, but fell to Wheeling Park after winning the title in 2014. The Cougars lose state MVP Tyrhee Pratt to graduation after throwing for 2,187 yards and rushing for 918 more. Coach Jon Carpenter might have a replacement ready to go in Kerry Martin, a sophomore who earned all-state honorable mention honors as a freshman. Capital figures to be solid on defense with Louisville commit Dorian Etheridge (6-3, 210) returning at linebacker. He earned second team all-state honors as a junior.

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3. South Charleston
Head coach: Donnie Mays
2015 record: 8-4
Team preview

The Black Eagles exited the playoffs in the second round last year, falling to eventual champion Wheeling Park 41-0. South Charleston has a strong football history, however, winning back-to-back state titles in 2008 and 2009. A strong defensive unit that has nine returning starters, including all-state defensive lineman Mateo Arroyo (6-3, 265), could put South Charleston in the finals again. The offense could also be strong with the return of Penn State-bound running back Derrek Pitts, who is ranked No. 2 in the state by 247Sports.

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4. Bridgeport
Head coach: Josh Nicewarner
2015 record: 13-0
Team preview Bridgeport has been the team to beat in the Class AA playoffs the past three seasons and 2016 doesn't appear to be any different. The Indians have won three straight state championships and also have a 25-game win streak. Bridgeport dominated in the playoffs, averaging 37 points a game, including a 39-0 win in the finals against Tolsia (Fort Gay). The Indians return several all-state performers, including first team linebacker Mackenzie Holmes and second team junior kicker Koby Kiefer.

See the MaxPreps West Virginia high school football playoff brackets

5. Point Pleasant
Head coach: Dave Darst
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

The Knights went undefeated in the regular season before falling to Wheeling Park in the semifinals, 35-14. Point Pleasant has averaged nearly 11 wins per season over the past five years since falling in the Class AA championship game in 2011. The Knights have possibly the state's top lineman in Seth Stewart, a 6-8, 320-pound tackle ranked as the state's No. 7 prospect by 247Sports. Second team all-state utility player Grant Safford leads the defense.