2016 Montana Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Nate Dick, junior year
See the Billings Senior quarterback in action


1. Billings Senior
Head coach: Chris Murdock
2015 record: 11-2
Team preview

After coming up just short of a state title in 2015, the Broncs could be the favorite in 2016. With six starters back on offense and five on defense, Billings could improve upon last season's 11-2 mark that included two losses to Bozeman. State offensive MVP Nate Dick returns at quarterback along with fellow all-state members Gabe Sulser at wide receiver and Luke Poetzl at tackle. The defense is also solid with all-state defensive backs Keaton Anderson and Jake Orvis returning.

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2. Bozeman
Head coach: Levi Wesche
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

The Hawks have won two state Class AA championships over the past three seasons, including last year's 12-1 title run that ended with a 35-23 win over Billings Senior in the finals. Bozeman loses nine all-state players from that group, including state defensive MVP Payton O'Reilly (linebacker). The only returning all-state players for Bozeman are second team all-state linebacker Cade Wessel and second team all-state tackle Bridger Lohman.

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3. Glacier (Kalispell)
Head coach: Grady Bennett
2015 record: 9-3
Team preview Glacier went 9-3 last year, but two of the losses were to state champion Bozeman. Glacier won the Class AA state title in 2014 and has several all-state players returning, including wide receiver Scout Willcut, center Kellen Bemis and defensive end Jaxen Hashley.

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4. Whitefish
Head coach: Chad Ross
2015 record: 11-1
Team preview

Whitefish won its first football state title in 36 years last season with a 17-13 victory over Beaverhead County/Lima (Dillon) in the Class A title game. The Bulldogs lost their second game of the season, to Beaverhead County/Lima, and then won 10 in a row for the crown. Whitefish was hit hard by graduation, losing seven all-state players to graduation, including four-time all-state quarterback Luke Make. The only returning all-state player is inside linebacker Travis Catina.

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5. Beaverhead County/Lima (Dillon)
Head coach: Terry Thomas
2015 record: 10-1
Team preview

Winners of the 2013 and 2011 Class A state championships as Beaverhead County, the school consolidated with Lima to go 10-1 last year with a loss to Whitefish in the state final. The Beavers return all-state quarterback Troy Anderson, along with all-state inside linebacker RJ Fitzgerald.