MaxPreps 2014 Alaska preseason high school football Fab 5

1. West (Anchorage)
2013 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Tim Davis
Team preview

The Eagles are coming off a state championship victory and Coach Davis could have his boys in the same place this season. They lose a majority of their offensive fire power to graduation, but guys seem poised to fill the shoes and hit the ground running. Sam Wedin will take over the reigns of the offense and command the offense from under center. Jordan Murchison and Dave Tuilimu will likely star on both sides of the field, splitting carries in the backfield and clogging the middle on the defensive side of the ball. For Coach Davis, defense will be the anchor, and if the offense can gel this team could be looking at their second straight state title.

2. Soldotna
2013 finish: 11-0
Head coach: Galen Brantley Jr.
Team preview

Coach Brantley led his squad to a state championship victory and an undefeated season in 2013, a feat that will not easily be repeated. Replacing the All-State Offensive Player of the Year in Colton Young is not something that can really be done, but it'll likely be Brooks Furlong taking over the play-calling duties. The offense will lean on Drew Gibbs who was the teams leading rusher last year, and he will likely be complimented by Ty Fenton. The tight-end position will play a large part in the Stars offense and with Trevor Walden and Drew Fowler returning the position will be strong. Defense looks like it could be the biggest question mark for Coach Brantley but there is no question that he will have his team ready to compete at the highest level.

3. South (Anchorage)
2013 finish: 5-4
Head coach: John Lewis
Team preview

Coming off a disappointing first round exit from the playoffs, the Wolverines don't face the easiest challenge in getting back to the playoffs and making a title run. Coach Lewis will need to replace his quarterback due to graduation and the man stepping in will likely be Andrew Hanks. With the lack of experience under center the offense will lean heavily on seniors Justice Augafa and Jacob Hoover who played large role in the Wolverines running game. The defense looks like it will be the glue for Coach Lewis and his boys. They return their top tackle leader from a year ago in Colin Thompson, along with their top two sack leaders from last season in Jared Hudson and Mervin Taha. The season could rest in the offenses' hands, and if they can get rolling early this defense has the ability to carry them to the playoffs.

4. Juneau-Douglas
2013 finish: 8-2
Head coach: Rich Sjoroos
Team preview

Losing the versatile Campos brothers is something that will not easily be replaced for the Crimson Bears. That being said, Coach Sjoroos always seems to always have his guys ready to step in and contribute from the beginning. Dorian Isaak and Nick Tragis represent experience and they will be key pieces on their respective sides of the ball. Offensively a lot of the success will ride on Isaak's play under center who will be protected nicely by returners Hunter Hickok and Romney Tupou, anchors on the offensive line. Tragis will lead an inexperienced defense that may be the make or break point for Coach Sjoroos. Juneau-Douglas has a tradition of winning and despite lacking some experience they should be right in the thick of things as always.

5. Kenai Central
2013 finish: 7-2
Head coach: John Marquez
Team preview

Kenai Central will be looking to get one step further and reach the championship game this coming season after exiting in the semifinals last season. Jace Daniels' production will not be easily replaced, but it looks as if Chase Logan will command most of the touches in the backfield this season and line up just about everywhere on the offensive side of the ball. The defensive unit will be led by Royal Brown and complimented by Chase Gillies and Zach Koziczkowski. Coach Marquez's team will be young, but they are not a team to sleep on as they are looking to avenge last season's semifinals loss.