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

Video: Sean Duffy's highlights vs. East High School
See the West High quarterback in action last season.


1. West (Anchorage)
Coach: Tim Davis
2014 finish: 8-3
Team preview

The Eagles enter the season with redemption on their mind. Last season ended with a state championship loss to rival Anchorage South and this season the main goal will be dethroning Anchorage South and recapturing a state title. Fortunately for coach Davis, he has a number of returnees.

Calling the shots for the offense will be Sean Duffy, who split time last year but will be given the keys to the Eagle offense this fall. Behind Duffy will be Julo Tagalu, who will likely get the majority of carries, and lining up on the outside will be Shanai Leon, each of whom had productive junior seasons.

Replacing Dave Tuilimo, who racked up over 100 tackles last season, will be no easy task. However, a combination of PJ Seui, Gordon Tui and Rapi Sotoa will make up a nasty defensive line that can cause problems for every offense on the schedule. Adding to the depth of the defense with be Turek Taylor, who reeled in five interceptions as a sophomore last season.

Sept. 26 is a big date for coach Davis and the Eagles, as they meet Anchorage South for the first time since last season's state title game.

See the Top 10 teams with the most all-time Alaska state titles

2. Soldotna
Coach: Galen Brantley Jr.
2014 finish: 9-0
Team preview

The Stars enter the new season coming off an undefeated season and a third-consecutive state championship victory. Soldotna has proven that consistency is part of what they do at the school, but that being said, replacing the explosive duo of Brooks Furlong and Ty Fenton will be no easy task. Providing the flash for the Stars offense will be the new duo of Dylan Simons and two-way standout Drew Gibbs.

The name Austin Crowder could become a household name in the state of Alaska by the end of the season, as he will be the lead voice for coach Brantley's defense. Complementing Crowder will be another two-way player in Trevor Walden. He'll line up at tight end and on the defensive line.

The Stars ring in the new season with a matchup against current Large School state champion South Anchorage, a game that will likely be a great measuring stick of offseason progress for coach Brantley and his boys.

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3. South (Anchorage)
Coach: John Lewis
2014 finish: 11-1
Team preview

The reigning large school champions enter the 2015 season after battling through Alaska's toughest division and claiming the ultimate prize. Coach Lewis will be tasked with replacing experience on both sides of the ball and ushering in a new voice under center. But if there is one thing the Wolverines do, it is find ways to win.

It looks like Jared Harjehausen may be next in line to take over the quarterback duties for the Wolverine offense. Look for Andrew Jarrell and Logan Murray to help on both sides of the ball while Nathan Lujan will be the lead cog on the offensive line.

Inexperience may be the biggest question for coach Lewis' team in the coming season, but don't doubt for a second his ability to put together a winning team.

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4. Bartlett (Anchorage)
Coaches: Daniel Esparza and John Jessen
2014 finish: 7-4
Team preview

The Golden Bears' season ended with a semifinal loss to eventual state champion South Anchorage. Bartlett is another school that plays in the grueling large schools division and when it comes playoff time, it is a gauntlet trying to reach the title game. Led by dual head coaches Daniel Esparza and John Jessen, the Golden Bears enter the season with a few key pieces that could possibly help them take the next step. Ethan Falaniko rushed for over 1,500 yards as a junior and will likely be the kingpin for offensive unit.

A defensive unit that may be the strong suit for the Golden Bears will be highlighted by the trio of Gerome Mailo, Desmond Harper and Shayden Gooman-ranion,all of whom will be featured on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Sept. 5 marks a rematch with Anchorage South, a huge game for Bartlett.

See last season's Alaska football computer rankings

5. Service (Anchorage)
Coach: Kevin Kern
2014 finish: 5-4
Team preview

Finishing 5-4 with an early exit from the state tournament is what coach Kern would probably consider a down year. If there is anyone who could bounce back in a big way, he would be at the top of the list. That being said, the Cougars will run out one of the younger teams in the state.

Xavier Harris may be the future and the present for the team's offense. As just a sophomore he looks to be in line to take over the the air attack for the Cougars. Austin Atos and Richard Park will likely form a coupled rushing attack with Jake Blakenship giving Harris an option on the outside.

Many of Service's players will star on both sides of the ball, but Justine Mojica will be the name to keep in mind on the defensive side of the ball. Sophomore Hunter Fanning is a youngster to keep an eye on as well. He and Harris, both sophomores, may be the next big duo in the state of Alaska.