2016 Sac-Joaquin Section Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Ultimate highlights of St. Mary's standout Dewey Cotton
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1. Del Oro (Loomis)
Head coach: Casey Taylor
2015 record: 10-6
Team preview

The Golden Eagles return a whopping 16 starters from last year's surprising team that got off to a 2-6 start and then rattled off eight straight wins to a CIF State Division II-AA title.

With seven three-year starters, this could be Taylor's best team ever, and considering he's gone 127-45 since 2004, that's saying something. Among the team's standout returners are quarterback Stone Smartt, who completed 185 of 313 passes for 2,610 yards and 17 touchdowns, leading rushers Dalton Gee (924 yards) and Camrion Davis (907) and leading receiver Mason Hurst (57 catches, 865 yards).

Hurst, who had 91 tackles, leads a defense that returns eight starters.

Sacramento Bee prep editor Joe Davidson, who has covered SJS sports for 30 years, thinks this may indeed be Del Oro's finest squad.

"Already a monstrous program with three CIF Bowl bids since 2011, including a state championship last season after a near crash-and-burn season, Del Oro may have its best team yet, and that's saying something," Davidson wrote. "Line play, skill players, defense, coaching and winning culture make for a special season in the making."

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2. St. Mary's (Stockton)
Head coach: Tony Franks
2015 record: 10-3
Team preview

The Rams return 14 starters, seven on each side of the ball, including senior quarterback Jake Dunniway (6-1, 190), senior receiver and kick returner Dewey Cotton (5-7, 165) and senior two-way lineman Popo Aumavae (6-4, 300).

Franks likes his team's size, depth and team speed, but is somewhat concerned with the inexperience among his underclassmen. Besides so many returners, Franks will pick up strong players from a 9-1 JV team from last year.

Dunniway threw for 2,584 yards and 26 touchdowns last year. Dusty Frampton rushed for 710 yards and 17 touchdowns last year and Cotton had 56 catches for 962 yards and 12 touchdowns. Another returning starter Keaton Hampton, had 34 catches for 901 yards (26.5 per catch) and 10 scores.

"The Rams have been a powerhouse under coach Tony Franks, and they nearly bounced Folsom in the playoffs a year ago," Davidson wrote. "St. Mary's returns a ton of talent and could have its best team maybe ever."

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3. Folsom
Head coach: Kris Richardson
2015 record: 14-1
Team preview The Bulldogs have not lost in section play since 2011 and seek a fifth-straight SJS title. With 12 returning starters, six on both sides of the ball, it's a strong possibility.

Known for its high-powered, no-huddle spread attack, Folsom returns three top receivers, including seniors Drake Stallworth (6-2, 180) and Eric Davis (5-9, 170), along with senior tight end and outside linebacker Ariel Ngata (6-4, 215).

Folsom won't be very big or physical on the lines, but could make up for it with a very athletic defense. As usual, the program's JV program was stout last season, sporting an 8-1 record. Overall, the Bulldogs are 94-9 over the last seven seasons.

"The Bulldogs are not bullish big in the trenches like seasons past, but they're strong, and the skill players are exceptional – again," Davidson wrote.

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4. Elk Grove
Head coach: Chris Nixon
2015 record: 13-1
Team preview

The Thundering Herd return 11 starters, six on the defensive side, but it's who they can't replace — Ryan Robards — that has many concerned. Not so much Nixon.

"It will be a collective effort," he said. "It's not going to be one guy."

That's because Robards, a finalist for State Player of the Year, rushed for 2,884 yards and 43 touchdowns and was a star on defense and the return game too.

Back is quarterback Jayden Machado, who completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,743 yards, 22 touchdowns and just three interceptions. "He makes great decisions," Nixon said. "That's the key."

Other key returners are senior wide receiver and defensive back Gavin Reinwald (6-3, 210), who has offers from Wyoming, UNLV, Navy, Air Force and San Jose State, tight end and linebacker Jake Bellecci (6-0, 215), a four-year starter, and wide receiver and defensive back Jonas McMillan (5-8, 160), a second-team all-Delta League performer.

"A terrific program since the mid 1980s despite declining enrollment," Davidson said. "The defense will be terrific, and the passing attack of Machado and Reinwald will be hard to stop. Great opener at loaded Inderkum."

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5. Central Catholic (Modesto)
Head coach: Roger Canepa
2015 record: 16-0
Team preview

One of the finest small-school programs not only in the state, but the country, the Raiders have won at least 11 games 10 of the last 12 years. They've won four straight state titles.

They return 1,000-yard rusher Jared Rice and leading receiver Daron Bland, who also led the team in sacks last season with nine and interceptions with five.

"It's amazing what a small school can do on the big stage," Davidson said. "This team fares well against the big boys, including beating St. Mary's last fall, which nearly beat Folsom in the playoffs."