MaxPreps 2013 Montana preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Montana Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Butte
2012 Finish: 11-2, Class AA state champion
Head coach: Arie Grey
Team preview

Butte quarterback Dallas Cook had one of the best offensive seasons in Montana history, as he threw for 3,613 yards and 32 touchdowns in leading his team to a state championship. The Class AA state player of the year returns along with all-state receiver Dalton Daum (6-1, 165) and all-state running back Jake Eisenbarth (5-7, 160).

See the Top 15 Montana football dynasties

2. Billings Central Catholic
2012 Finish: 12-0, Class A state champion
Head coach: Jim Stanton
Team preview

The Rams have won seven straight Eastern A championships and went 12-0 last year in winning the Class A state title. The offense was overwhelming last year, racking up nearly 47 points per game. The defense might have been better, allowing just five points with five shutouts. However there are only two returning starters on offense and none on defense for coach Jim Stanton. Of the team's nine all-state players from last season, none return. However Stanton does have a few players he will rely on this season, including Holden Ryan (6-2, 200, RB), Dayton Cogdill (5-10, 205, ILB) and Ben D'Alton (6-2, 220, T).

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3. Bozeman
2012 Finish: 9-4 Class AA runner-up
Head coach: Troy Purcell
Team preview

The defense should be very strong this year with state MVP Will Dissly (6-3, 230) returning on the defensive line. He's one of four all-state defenders returning to a team that finished second in Class AA last year. The others include linebacker Grant Collins (6-2, 185), safety Chandler D'Agostino (6-2, 160) and cornerback Wyatt David (5-10, 168). The offense should be sound as well, with honorable mention all-state quarterback Will Weyer (6-5, 205) ready to lead the way. He's got one of the state's top receivers in Dissly, who was an all-state tight end. He also has a fellow all-state player in the backfield in running back Hunter Gappmayer (5-10, 185).

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4. Helena
2012 Finish: 8-3
Head coach: Tony Arntson
Team preview

The Bengals have won two straight Western AA conference championships and could be in line for a third. Defense could be Helena's strength with three all-league players returning in McBride Galt (S, 6-2, 175), Jammer Halverson (DL, 6-0, 225) and Nic Amestoy (OLB, 5-10, 185). The offense is not without its standouts, including all-league receiver Troy Arntson (5-7, 145), kicker Trevin Thompson (6-0, 185) and tackle Matt Bachmeier (5-11, 220).

See the 2012 NFL players from Montana

5. Beaverhead County (Dillon)
2012 Finish: 8-2
Head coach: Terry Thomas
Team preview

After winning a state championship in 2011, the Beavers fell short in 2012 with a 37-7 loss to Billings Central Catholic in the Class A state championship game. Coach Terry Thomas has to replace most of the offensive line, which lost all-state tackles Kyle Moore and Caleb Gillis, however all-state center Donovan Hucke (6-0, 265) is back. The defense should be solid with returning all-state linebacker, and leading tackler, Carson King (6-3, 210). King racked up 105 tackles last year.