MaxPreps 2014 Mississippi preseason high school football Fab 5

1. South Panola (Batesville)
Head coach: Lance Pogue
2013 Finish: 13-2
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Mississippi's most famous program isn't going away anytime soon. After a disappointing season (by South Panola standards) in which it fell short of a state title, Lance Pogue's squad will be in the thick of the title race in 2014. Roosevelt Jones and Oluwain Hoskins will be a nice one-two punch at running back.

See the Top 20 most dominant Mississippi football teams in the MaxPreps era

2. Brandon
Head coach: Brad Peterson
2013 Finish: 11-2
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Much of the excitement around Brandon's chances in 2014 center around returning quarterback Gardner Minshew. Minshew was good for 2,690 yards and 26 touchdowns through the air last year. Defensive tackle Fletcher Adams will plug holes on defense.

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3. Madison Central
Head coach: Bobby Hall
2013 Finish: 9-4
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Replacing Joseph Willis behind center won't be easy, but Bobby Hall will turn to senior Trey Smith to lead the offense. He rushed for 1,473 yards and 12 scores last year. Six-foot-three receiver Keenan Barnes is back on the outside to provide a vertical threat.

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4. Oxford
Head coach: Johnny Hill
2013 Finish: 14-1
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Oxford fell just short of a perfect season in 2013, losing by a touchdown to Picayune. Jack Abraham, a candidate for Junior All-American honors, will once again be behind center. He threw for over 3,500 yards last year.

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5. Oak Grove (Hattiesburg)
Head coach: Nevill Barr
2013 Finish: 14-1; Class 6A state champion
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Kirk McCarty is gone at quarterback, and Brett Favre is (likely) gone at offensive coordinator. As such, it will be a new-look Oak Grove squad with much less media fanfare. Look for senior running back Mike'l Anderson to shoulder much of the load.