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

Video: Matthew Lucke junior highlights
See the Hartford running back in action last season


1. Hartford (White River Junction)
Head coach: Matt Trombly
2015 record: 7-3
Team preview

The 2016 season may be a return to the top for Hartford, which won five state championships between 2007 and 2012. The Hurricanes return eight starters on offense and nine on defense from a team that went 7-3 overall last year. The running game should be a strength with starting running back Brett MacLaren returning along with offensive lineman Matthew Lucke (6-foot, 200 pounds). On defense, junio Tyler Hamilton and second team all-state defensive lineman Bailey Nott are the top returning players.

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2. Middlebury
Head coach: Pete Brakeley
2015 record: 10-1
Team preview

Winners of the Division I state championship in 2014 and 2013, the Tigers have posted a 101-33 record over the past 13 seasons. Middlebury finished behind Rutland in Division I last year, suffering its only loss in the championship game. Andrew Gleason, an honorable mention all-state defensive back, is the top returning player for the Tigers.

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3. Rutland
Head coach: Mike Norman
2015 record: 10-1
Team preview The Raiders won their first state title in 10 years last season when they defeated Middlebury for the Division 1 championship. Rutland had a senior-dominated team in 2015, but several outstanding players return, including all-state linebacker Max Pockette, who had 100 tackles last year. Also back is two-way lineman Austin O'Gorman (6-2, 180), who also earned all-state honors. Jimmy Mee, a second team all-state pick, returns at defensive back.

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4. Burr & Burton (Manchester)
Head coach: Jason Thomas
2015 record: 11-0
Team preview

The Bulldogs have the top offensive weapon in the state in all-state quarterback Griffin Stalcup, who threw for 2,562 yards and 36 touchdowns while helping Burr & Burton average 47 points per game on offense. Also returning for the Division 2 state champions is all-state defensive back Carter Vickers. He's joined by fellow defensive back Jay McCoy, who was second team all-state as a sophomore last year.

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5. Otter Valley (Brandon)
Head coach: James Hill
2015 record: 11-0
Team preview

The defending Division III state champions lose the bulk of last year's team that went undefeated. Otter Valley had a monster season on offense, averaging 52 points per game with a high total of 77 points in a win over Spaulding. William Ross, an honorable mention all-state defensive back, is the top returning player for the Otters.