MaxPreps 2014 Arizona preseason football Fab 5

1. Mountain Pointe (Phoenix)
2013 finish: 14-0
Head coach: Norris Vaughan

The Pride won the school's first state title and it was a nice going-away gift for a talented 2014 class, meaning there are 14 starters gone for the defending Division I champs. Mountain Pointe has replenished its lineup with plenty of talent like quarterback Garvin Alston, safety Isaiah Pola-Mao, wide receiver Tyree Shivers and running back Tyrek Cross to go along with holdovers Paul Lucas at running back, defensive tackle Bruce Hester, linebacker Austin Cronen, center Collin Lambdin and linebacker Keondre Churchwell.

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2. Chandler
2013 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Shaun Aguano

The Wolves got over one stumbling block last year in beating Hamilton for the first time in the history of the series dating back to 1998. There are many who think the next one to fall is the fact that Chandler has never made the state championship. The talent is there to get it done in Division I, but will Chandler be able to finally put it all together? At the outset the answer is yes, as the likes of quarterback Bryce Perkins, running back Chase Lucas and defensive tackle J.W. Windsor and defensive end Kalif Roberts have a chance to take the Wolves over the top.

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3. Hamilton (Chandler)
2013 finish: 11-3
Head coach: Steve Belles

Being this "low" on this list is unfamiliar position Huskies, who have won seven state titles and have a .950 winning percentage (194-20) since starting up in 1998. It will be interesting to see how the Huskies respond to being considered the third rung in Division I. Chances are they will thrive like every other Hamilton team has done under John Wrenn or Steve Belles over the years. Defensive studs Caleb Peart and Garrett Rand and 6-foot-7 quarterback James Sosinski will make sure the Huskies are heard before it is all said and done.

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4. Saguaro (Scottsdale)
2013 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Jason Mohns

The Sabercats are the top program in Division III and should be on the path for their seventh state title since 2006 behind super recruit Christian Kirk, Marco de Niza transfer Byron Murphy, a junior defensive back recruit, sophomore tackle Kayden Lyles and first-year quarterback Kare' Lyles. Don't be surprised if Saguaro matches last year's dominance — Saguaro averaged 58.5 points in its four playoff wins in 2014.

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5. Centennial (Peoria, Ariz.)
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Richard Taylor

The Coyotes were knocked out in the quarterfinals last year and that's not going to happen again. Centennial might not have the overwhelming talent it had while winning three straight titles from 2006-08, but behind running back/linebacker Dedrick Young, defensive back Anthony Baca and defensive lineman Brett Tonz, the Coyotes will be the top contender for Division II.



Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic and current Ahwatukee Foothill News staff writer, is a 19-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com or 480-272-2449.