MaxPreps 2014 Illinois preseason football Fab 5

1. Bolingbrook
Head coach: John Ivlow
2013 Finish: 10-1
Team preview

A bevy of returning starters fill Bolingbrook's 2014 roster, making it the easy call for preseason No. 1 in Illinois. The defense allowed a mere 88 points in 11 games last year, and could improve on that mark.

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2. East St. Louis
Head coach: Darren Sunkett
2013 Finish: 9-4
Team preview

Most larger schools in Illinois are located in the Chicago area, so East St. Louis often flies under the radar until playoff time. Natereace Strong and Jeff Thomas provide plenty of offensive weaponry. Terry Beckner is back off a nine-sack season.

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3. Mount Carmel (Chicago)
Head coach: Frank Lenti
2013 Finish: 13-1; Class 7A state champion
Team preview

If not for an October loss to Loyola Academy, Mt. Carmel would have finished undefeated last year. Matt Domer, Enoch Smith, and the rest of last year's senior class is gone. Those losses will hurt, but no Frank Lenti-coached squad will slip too far.

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4. Loyola Academy (Wilmette)
Head coach: John Holecek
2013 Finish: 12-2
Team preview

D.J. Melsheimer should have a big year behind center for the suburban Chicago power. However, the defense should carry the Ramblers early on, as it projects to be more experienced than the offense to begin the season.

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5. Sacred Heart-Griffin (Springfield)
Head coach: Ken Leonard
2013 Finish: 14-0; Class 5A state champion
Team preview

When Sacred Heart-Griffin last took the field, the Springfield power downed Montini to win a 5A state title. Gabe Green, who threw for 40 touchdowns a year ago, should make a a title defense possible.