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

Samson Evans's highlights Sacred Heart-Griffin High School 1:05

Video: Highlights of Samson Evans
Watch the Iowa commit from Prairie Ridge run wild last season versus Sacred Heart-Griffin.


1. Prairie Ridge (Crystal Lake)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Chris Schremp

The Wolves return Division I prospects Samson Evans, a 6-foot, 200-pound wide receiver/running back, and senior offensive guard Jeffrey Jenkins (6-4, 275) from last year's team that won by an average margin of 39 points per game.

Evans ran for more than 1,000 yards last season in his first eight games alone. The Iowa commit already has 11 college offers.

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2. Loyola Academy (Wilmette)
2016 record: 13-1
Head coach: Patrick Nicholson

The Ramblers lost top college talent last year to graduation including quarterback Tommy Herion, tight end Jake Marwede and cornerback Ian Swenson.

But Loyola returns one of the state's top tackles in Charlie Gross (6-5, 280), who has 10 offers, including Central Michigan, Ball State, Bowling Green and Fordham.

The Ramblers won their games by an average margin of 24 points last year and have gone a combined for 116 wins over the last 10 seasons.

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3. East St. Louis
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: Darren Sunkett As usual, the Flyers are loaded with talent, with college prospects Jarrell Anderson, a 5-11, 195-pound running back, senior linebacker Terrion Williams (6-2, 240) and senior quarterback Christian Perez (6-1, 175).

East St. Louis would love to repeat last year's stellar season when they outscored opponents by an average score of 41-10. Last year's 7A title was the second since 2008.

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4. Maine South (Park Ridge)
2016 record: 11-3
Head coach: David Inserra

The Hawks return eight starters back from last year's squad — four on each side of the ball — including 5-9, 175-pound senior running back Fotis Kokosioulis.

Other key returners are senior wide receiver/safety Cam Stacy (6-0, 190) and senior wide receiver/linebacker Rory Hayes (6-3, 195).

According to Inserra, the Hawks are very fast on defense and possess superb skill players. The key will be how a young line adjusts.

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5. IC Catholic Prep (Elmhurst)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: William Krefft

The Knights return quarterback Luke Ricobene, who for 2,389 yards and 30 touchdowns and also rushed for 648 yards and 11 more scores.

That ignited an offense that piled up a whopping 724 points, while giving up just 91. The 3A IHSA champions scored 253 points in five playoff games last year and gave up just 30.

The Knights also feature a couple key sophomore receivers from last year, Khalil Saunders and Khali Sanders, along with leading tackler Kemon Reese (152 tackles).