MaxPreps 2017 Kansas preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Joe Watskey's highlights vs. Louisburg
See the Bishop Miege linebacker in action during his junior season in 2016.



1. Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Jon Holmes

Three-year starter Carter Putz is back under center for the 4A-I state champion Stags after throwing for 3,264 yards and 50 touchdowns as a junior. Rising sophomore Brison Cobbins is back after rushing for 841 yards and 11 scores as a freshman.

Bishop Miege must replace wide receivers Jafar Armstrong and Landry Weber, who accounted for nearly 2,300 yards and 41 touchdowns.

Senior offensive lineman Jack Burns is back to anchor a line that needs depth. Joe Watskey returns for his senior year at linebacker after leading the Stags with 105 tackles. Also back at linebacker is Dylan Downing, who added 102 tackles as a sophomore.

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2. Aquinas (Overland Park)
2016 record: 8-4
Head coach: Randy Dreiling

Quarterback Will Swanson is back for final high school season after throwing for 1,431 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Swnason added 775 yards rushing and 15 scores with his legs.

Also back in the backfield is Drew Hicks, who ran for 1,074 yards and 12 touchdowns in his junior campaign. Last season's leading receiver for the Saints, Tristan Davis, returns for his senior year after 19 catches for 432 yards and three scores.

All-State offensive lineman Joe Michalski is back for his junior season as is 3-star rising junior safety Jayden Russell.

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3. Blue Valley North (Overland Park)
2016 record: 7-4
Head coach: Andy Sims

The Mustangs must replace quarterback Cole Chapman as well as All-State defensive lineman Peter Klug.

All-State honorable mention Miles Emery (6-5, 235 pounds) is back at tight end and defensive end after committing to Kansas over the summer. He'll be joined on the line by nose guard/tackle Nick Orr.

Anthony Bragulla is back at running back along with Grant Hamel.

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4. Mill Valley (Shawnee)
2016 record: 9-4
Head coach: Joel Applebee

The Jaguars are flush with returning offensive production.

Brody Flaming is poised for a stellar senior campaign after throwing for 2,700 yards and 33 touchdowns at quarterback and adding 1,297 yards rushing with six scores.

Rising junior Cameron Young returns after posting 1,546 yards rushing and 13 TDs in his sophomore season.
Defensivley, the Jaguars' top five tacklers were lost to graduation, but Ike Valencia returns at defensive back with 51 tackles and Evan Rice comes back for his senior year at safety after 49 tackles.

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5. Derby
2016 record: 13-0
Head coach: Brandon Clark

The Panthers enter 2017 having won three state 6A titles in four years thanks to a Blayten Tullis 21-yard field goal last season.

Quarterback Dan Dawdy must be replaced, but rising senior running back Brody Kooser is back.

Four of the five offensive linemen return, including 6-3, 270 pound tackle Evan Clark.