MaxPreps 2014 Colorado preseason high school football Fab 5

1. Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch)
2013 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Rod Sherman
Team preview

The mighty Eagles can't do it again, can they? Certainly, winning a sixth consecutive state championship figures to be more difficult with the graduation of All-Everything Christian McCaffrey, but state followers know there is plenty of talent returning. The defense, which has been overshadowed at times during the championship run because of the Eagles' prowess on offense, is expected to be the catalyst. Defensive backs Eric Lee Jr. (Nebraska commit) and Brian Dawkins Jr. are the best duo in the state. Stout in run support, they also make matters tough for opposing passing games. They should get plenty of support up front from returnees Turner Henington and Brandon Biggs. There are some holes to fill on the offensive front, but taking the snaps will be sophomore quarterback Dylan McCaffrey, who saw ample playing time last season in a reserve role. Valor has three out-of-state opponents on the schedule, including Arizona powerhouse Chandler on Sept. 12, and moves into the mighty Centennial League this season.

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2. Cherry Creek (Greenwood Village)
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Dave Logan
Team preview

The Bruins were on the short list of state contenders last season, but their quest ended abruptly in the quarterfinals. With perhaps the top rushing attack in Class 5A returning, though, they figure to be in the mix again. Senior running back Milo Hall is as elusive as they come, as he totaled more than 1,400 yards rushing and 14 TDs in 2013. His complement is fellow senior D.J. Luke, who added 500-plus yards and seven TDs. The Bruins also have more-than-capable receivers in Joseph Parker and Tyus Carter, meaning consistent quarterback play figures to be the key. Defensively, the spotlight will be on sophomores Santino Marchiol and Jon VanDiest. Marchiol, a linebacker, led the team in tackles as a freshman with 60, while Van Diest totaled 6.5 sacks up front.

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3. Chatfield (Littleton)
2013 finish: 8-3
Head coach: Bret McGatlin
Team preview

There is plenty of optimism surrounding the Chargers, and for good reason. They return six starters on each side of the ball, which includes some of the state's top playmakers. Senior quarterback Kyle Winkler returns under center and is widely regarded as one of the best in Class 5A. Winkler passed for nearly 2,200 yards with 25 TDs against only four interceptions. Fellow senior Michael Callahan-Harris added 1,300 yards rushing, allowing the Chargers plenty of balance offensively. There is some concern about the depth on both the offensive and defensive fronts, but there is none about defensive end Matt Gaiter. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder, who totaled 77 tackles and two sacks last season, is drawing considerable regional college interest and anchors what should be a quality defense.

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4. Regis Jesuit (Aurora)
2013 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Mark Nolan
Team preview

There will be no shortage of talent when the Raiders take the field this season. Leading the charge is one of the state's most prized recruits in offensive lineman Tim Lynott. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder made a verbal commitment to Colorado this summer, spurning offers from a several top Division I programs, including Oregon and UCLA. He fronts an offense that includes seasoned quarterback Matt Houghtaling (1,178 yards passing, 404 yards rushing) and emerging receiver Trevor Williams. The defense should hold its own in the interior with junior Ace Escobedo and senior Ed Gonzales, but the Raiders need to find some playmakers behind them. They will find out where they are early, as the play host to Cherry Creek in Week 1 (Aug. 29).

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5. Grandview (Aurora)
2013 finish: 7-5
Head coach: John Schultz
Team preview

Several teams were candidates for this final spot, but the Wolves get the slight nod based on a strong finish last year and the core of returnees. Six starters return offensively, seven on the defensive side of the ball, where Grandview always seems to stand out. Versatile Cameron Knight and his team-leading 95 tackles return to lead a unit blessed with good speed, and he will be supported by quality strong safety Keifer Glau (64 tackles, four interceptions). Glau is also considered one of the top punters in the state. The Wolves will have a new starting quarterback, whose main duty should be turning and handing the ball to Chukwuma Obinnah. Considered by some recruiting outlets to be the best running back in the state, the powerful 6-foot, 210-pound Obinnah should improve on his 1,123 yards and 11 TDs from last season. Big things also are expected from tight end Morgan Smith, a nice target at 6-5, who should help move the chains in the passing game.