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

Video: Oscar Smith quarterback Shon Mitchell
Mitchell is back to lead Virginia's No. 1 team heading into the 2016 season


1. Oscar Smith (Chesapeake)
Head coach: Rich Morgan
2015 record: 13-1
Team preview

The Tigers had another stellar season in 2015 but this one ended with a loss, 49-42 in three overtimes to Westfield in the 6A state final. One of the most successful programs in the country, Oscar Smith has won at least 10 games every season since 2004. During that time it has gone 153-16.

Oscar Smith returns some outstanding players from last year, including strong safety and receiver Khalik Perry, quarterback Shon Mitchell and receiver Larry Chapel. In the state title loss, Perry had an 89-yard fumble return for a score, Mitchell threw for 369 yards and Chapel caught eight passes for 205 yards. The Tigers return nine starters on defense.

The Tigers opens the season at home against the nation's No. 19 team DeMatha (Hyattsville, Md.) on Aug. 26.

See last season's Virginia computer rankings presented by the Army National Guard

2. Woodberry Forest
Head coach: Clint Alexander
2015 record: 8-2-1
Team preview

The Tigers return one of the most lethal passing combinations in the state, with quarterback Lindell Stone (3,494 passing yards, 39 touchdowns) and receiver Terrell Jana (62 catches, 1,034 yards, 13 touchdowns). Junior running back Jameel Wilson should do the bulk of the rushing and the defense is led by Joseph Stephenson, who led the team with 146 tackles last season.

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3. Westfield (Chantilly)
Head coach: Kyle Simmons
2015 record: 14-1
Team preview

The Bulldogs won their first state title since 2007 with their wild win over Oscar Smith. Westfield has won 61 games over the last five seasons. Rehman Johnson is back at quarterback for the Bulldogs after rushing for 110 yards and three touchdowns in the title game and was aided by another returner, 6-3, 315-pound guard JeanMarc Tsetou.

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4. Highland Springs
Head coach: Loren Johnson
2015 record: 14-1
Team preview The Springers finished off their first state title since 1981 with a 27-7 5A win over Stone Bridge, as the defense took charge. Among the returning players to watch are running back Shavon Harkless, all-around athlete Malik Johnson, quarterback Juwan Carter and defensive end Tavien Blackwell. 

See the MaxPreps Virginia high school football playoff brackets

5. Salem
Head coach: Steve Magenbauer
2015 record: 14-0
Team preview

The Spartans outscored opponents 577-154 last year, including a thrilling 17-14 double-overtime win over Lake Taylor in the 4A final. It was the school's seventh state football title, but first in 10 years. A 27-yard field goal by then sophomore Nate Craft was the game winner.

Craft is back, as is starting quarterback Noah Beckley, who accounted for 103 yards in the title game. Among other key returning players are receivers Joseph Quinn, Viante Tucker and Nick Wade, along with cornerback Luke Owen. All are from the Class of 2018.