2016 Central Coast Section Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Valley Christian RB Javon Sturns against Oak Grove
Watch the star running back on the go last season


1. Oak Grove (San Jose)
Head coach: Jay Braun
2015 record: 11-3
Team preview

According to Braun, in his 18th year of coaching and eighth as head coach, last year his team was the hunting. "Now we're being hunted," he said.

That's because the Eagles won their first CCS Open Division crown before losing in the regional final to Clayton Valley Charter. They return starting quarterback Tyler Mcgovern along with senior lineman Dillan Misaalefua (6-foor-5, 300 pounds), senior running back Deangelo Hester, senior tight end Grady Ryan and junior transfer Maurice Washington III, a 6-foot, 185-pound tailback.

Washington was the section's Sophomore of the Year after rushing for 1,827 yards and 29 touchdowns last season for King's Academy. Misaalefua will be a four-year starter and Ryan and Hester third-year starters.

See the Central Coast Section computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Valley Christian (San Jose)
Head coach: Mike Machado
2015 record: 8-4
Team preview

The Warriors return one of the section's top quarterbacks in Miles Kendrick, who passed for 1,251 yards, 15 touchdowns and just two interceptions. He'll do a lot of handing off to Javon Sturns, who rushed for 734 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Look for Hendrick to hook up with big-play receiver Anthony Flores, who averaged 26.3 yards per his 19 catches last year. Defensively, linebacker Trent Laubach (5-7, 175) isn't big but he packs a mighty punch. All-WCAL second-teamer Dylan McCreery leads the team's line play. Fullback Conner Edgar and kicker Bailey Schroeder are two more possible college players.

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3. Serra (San Mateo)
Head coach: Patrick Walsh
2015 record: 6-4
Team preview On probation last season, the Padres are hungry to get back to playoff football. With the reigning West Catholic Athletic League's Player of the Year Leki Nunn running the show, Serra is in good hands.

The 5-11, 185-pound quarterback finished with 1,766 passing yards and 21 touchdowns while rushing for 1,068 yards and 11 more scores.

Other top players are running back and linebacker TC Lavulo (5-11, 210), a first team all-WCAL player, defensive back Taniela Latu (6-2, 200) and lineman Joshua Fernando.

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4. Sacred Heart Prep (Atherton)
Head coach: Pete Lavorato
2015 record: 11-4
Team preview

One of the top small-school programs in the state, the Gators lost plenty to graduation but have some big-time players returning, including 5-11, 185-pound senior running back Isoa Moimoi, who rushed for more than 1,300 yards in 2015.

Other top players are senior lineman Kyle Stalder (6-3, 210), senior quarterback Thomas Wine (5-11, 175) and linemen Brendan Semien (5-10, 195) and Josh Suzuki (6-0, 225). SHP has been to three state bowl games and won the CCS Open Division title in 2014. The Gators return 10 starters, including six on defense. Lavorato really likes his secondary, running game and linebackers.

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5. Saint Francis (Mountain View)
Head coach: Greg Calcagno
2015 record: 12-3
Team preview

Once the big power of the CCS, the Lancers hit a lull for about a decade, but now are back in full stride. They won their second-straight CCS title and a regional crown before losing in the state Division II-A final to Citrus Hill (Perris), 23-20.

They return perhaps the biggest offensive weapon in the section in Cyrus Habibi-Likio, a bruising 6-1, 200-pound tailback who rushed for 1,438 yards and 17 touchdowns last year.

Other key returners are junior receiver Bennett Williams, senior receiver and free safety Patrick Calcagno (101 tackles) and senior defensive lineman Jadan Harris.