MaxPreps 2015 Pennsylvania preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Damar Hamlin's highlights vs. North Hills
See the Central Catholic star in action last season.


1. Central Catholic (Pittsburgh)
Coach: Terry Totten
2014 finish: 11-2
Team preview

Central Catholic, the alma mater of Dan Marino and Marc Bulger, last won a state title in 2007. It lost narrowly in the finals to St. Joseph's Prep in 2013. This fall has the makings of the Vikings' return to glory, as senior safety Damar Hamlin leads one of the school's most impressive senior classes in years. The team's defense was young last season, and has the potential to be downright nasty this fall.

See the Top 11 teams with the most all-time Pennsylvania state titles

2. Archbishop Wood (Warminster)
Coach: Steve Devlin
2014 finish: 14-1; Class AAA state champion
Team preview

Since the Philadelphia Catholic League joined the PIAA in 2009, Philadelphia Catholic schools have performed rather well. No one has made more of a mark than Archbishop Wood, which has captured state titles in 2011, 2013 and 2014. A half-dozen starters returning on each side of the ball means that Archbishop Wood will likely be playing deep into December once again. Rutgers-bound quarterback Anthony Russo enjoyed a huge summer and could have a monstrous senior year.

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3. St. Joseph's Prep (Philadelphia)
Coach: Gabe Infante
2014 finish: 11-3; Class AAAA state champion
Team preview

St. Joseph's Prep's now-departed senior class leaves major shoes to fill, but this program has amassed enough talent to not fall off much. Kevin Shaw will likely take over at quarterback. Benny Walls and Darryle Simmons, both receivers, and highly touted running back De'Andre Swift will assume larger roles in the offense. With games against Don Bosco Prep and St. Ignatius to open the season, St. Joseph's Prep will be battle-tested before it begins its in-state schedule.

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4. Imhotep Charter (Philadelphia)
Coach: Al Crosby
2014 finish: 11-2
Team preview

Imhotep has quickly emerged as one of the area's top programs. It is certainly among the most talented. This year's squad boasts four-star recruits Naseir Upshur and Johncarlo Valentin, as well as Tyliek Raynor, a three-star running back who has pledged to Arizona. The range of outcomes for Imhotep's season includes finishing as the state's top team and among the nation's best.

See last season's Pennsylvania football computer rankings

5. Central Dauphin (Harrisburg)
Coach: Glen Mcnamee
2014 finish: 11-3
Team preview

Central Dauphin captured a AAAA state title in 2011 and could be back in the winner's circle in 2015. Quarterback David Payton III provides continuity at a key position, as does fellow returner Raleigh Sirb. The defense returns most of its key players, including sensational sophomore Micah Parsons, who amassed 121 tackles as a ninth-grader and was a MaxPreps Freshman All-American.