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

Video: Jett Thune's highlights vs. Lincoln High School
See the Roosevelt High quarterback in action last season.


1. Roosevelt (Sioux Falls)
Coach: Kim Nelson
2014 finish: 9-2
Team preview

The Rough Riders might have won their first state championship since 2011 if not for Lincoln (Sioux Falls), which handed Roosevelt both of its defeats in 2014. Coach Kim Nelson returns 15 starters from last year, however, including nine starters on defense. One of those returning players is all-state linebacker Sean Powell (6-foot-1, 215 pounds), who led the team with 78 tackles. Meanwhile on offense, quarterback Jett Thune returns after throwing for 1,070 yards and 15 touchdowns as a junior. One of his top receivers from last year, Tyler Van Voorst, also returns after catching 21 passes for 434 yards last season.

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

2. Lincoln (Sioux Falls)
Coach: Aaron Beavers
2014 finish: 11-0
Team preview

The two-time defending state champions begin the season with a 22-game win streak, including an 11-0 record in 2014. However, the Patriots lose six all-state players from last year, including the state's top quarterback and running back in Isaiah Roach and Braxton Large. Kyle Sim, an honorable mention all-state offensive lineman, is the top returning player.

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3. O'Gorman (Sioux Falls)
Coach: Steve Keuter
2014 finish: 6-4
Team preview

It's been seven years since O'Gorman had a 10-win team, but the Knights could be in the running for a state championship in 2015. The team's top skill players from last year return, including all-state defensive back/quarterback Luke Fritsch and all-state fullback Musa Makwinja. Boston Bauer, an honorable mention all-state pick, joins Fritsch and Makwinja in the backfield.

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4. Madison
Coach: Max Hodgen
2014 finish: 10-2
Team preview

Madison could be the favorite in the Class 11A playoffs this year thanks to the return of many of the top players from last year's 10-win club. All-state quarterback Mitch Hansen is back after throwing for 1,618 yards while fellow all-state running back Brody Frederiksen also returns. He rushed for 1,226 yards and 13 touchdowns as a junior. Madison also had one of the state's top sophomores last year in Marcus VandenBosch, who had 93 tackles and 10.5 sacks.

See last season's South Dakota football computer rankings

5. Dell Rapids
Coach: Steve Hansen
2014 finish: 11-1
Team preview

Dell Rapids has been a juggernaut in Class 11A, winning five state championships since 2008, including last year. A total of five all-state players have graduated, however, including the running back duo of Riley Schmidt and Keegan Hemenway. Two of the top returning defenders include Seth Andersen (33 tackles) and junior Nathan McKee (25 tackles).