MaxPreps 2013 North Carolina preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 North Carolina Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Mallard Creek (Charlotte)
Head coach: Michael Palmieri
2012 finish: 12-2
Team preview

Despite the loss of its top player, Marquez North, now at Tennessee, Mallard Creek begins the season as the top team in the Tarheel State. Quarterback Emiere Scaife is back to lead the team’s offense, but it’s the team’s defense, led by Ball State commit Ikeem Allen, that will power Mallard Creek. At least early on. With Charlotte rival Butler having graduated many of its core players, the time appears to be right for Mallard Creek to make a run at a Class 4A-I title.

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2. Independence (Charlotte)
Head coach: Joe Evans
2012 finish: 10-3
Team preview

Many coaches around the state pointed a finger toward Independence as the No. 1 team to begin 2013. In 2012, the Patriots started to look like the Patriots of old. Wake Forest commit Isaiah Robinson, who ran for 1,549 yards last year, returns on offense, as does 6-3 receiver Workpeh Kofa. As always, a November showdown with rival Butler will be very telling.

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3. Havelock
Head coach: Jim Bob Bryant
2012 finish: 15-1; Class 3A state title
Team preview

After a 34-33 loss to New Bern, Havelock went on an absolute tear last year, winning its next 14 games (including the playoffs) by an average score of 49-9. The team’s premier skill player, Derrell Scott, is back in the mix following a prodigious junior season in which he rushed for 1,742 yards and 34 touchdowns. Quarterback and defensive line are less experienced positions heading into the fall, but with a half-dozen starters back on both sides, Havelock could be just as scary in 2013.

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4. Butler (Matthews)
Head coach: Brian Hales
2012 finish: 15-0; Class 4AA state champion
Team preview

Butler took home another state title in 2012, the first under the guidance of head coach Brian Hales, who begins his third season. Butler has been able to reload as well as any program in the state, and it will need to again following the departure of a talented and successful senior class. Sophomore running back Benny Lemay will step up and likely be the team’s featured back. Linebackers Isaac Stewart and Todjrei Graham will carry the defense. Anthony Ratliff is expected to take over at quarterback.

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5. New Bern
Head coach: Bobby Curlings
2012 finish: 15-0 Class 4A state champion
Team preview

In 2012, New Bern had a season for the ages while capturing its first state title since 2007. Much of the offensive skill players from last year’s team have moved on, so New Bern will be inexperienced on that side of the ball to begin the season. The team’s leading tackler, Cody Purdie will be joined in the secondary by Mike Hughes, one of the nation’s top cornerbacks from the class of 2015.

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