2016 South Dakota Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Cole Deberg junior year
See the Lincoln High quarterback in action last season


1. Lincoln (Sioux Falls)
Head coach: Aaron Beavers
2015 record: 5-5
Team preview

Although Lincoln went just 5-5 in 2015, the Patriots won state titles in 2014 and 2013. One of their wins was also the only loss state champion Washington suffered all season long. Lincoln returns starting quarterback Cole Deberg, who threw for 1,743 yards last season. Also back is leading rusher Jesse Nelson and honorable mention all-state running back Corey Fichter. Look for junior middle linebacker Xavier Kolb (6-1, 230) to lead the defense.

See last season's South Dakota computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Washington (Sioux Falls)
Head coach: Chad Stadem
2015 record: 11-1
Team preview

Perennial state champion Washington has won four state titles since 2009, including last year with a 27-24 win over O'Gorman. The Warriors have a 114-37 record over the past 13 seasons, including 54-19 in conference play. Although Washington lost college prospect Matt Farniok (6-foot-4, 295, OL) to graduation, his brother Will Farniok returns at center for his junior season. Both Farniok brothers earned all-state honors last year.

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3. Madison
Head coach: Max Hodgen
2015 record: 12-0
Team preview The Class 11A champions went 12-0 last season and have won two straight league championships. Five Bulldogs earned all-state honors last year and three of them return. Austin Lohsandt (6-7, 240) will be a huge presence on the offensive line while Marcus Vanden Bosch will be a key figure on defense. Madison also has one of the state's top skill players in wide receiver Mason Leighton.

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4. Roosevelt (Sioux Falls)
Head coach: Kim Nelson
2015 record: 8-3
Team preview

Roosevelt finished in a tie for first place in the Greater Dakota League, but lost to O'Gorman in the second round of the playoffs. A total of 11 starters are back, including seven on offense, to help the Rough Riders make a run at the 11AAA title. The offensive line is solid with four returning starters, led by Austin Boen (6-3, 300) while running back Tyson Jahn and wide receiver Austin Johnson are the top skill players.

See the MaxPreps South Dakota high school football playoff brackets

5. O'Gorman (Sioux Falls)
Head coach: Steve Kueter
2015 record: 9-3
Team preview

The Knights missed out on winning their first state championship since 2005 with a 27-24 loss to Washington in the 11AAA state final. The loss was one of two O'Gorman suffered to Washington last year. The Knights will miss quarterback Luke Fritsch and running back Musa Makwinja, each of whom were first team all-state. O'Gorman does return the state's top kicker in all-state selection Kristian Jakowicz.