MaxPreps 2014 Nevada preseason high school football Fab 5

1. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2013 finish: 13-2, state champion
Head coach: Tony Sanchez
Team preview

The Gaels, who start the season ranked 13th in the Xcellent 25, will be bringing some great defense to the table as they once again take on some of the nation's top teams. Expect teams to have a tough time scoring on the likes of linebacker Nela Otukolo and his crew. On offense, the skill positions look great with tight end Alize Jones and transfer wide receiver Cordell Broadus, plus Russell Booze back at running back. Can Danny Hong give enough consistent production at the quarterback spot?

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2. Liberty (Henderson)
2013 finish: 10-4
Head coach: Richard Muraco
Team preview

The Patriots also are planning on defense being the key to success, with nine starters returning from a team that was bounced by Reed in the playoffs. The offense isn't too far behind with seven starters coming back, but the quarterback setup is still unproven. USC commit Noah Jefferson is a 6-foot-5, 280-pound beast at tight end and defensive end. Senior linebacker and running back Ethan Tuilagi also returns.

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3.  Palo Verde (Las Vegas)
2013 finish: 10-2
Head coach: Darwin Rost
Team preview

The Panthers are good with speed and skill, but lacking down low. Darrion Finn, Jaren Campbell and Graeson Vereen are all listed as running backs and linebackers - and they're all juniors expected to contribute. Another reason for optimism is that the JV team went 8-0 last season, so expect some talent emerging this season. This team has Bishop Gorman and Liberty on the regular-season schedule - that definitely doesn't bode well.

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4. Green Valley (Henderson)
2013 finish: 9-3
Head coach: Brian Castro
Team preview

The Gators have a huge load on the offensive line with Carter Nielson, a guard who comes in at 6-4, 325. Senior quarterback Christian Lopez also returns, and Albert Lake is the top's top defensive back. Green Valley lost its best offensive lineman and kicker to Division I college programs, so those will be areas that are likely to see a downgrade in the overall scheme. Palo Verde is on the schedule early this season.

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5. Reed (Sparks)
2013 finish: 12-2
Head coach: Ernie Howren
Team preview

The Raiders have some rebuilding to do. But all the attention in Nevada shouldn't go to the Las Vegas teams, after all. Reed returns a pair of offensive linemen that can lead the way to great success in the High Desert area, with 6-3, 255-pound senior tackle Cody deHaan and 6-2, 300 senior guard Cody Carr. Senior quarterback Jackson Gilmore (6-2, 200) also returns. The secondary may be a weak spot for Reed but it appears to have a good shot at being the top team in the Reno area.