MaxPreps 2015 Washington preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Harley Kirsch's highlights vs. Trinity Christian Academy
See the Eastside Catholic star in action last season against the Florida powerhouse.


1. Eastside Catholic (Sammamish)
Coach: Jeremy Thielbahr
2014 finish: 13-2, Class 3A state champions
Team preview

The Crusaders stunned the state and nation by running away from Bellevue 35-13 in last year's 3A championship game – snapping the juggernaut's 67-game streak in the process. Now the target is on Eastside Catholic's back and it should be well-equipped for the challenge. Senior Harley Kirsch (6-foot-3, 220 pounds) has been one of Washington's most productive signal callers over the past few seasons, totaling nearly 7,000 yards through the air with 77 touchdown passes. University of Washington commit Brandon Wellington (6-0, 215, senior) returns to the backfield after piling up nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards in 2014 and wide receiver Matt Laris (6-4, 210, senior) is another dangerous weapon after hauling in 72 passes for 1,394 yards and 16 scores a year ago.

See the Top 7 teams with the most all-time Washington state titles

2. Bellevue
Coach: Butch Goncharoff
2014 finish: 13-1, Class 3A runner-up
Team preview

On the heels of their first loss in 67 games, it's been a turbulent offseason for the Wolverines due to a multiple-game suspension handed down to Goncharoff for WIAA rules violations. Oh, and Bellevue opens on the road against arguably the nation's top team in Bishop Gorman of Las Vegas. The 12-time state champs still have plenty of talent. Isaiah Gilchrist (5-11, 185, senior, RB/DB), Isaac Garcia (6-4, 225, TE), Justus Rogers (6-2, 210, Sr., QB/DB) and Tyson Penn (6-4, 195, senior, WR/DB) are all being recruited at a high level.

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3. Camas
Coach: Jon Eagle
2014 finish: 10-1
Team preview

Expect the Papermakers to be highly motivated after an early exit from the state playoffs last year. Camas has won 10 or more games five seasons in a row and that trend should continue with senior quarterback Liam Fitzgerald (6-1, 185). The Greater St. Helens Co-Offensive Player of the Year as a junior, Fitzgerald tossed for over 2,800 yards and 24 touchdowns. Blake Roy (6-3, 210, senior, TE), Trevor Wochnick (6-1, 220, senior, OL/LB) and Jarrin Webb (6-3, 230, senior, DL) are other returning all-league performers.

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4. Skyline (Sammamish)
Coach: Mat Taylor
2014 finish: 6-4
Team preview

Skyline's six wins in 2014 represented the program's lowest total since 2006. In order to turn things around, the school that has featured All-American quarterbacks Jake Heaps and Max Browne over the past decade will likely turn to the ground. Senior back Rashaad Boddie (6-0, 220) is one of the state's most impressive physical specimens and rushed for over 1,000 yards as a junior. Boise State, Oregon State and Utah have all emerged as suitors.

See last season's Washington football computer rankings

5. Bothell
Coach: Tom Bainter
2014 finish: 14-1, Class 4A state champions
Team preview

After three unsuccessful trips to the state championship game since 2006, the Cougars finally broke through to win their first state title last fall. Bothell was hit hard by graduation but the ground game looks promising with Caleb Meyer (6-0, 180, senior) and Damani St. John-Watkins (5-10, 180, senior), who combined for over 200 yards in last year's championship game win over Chiawana. Sophomore quarterback Jacob Sirmon (6-4, 210) – one of the state's most promising young arms – is expected to replace California signee Ross Bowers under center.