MaxPreps 2017 Delaware preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Smyrna football highlights vs. Cape Henlopen High School
See the Eagles on their march to the 2016 state title.


1. Smyrna
2016 record: 12-0
Head coach: Michael Judy

The Eagles are the two-time reigning Division I champions and will ride their 22-game win streak into 2017.

Senior William Knight will return as one of the best running backs in the state after leading his team with 2,090 all-purpose yards and 33 touchdowns. Knight recently committed to Delaware.

Smyrna will also return its top two receivers, Emon Roberts (40 catches, 680 yards, 7 touchdowns) and Leddie Brown (20 catches, 458 yards, 7 touchdowns).

The defensive side will feature senior Hunter Moyer at defensive end (10 sacks, 72 tackles).
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2. Middletown
2016 record: 11-1
Head coach: Zach Blum

After falling short in last season's Division I championship game, the Cavaliers seek to avenge that loss with a  returning starting quarterback Drew Fry and two-way athlete Kedrick Whitehead.

Whitehead, who already holds an offer from Delaware, will be leaned on after rushing for 1,263 yards and 15 touchdowns though his first 11 games last season. Whitehead is also one of the leaders on defense and special teams for the Cavs.

Sophomore Najair Smith will also need to step up for Middletown on both the defensive and offensive sides of the ball.

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3. Cape Henlopen (Lewes)
2016 record: 7-3
Head coach: Bill Collick

After fielding a very youthful team last season, the Vikings will feel confident in 2017 as they return 15 seniors to the squad this season.

Most notably, linebacker and running back Kolbi Wright will be looked upon to lead the Vikings on the ground and at defensive end. Wright finished with 662 rushing yards and six touchdowns last year. Leading receiver, Zachary Dale (158 yards, two touchdowns) also returns.

Both Dale and Wright will also be looked upon to help in the defensive and special teams departments.

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4. Concord (Wilmington)
2016 record: 7-4
Head coach: George Kosanovich

The Raiders failed to get out of the play-in round of the Division I playoffs last season, but return perhaps the top recruit in the entire state in senior running back Grahm Roberts.

Roberts, who holds offers from Nebraska, North Carolina, and three others, is the brother of Nebraska linebacker, Avery, and Delaware defensive lineman, Grant.

5-foot-10 two-way athlete Lennox Nembhard Jr., along with Roberts, will provide the Raiders with a two-headed monster.

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5. Salesianum (Wilmington)
2016 record: 8-4
Head coach: Bill DiNardo

After being ousted by Middletown in last year's playoffs, the Sallies will seek their first state championship since 2013.

The Sallies will lean on senior quarterback Zachary Gwynn, who is both a force in the air and on the ground. Also returning is senior Nicholas Merlino, who will look to fill the void at both safety and running back.

The Sallies defense will be led by senior cornerback Jassiem Lynch.