MaxPreps 2017 Rhode Island preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Dylan Gardner's highlights vs. La Salle Academy
See the Hawk's senior safety in action during the 2016 campaign.


1. Bishop Hendricken (Warwick)
2016 record: 12-0
Head coach: Keith Croft

The Hawks have been a perennial powerhouse for decades, and 2017 should be no exception. However, Bishop Hendricken must replace its leading passer, rusher, and tackler last year.

Leading the offense in the backfield will be senior Devin Rivet, who tallied 272 rushing yards and four touchdowns.

As for the defense, safety Dylan Gardner is returning for his senior campaign after ranking second on the team in tackles (58). Joining Gardner on the defensive side is junior Zach Brooks (four interceptions, 46 tackles).
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2. La Salle Academy (Providence)
2016 record: 11-3
Head coach: Geoff Marcone

The rivalry between La Salle Academy and Bishop Hendricken is alive, but Rams are looking to return to the top of Rhode Island football after falling in the past three season's title game.

Fortunately for the Rams, they are returning some of their biggest contributors from last season.

On the offensive side, the Rams will be led by senior quarterback Andrew Wright (1,309 passing yards, 477 rushing yards, 21 touchdowns), senior running back Leroy DeOliveira (1,188 rushing yards, 106 receiving yards, 18 touchdowns) and Jake Ribeiro (547 receiving yards, 6 touchdowns).

The defense will be a bit younger, but features senior linebacker Dante DelBonis, who finished with 58 tackles last season.

See the MaxPreps Rhode Island football stat leaders

3. Portsmouth)
2016 record: 10-3
Head coach: Ryan Moniz

The Patriots graduated some of their biggest stat stuffers last year and will lean on some newer faces in 2017.

Among the returners is senior wide receiver Peyton Robinson, who led the team with 351 receiving yards. Robinson also ranked second on the team in both tackles (60) and sacks (9.5). Junior defensive back Brian Hamilton (two interceptions, 34 tackles) will join Robinson on defense.

Junior quarterback Kyle Bicho threw for 284 passing yards and four touchdowns in limited playtime last year, but will be looked to lead the Patriots in the pocket.

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4. Moses Brown (Providence)
2016 record: 9-4
Head coach: Willie Edwards

After being shutout in the Division II championship game last season, the Quakers will be hungry to avenge the loss.

One of the best quarterbacks in the state of Rhode Island will be leading the Quakers on offense in the name of Michael Walsh. Walsh finished in the highest tier of almost every statistical category last season with with 2,140 passing yards, 761 rushing yards, and 21 total touchdowns.

Walsh's favorite target, senior Joseph Voccola (44 receptions, 564 receiving yards), also returns after a successful campaign last year.

Junior defensive back Jaden Pena and Vincent Armenio lead the Quakers on defense.

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5. Shea (Pawtucket)
2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Dino Campopiano

The reigning Division II champion Raiders were forced to say goodbye to a handful of offensive weapons last year, but will welcome back some of their defensive leaders.

Of those defensive leaders, the most notable is senior linebacker Louis Whitehead, who ranked second on the team with 112 tackles. Whitehead also pitched in three sacks.

The offense will return senior Dominic Navarro (506 rushing yards, three touchdowns) in the backfield. Senior Devin Fonseca contributes in almost every facet of the game, and he will return after tallying 585 all-purpose yards and five touchdowns, as well as two interceptions on defense.