MaxPreps 2015 CIF Sac-Joaquin Section preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Alabama commit Jonah Williams' junior season
See the Folsom High lineman in action last season.


1. Folsom
Coaches: Kris Richardson/Troy Taylor
2014 finish: 16-0
Team preview

Even though the Bulldogs return just two starters and lost national record-setting quarterback Jake Browning to graduation (he's now at Washington), Folsom continues to reload. Richardson and Taylor have one of the best systems in the state and have piled up an impressive 80-8 record since 2009. One of the two returners is one of the best linemen the section has ever produced in 6-foot-5, 290-pound Alabama commit Jonah Williams. Running back and strong safety Tre Green is another key returner.

"Incredible how prepared the Bulldogs are and how superb the line play is, the offensive execution and also unsung efforts of the defense and special teams," longtime Sacramento Bee staff writer Joe Davidson said. "Last year was the best prep team in section history from suddenly one of the best programs in section history."

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2. Grant (Sacramento)
Coach: Mike Alberghini
2014 finish: 14-1
Team preview

Coming off their seventh section title under Alberghini, the Pacers return possibly the best stable of running backs in the state, led by Deshawn Collins (2,321 yard, 27 touchdowns) and Mike Green (1,270, 17). Add in national recruits on the line in junior Orlando Umana (6-4, 315) and seniors Aleki Paea (6-1, 255) and Soape Tupou (6-5, 330), and Grant might get back to a state bowl game.

"Grant defies time and odds," Davidson said, noting that Alberghini has led Grant to the playoffs every season since 1991 — when he took over the program — an ongoing SJS record. "Great coach, great program."

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3. Del Oro (Loomis)
Coach: Casey Taylor
2014 finish: 6-6
Team preview

Don't let the .500 record fool you. The Eagles played a monstrous schedule with a young team. They return 16 starters, including nine on offense, including three-year starters wide receiver Trey Udoffia and receiver/defensive back Justin Burrage. Mason Hurst, another receiver/DB standout, will also make a great impact.

"Del Oro isn't a football factory that sends scores of players to D-1 programs," Davidson said. "But it can be argued that this is the best program in the section too, all levels, with remarkable fan following."

Under Taylor, Del Oro has won 110 games since 2004.

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4. Elk Grove
Coach: Chris Nixon
2014 finish: 10-3
Team preview

Once the only school in the Elk Grove Unified School District — now there are nine — and once section super power, the Thundering Herd are still a giant force once again in 2014. Still utilizing the wing-T, Elk Grove returns 13 starters, including four offensive linemen, led by seniors Diego Cervantes (6-3, 275) and Lau Ta'amu (6-2, 270). Add in junior quarterback Tyler Vander Waal and versatile senior Ryan Robards, and the Thundering Herd should challenge for another SJS title.

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5. St. Mary's (Stockton)
Coach: Tony Franks
2014 finish: 12-2
Team preview

A southern SJS power for decades, the Rams are led by Franks, an offensive guru whose team reached the section D-II final last season, losing to Grant. The team will be led by wide receiver Dewey Cotton and two-way lineman Popo Aumavae.

"Always fun, always dangerous and always prolific," is how Davidson describes the Rams. Franks' teams always "play confident and stretch teams with innovative plays. Coaches dread facing him."