MaxPreps 2013 West Virginia Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
1. Martinsburg2012 Finish: 13-1
Head coach: David Walker
Team previewThe Bulldogs have won three straight Class 3A state championship and outscored opponents by an average of 40 points last year. With a 61-5 on-field record over the past five seasons, Martinsburg has been the team to beat in West Virginia for half a decade. Coach David Walker must replace four all-state players, including standout offensive lineman Eugene German.
Decoley Jones (5-10,175) returns at running back to provide the top offensive threat for the Bulldogs.
See the Top 15 West Virginia football dynasties2. Wayne
2012 Finish: 14-0
Head coach: Tom Harmon
Team previewWinners of 23 straight games, Wayne has won two straight Class 2A championships, shutting out its final three playoff opponents en route to the title last year. While all-state captain Brandon Spurlock (RB) has graduated, fellow all-state players
Grant Ferguson (QB) and
Mason Hodge (LB) both return. Ferguson threw for 1,211 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.
Nate Spurlock, a second-team all-state selection at linebacker, joins Hodge to give Wayne one of the top defensive duos in the state.
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3. Spring Valley (Huntington)
2012 Finish: 8-4
Head coach: Brad Dingess
Team previewThe Timberwolves return 14 starters from a team that went 8-4 and reached the second round of the state playoffs. While all-everything running back Elijah Wellman has headed to West Virginia, quarterback
Tyler Brown (6-2, 185) returns for his junior season and
Colby Webb (5-11, 205) will help out in the backfield.
Trevor Stacy (6-5, 290), all-state last year as a sophomore, leads an experienced group on the offensive line.
See last season's West Virginia playoff brackets4. Cabell Midland (Ona)
2012 Finish: 13-1
Head coach: Chip McMillian
Team previewState runner-up to Martinsburg last year, the Knights kept it close in the final game, falling 38-14 and just missing a chance to win the first state championship in school history. The Knights lose three all-state players, including running back David Gaydosz. However, second team all-state lineman
Cody Ballengee (6-0, 245) returns along with junior quarterback
Coy Pettit.
See last season's final West Virginia football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard
5. Morgantown
2012 Finish: 10-3
Head coach: John Bowers
Team previewNo team has more returning all-state players than Morgantown, which placed two juniors on the all-state squads.
Chazzy Thomas (5-11, 180) rushed for over 1,700 yards last season and was a first-team member. Opening the way for Thomas is all-state lineman
D.J. Summers (6-1, 277) a second-team lineman. Coach John Bowers also returns a pair of standout defensive linemen in
Andre Collins (6-4, 275) and
Stone Wolfley (6-4, 245).
See last season's West Virginia All-Conference football teams