MaxPreps 2013 Wyoming preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Wyoming Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Natrona County (Casper)
2012 Finish: 12-0, Class 4A state champion
Head coach: Steve Harshman
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The Mustangs were a force to be reckoned with in 2012 while going unbeaten and winning the Class 4A state championship. Besides scoring over 50 points six times during the season, Natrona County also had three shutouts and allowed just under seven points per game. Although just five starters return, including only two on defense, the Mustangs have quite possibly the top recruit in Wyoming history in tackle Taven Bryan (6-5, 245), who has already committed to play at Florida. Michael Bailey (5-10, 225) also returns to the line at guard while running back Logan Wilson (6-1, 185, Jr.) is the team's top skill player. Natrona County has won two state titles in the past three seasons with seven conference championships in the past 10 seasons.

See the Top 15 Wyoming football dynasties

2. Campbell County (Gillette)
2012 Finish: 10-2
Head coach: Vic Wilkerson
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The Camels' only two losses last year were to Natrona County and one of them was the closest game of the year for the state champions, a 20-17 Campbell County loss. Coach Vic Wilkerson's squad hasn't won a state title since 2008, but the team's top two players from last year, 4A East Conference offensive player of the year Austin Fort (QB) and defensive player of the year Billy Williams (LB) return. Fort threw for 2,137 yards and 13 touchdowns last year while Williams paced the defense with 121 tackles. Fort has a trio of key receivers returning in all-conference picks, Cody Kelley, Kris Adams and Cole Petty. Tight end Luke Sather also returns.

See last season's Wyoming football playoff brackets

3. Powell
2012 Finish: 12-0, Class 3A state champion
Head coach: Jim Stringer
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The Panthers have won their last 15 games, securing a pair of Class 3A state championships in the process. The defense has been extremely efficient of late, posting five shutouts and allowing double figure scoring just twice. Look for that streak to continue as nine all-league players return from 2012. The Panthers return quarterback Hayden Cragoe (1,518 yards passing), and running back Cory Heny (785 yards rushing) as well as defenders Tony Lujan and Matt Widdicombe.

See last season's Wyoming football stat leaders

4. East (Cheyenne, Wyo.)
2012 Finish: 7-4
Head coach: Chad Goff
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The Thunderbirds finished just 7-4, but three losses were against Natrona County and Campbell County. Tevis Bartlett is back after throwing for 1,375 yards last year with 11 touchdowns and 1,093 yards rushing. Leading receiver Cameron Johnson (40 catches, 658 yards) also returns. The defense is solid with returning all-conference players Eric Williams (DL) and Ben Groenweg (LB) returning.

See last season's final Wyoming football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

5. Sheridan
2012 Finish: 8-3
Head coach: Don Julian
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Sheridan has won two state championships in the past five seasons and its only losses last year were to the state championship game qualifiers Natrona County and Campbell County. Sheridan needs to replace quarterback Kevin Bakkehaug and running back Nate Kane, however leading receiver Daniel Sessions (23 catches, 413 yards) is back. League defensive player of the year Collin Eisenman has graduated, but all-conference selections Cody Delk (DL) and Ethan Hall both return.

See last season's Wyoming All-League football teams