2016 Kansas Preseason Football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: William Evans junior highlights
See the Blue Valley running back in action


1. Blue Valley (Stilwell)
Head coach: Eric Driskell
2015 record: 10-3
Team preview

Winners of the 5A state championship in 2013, the Tigers were 10-3 at the 6A level last season. Blue Valley returns nearly every key player on offense, as seven starters are back from a unit that averaged 36 points per game. Kirrian Kirby (6-4, 270) leads the offensive line after earning all-state honorable mention honors last year. He's joined on the offense by receiver Gus Gomez and running back William Evans, each of whom were honorable mention all-state as well. The defense only returns three starters, but one of them is first team all-state linebacker Michael Maffry.

See the Kansas computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Bishop Miege (Shawnee Mission)
Head coach: Jon Holmes
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview The Stags have won the Class 4A-I state title for the past two seasons and their only loss last season came against Blue Valley. Bishop Miege returns several Division I prospects in wide receiver Jafar Armstrong and defensive back Djimon Colbert. The Stags also have a returning all-state lineman in Colin Grunhard (6-1, 265). Carter Putz returns at quarterback. He earned honorable mention all-state honors last year as a sophomore.

See the MaxPreps national football videos page

3. Mill Valley (Shawnee)
Head coach: Joel Applebee
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

The Class 5A state champions were undefeated in-state last year, losing only to Staley (Mo.) in nonleague play. Mill Valley has won four straight Kaw Valley league titles and averaged 43 points per game last season. The team was senior-dominated last year, but several honorable mention all-state players return, including defensive back Joel Donn and offensive lineman Keegan Zars.

See the MaxPreps Kansas football photos page

4. Derby
Head coach: Brandon Clark
2015 record: 12-1
Team preview

Derby captured the Class 6A state title last year, knocking off Blue Valley in the title game, 27-14. The championship marked the second time in three seasons that the Panthers had won the state crown. Derby has one of the state's top wide receiver recruits in Kenyon Tabor. He earned honorable mention all-state status last year along with receiver Kai Lemons and junior offensive lineman Evan Clark.

See the MaxPreps Kansas high school football playoff brackets

5. Rossville
Head coach: Derick Hammes
2015 record: 14-0
Team preview

The Bulldogs have won 28 games in a row to rank as one of the longest active winning streaks in the nation. Rossville has won back-to-back Class 3A state championships and is the favorite again in the division. The offense loses all-state quarterback Tucker Horak to graduation. He led an offense that averaged 53 points per game. However all-state honorable mention players Cole Schumacher (wide receiver), and Dawson Hammes (running back) both return.