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

Video: Early Contenders - No. 18 Spartanburg (SC)
See our introduction of the top team in South Carolina and the No. 18 team in the nation.



1. Spartanburg
Coach: Christopher Miller
2014 finish: 12-3; Class AAAA II state champion
Team preview

The defending state champion should be even better this fall and has a real shot at an unbeaten season. The team is led by running back Tavien Feaster, the nation's No. 1 player at the position according to 247Sports. He's equally dangerous rushing as well as receiving the ball out of the backfield. Quarterback Austin Scott threw for over 4,400 yards a year ago. If the defense comes together, Spartanburg should roll to another state title.

See the Top 11 teams with the most all-time South Carolina state titles

2. Fort Dorchester (North Charleston)
Coach: Steve Laprad
2014 finish: 12-3
Team preview

Fort Dorchester beat rival Summerville twice last season, something it hadn't done in at least 10 years. It's clear that the team is on the rise. Dakereon Joyner returns behind center after a dazzling ninth-grade season that saw him nearly win National Freshman of the Year honors. Led by John Simpson and Chris Morales, the offensive line will be very strong. The defense should be solid after allowing more than 20 points just four times a year ago.

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3. Hillcrest (Simpsonville)
Coach: Greg Porter
2014 finish: 14-1; Class AAAA I state champion
Team preview

Hillcrest finished 2-9 in Greg Porter's first season (2011.) Since then, Hillcrest has improved each season, culminating in a state title last season. Star quarterback Collin Sneed will be back for his senior campaign in 2015. He threw for 3,194 yards and 39 touchdowns a year ago. The team's leading rusher and receiver return as well, in Jacquavis Ballenger and Brian Spurgeon, respectively. Linebacker Tori Delesline, who led the team with 154 total tackles a year ago, returns to lead the defense.

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4. Northwestern (Rock Hill)
Coach: Kyle Richardson
2014 finish: 9-4
Team preview

The post-Mason Rudolph era got underway at Northwestern last fall, with star receiver Dupree Hart lining up behind center to lead Northwestern to a 9-4 record. Six-foot-3 junior Harper Woods figures to be behind center this fall. He'll have most of the team's offensive skill weapons back, save for Hart. Four of the team's top six tacklers return on defense. Northwestern will be back in contention for a state title in 2015.

See last season's South Carolina football computer rankings

5. Dutch Fork (Irmo)
Coach: Tom Knotts
2014 finish: 12-3
Team preview

Knotts has turned Dutch Fork into a bona fide state power since coming over from North Carolina's Independence. It came up short against Hillcrest in the title game last season, and loses star running back Matt Colburn and quarterback Tate Fant. However, Dutch Fork was ripe with young talent last season, and returns one of the state's top players in Stephen Davis.