MaxPreps 2012 Texas preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2012 Texas Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Skyline (Dallas)
2011 finish: 14-1
Head coach: Reginald Samples
Team preview
Skyline was all set to play for the Class 5A-I state title, until a silver fox and a furious Southlake Carroll rally thwarted the Raiders’ title hopes. This year’s squad is a legitimate state and national title contender - at least on paper, as it is the No. 3 team in the Preseason Xcellent 25. Devante Kincade and Ra'Shaad Samples form one of the nation’s top quarterback-receiver duos. The defense is extremely talented at nearly all positions. Anything short of a state title for this Skyline squad would be disappointing.

2. Carroll (Southlake)
2011 finish: 16-0
Head coach: Hal Wasson
Team preview
Quarterback Kenny Hill is one of the most experienced returning signal-callers in the state of Texas and a big reason that Carroll will once again compete for a state title. The dreams are bigger than just Texas, though, as Carroll is ranked No. 7 in the Preseason Xcellent 25. The offensive line, with Cam Manning and Alec Deutsch, should be solid and pave the way for returning running back A.j. Ezzard. There are definitely holes to be filled, especially at receiver. Still, the Dragons will be tough to beat in 2012. Carroll is ranked No. 1 in our Texas' Top 10 most consistent football programs story.

3. Lake Travis (Austin)
2011 finish: 16-0
Head coach: Hank Carter
Team preview
Despite turnover at its helm, Lake Travis has remained the most consistent program in Texas over the last five seasons. Baker Mayfield, Varshaun Nixon and Zach Austin comprise a powerful trio that should flourish in head coach Hank Carter’s spread offense. Brock Kenyon and Luke Hutton return on a defense that will have a number of new faces. Lake Travis is ranked No. 2 in our June, 2011 list of the Top 10 Texas football dynasties.

4. Martin (Arlington)
2011 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Bob Wager
Team preview
Arlington Martin looks to improve upon a 12-2 season that saw it down perennial power Euless Trinity in the playoffs. With Texas commit Kyle Hicks as well as Eric Hughes back on offense, expect Martin to have little problem finding the end zone, assuming the offensive line comes together as Wager hopes. Linebacker Jordan Avery leads the defense. A season-opening contest against DeSoto will be very telling. Martin must replace three players found on the list of Texas Class of 2012 Division 1 football signees.

5. Abilene
2011 finish: 10-4
Head coach: Steve Warren
Team preview
Fourteen starters back from a young team that finished 10-4 last season is cause for great optimism among Abilene fans. Quarterback Evin Abbe and running back Marcel Porter are both back to provide plenty of production on offense. All-State selection Xavier Johnson is back in the secondary. The offensive line will be inexperienced and an area that Warren is watching this summer. You can find Abilene on our list of Texas state football champions for the past 10 years.