MaxPreps 2013 Iowa preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Iowa Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Dowling (West Des Moines)
Head coach: Tom Wilson
2012 finish: 9-3
Team preview

A large chunk of last year’s team returns on both sides for head coach Tom Wilson’s squad, including quarterback Ryan Boyle, who returns from injury. Backups Nick Wilson and Brandon Mauro are also capable signal-callers if Boyle is not 100 percent healthy. Rico Gafford, a speedy transfer from Des Moines East, will make a big impact on both sides of the ball.

See the Top 15 Iowa football dynasties

2. Xavier (Cedar Rapids)
Head coach: Duane Schulte
2012 finish: 13-1, Class 4A runner-up
Team preview

Despite needing to replace 2,500-yard passer Reggie Schulte, Xavier should be in good shape for 2013. Six-foot-4 senior Quinton Scholer, who lined up at safety last fall, could be the next man up. Matt Nelson, a 6-8 tight end/defensive end is one of the most versatile weapons in the state. He committed to Iowa over Notre Dame and Stanford.

See every player from Iowa high schools on NFL rosters last year

3. Cedar Falls
Head coaches: Brad Remmert and Pat Mitchell (co-head coaches)
2012 finish: 11-2
Team preview

In 2012, Cedar Falls just could not figure out Xavier, which handed the team both of its losses. In 2013, it brings back all-state selection Ross Piershbacher, a MaxPreps Sophomore All-American and an Iowa commit who is still considering offers from Alabama and Stanford. He’s the state’s top lineman and will set the tone for the team’s ground game. After registering 131 tackles a year ago, Jared Farley will once again lead the team’s defense.

See last season's Iowa high school football playoff brackets

4. Urbandale
Head coach: Sam Anderson
2012 finish: 7-3
Team preview

Urbandale lost three games in 2012, but all were by one touchdown or less, including the team’s season-ending 58-55 playoff loss to Johnston. The team will be young on offense but features the state’s premier athlete in Allen Lazard, a 6-foot-5 receiver who is committed to Iowa State. Quarterback Logan Augustine and running back Toren Stewart are back from an offense that averaged more than 42 points per game last season.

See last season's final Iowa football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

5. Ankeny Centennial
Head coaches: Jerry Pezzetti and Ryan Pezzetti (co-head coaches)
2012 finish: n/a

Centennial will begin its inaugural season in 2013, but it will have plenty of experience among both its players and coaches. Iowa legend Jerry Pezzetti, who last year guided Ankeny to a 4A state title, takes over Centennial’s program as co-head coach, along with his son Ryan. Joel Lanning, now at Iowa State, led Ankeny to a state title last year. Centennial is zoned to receive a number of other players that contributed to the championship run.