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

Video: Early Contenders - No. 14 DeMatha (MD)
See how MaxPreps unveiled the No. 14 team in the preseason football rankings.


1. DeMatha (Hyattsville)
Coach: Elijah Taylor
2014 finish: 9-3, WCAC champion
Team preview

DeMatha has aspirations of a national title in 2015. Given its challenging schedule and abundance of returners, it's not out of the question. The Stags have Division I players all over the field. With an August showdown against Miami Central, they'll just need to jell quickly.

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

2. Our Lady of Good Counsel (Olney)
Coach: Bob Milloy
2014 finish: 10-2
Team preview

With 13 starters returning, Good Counsel could return to the top of the WCAC. The defensive is loaded, beginning with linebacker Keandre Jones. However, the offense boasts more experience, including three-year starter Andres Castillo at quarterback, Mohamed Ibrahim at running back and four returning linemen.

See the MaxPreps national football videos page

3. Gilman (Baltimore)
Coach: Biff Poggi
2014 finish: 8-3
Team preview

Gilman's play on both sides of the line has the potential to be stellar. Offensively, it returns Michigan commit Devery Hamilton, Virginia-bound Stephen Spanellis and future Navy Midshipman Wes Mehl. Center Stewart Keehner will play at Georgetown. On defense, it features Penn State commit Ellison Jordan. Should it get production from its offensive skill players and defensive secondary, Gilman has the potential to be dominant.

See the MaxPreps Maryland football photos page

4. Bullis (Potomac)
Coach: Pat Cilento
2014 finish: 9-1
Team preview

Bullis rattled off nine consecutive victories following a season-opening loss to Mt. St. Joseph. That momentum heading into 2015 is only bolstered by the return of star quarterback Dwayne Haskins Jr. The defense boasts its own blue-chip recruits: 6-foot-6 linebacker Cameron Brown and defensive back Patrick Johnson, a Wisconsin commit.

See last season's Maryland football computer rankings

5. Eastern Christian Academy (Elkton)
Coach: Dwayne Thomas
2014 finish: 3-9
Team preview

It's probable that Eastern Christian was America's best three-win team last year. It played the country's most ambitious schedule and battled injuries in the process. Led by Michigan commit Dele Harding, it is once again a team to watch. It opens against Georgia power Buford.