MaxPreps 2013 Kansas preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Kansas Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. West (Shawnee Mission)
2012 Finish: 12-1 Class 6A state champion
Head coach: Tim Callaghan
Team preview

It doesn't get much better for West coach Tim Callaghan. Besides finishing the season with 11 straight wins and a Class 6A state championship, West figures to return 13 starters from last year's crew, including quarterback A.J. Verdini and six other starters on offense. The 6-foot-5, 185-pound Verdini threw for 1,223 yards last year in leading his team to the state title. He also has his top receiver returning in Andre Maloney (6-2, 180), who is headed to Kansas. The line in front of Verdini should also be solid with all-state tackle, and BYU commit, Austin Chambers (6-5, 285) returning along with Marquan Osbey (5-11, 190). The Vikings will miss leading rusher Brett Sterbach (2,228 yards rushing), but do have fullback Rashawn Owens (5-11, 195) back in the mix.

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2. Hutchinson
2012 Finish: 10-3
Head coach: Randy Dreiling
Team preview

If any team can catch West, it's the Salt Hawks of Hutchinson. One of the state's premier programs, Hutchinson has won seven state titles since 2004, including six in a row. With a 55-9 record over the past five seasons, Hutchinson is always a favorite to reach the state championship game. Dreiling also has 10 starters back from last season, including quarterback Turner Wintz and receiver Emilio Tafolla. Center Cole Cruz (5-11, 275) anchors the offensive line. Hutchinson has a tough stretch in the middle of its schedule when it faces Rockhurst (Kansas City, Mo.), South (Salina) and Derby all during a four-week span.

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3. South (Salina)
2012 Finish: 10-2
Head coach: Sam Sellers
Team preview

Although the Cougars lost to unbeaten Carroll 45-21 in the Class 5A state playoffs, they are poised to begin 2012 as the 5A favorite. Coach Sam Sellers' team is loaded with 15 returning starters, including the quarterback, running back and receiver. Honorable mention all-state pick Justin Stonebraker returns at quarterback while Zach Nachbar, a standout on offense and defense, returns at end. South also returns running back Mike Jones (5-8,165), one of the team's quickest players with 4.42 speed. The line should also be strong with Kole Smith (6-3, 275) returning on the defensive side of the ball and Kevrick Cox and Doug Dewindt back on offense.

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4. Carroll (Wichita)
2012 Finish: 13-0, Class 5A state champion
Head coach: Alan Schuckman
Team preview

While South (Salina) figures to be the favorite in Class 5A this year, don't feel sorry for Carroll. The Golden Eagles still figure to be in the thick of the battle. Although many of the team's top players last year were seniors, coach Alan Schuckman returns 10 starters, including six on defense. The defensive line appears to be a strength with Patrick Dugan (6-2, 230) and Nate Stallbaumer (6-0, 185) returning. Tory Smith (6-2, 190), who was the only junior to earn honorable mention all-state last year, returns at running back to lead the offense. Replacing first team all-state quarterback Zeke Palmer might be Schuckman's toughest task.

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5. Derby
2012 Finish: 10-2
Head coach: Brandon Clark
Team preview

If there is a dark horse in the Kansas championship race, it's Derby. Losers of just two games last year, both to Hutchinson, Derby returns a wealth of talent, including four possible Division I prospects. All-state tight end Deandre Goolsby (6-5, 235) is the top player while honorable mention all-state pick Cole Hansen (6-4, 280), an Air Force commit, is the team's top lineman. Tyler West (6-1, 200) will be the playmaker for the Panthers while Travis Young (6-2, 205) returns to lead the secondary.