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

Video: DeMatha RB puts defense in spin cycle
See Miles Miree leave defenders in his wake.


1. DeMatha (Hyattsville)
2016 record: 12-0
Head coach: Elijah Brooks

The kings of the DMV area enter 2017 winners of four consecutive WCAC titles. Even after losing 5-star defensive end Chase Young and one of the most efficient quarterbacks in the country, Beau English, DeMatha will be one of the most talented teams in the country.

The Stags' biggest strength comes in the trenches, led by 4-star defensive lineman Austin Fontaine and 4-star offensive lineman Evan Gregory.

Tyler Lenhart takes over at quarterback and will be tested in the season opener as the Stags put their 17-game winning streak on the line on Aug. 25 against No. 2 Bishop Gorman.
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2. St. Frances Academy (Baltimore)
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Henry Russell

St. Frances Academy is quickly turning into one of the best teams from the DMV area. In Henry Russell's first season as head coach, the Panthers went 10-2 with the two losses coming to Paramus Catholic and IMG Academy.

The Panthers are loaded with talent, led by 4-star defensive end Eyabi Anoma, 4-star offensive lineman Jaelyn Duncan and 2020 running back prospect Osman Savage.

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3. Wise (Upper Marlboro)
2016 record: 14-0
Head coach: DaLawn Parrish

The Pumas enter 2017 riding a 28-game winning streak after winning back-to-back state titles.

Wise has the best player in the state in 4-star Florida State commit AJ Lytton, one of the best two-way players in high school football. The same goes for Demetri Morsell, an underrated gem who finished last season with a team-leading eight interceptions, was second in receiving, and was the Pumas' third-leading rusher.

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4. St. John's (Washington, D.C.)
2016 record: 8-4
Head coach: Joe Casemento

Joe Casemento has done a remarkable job since taking over as head coach in 2016.

In his first season, he led St. John's to an 8-4 record with three of those four losses coming against two Top 10 teams. The Cadets were one quarter away from snapping DeMatha's four-year run as WCAC champs, so expect them to be even hungrier in 2017.

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5. McDonogh (Owings Mills)
2016 record: 8-3
Head coach: Dominic Damico

The Eagles enter 2017 with senior quarterback DeJuan Ellis, a Virginia Tech commit, returning along with 6-foot-5, 290 pound defensive tackle PJ Mustipher, a Penn State commit.

McDonogh must replace running back Mylique McGriff and wideout Marquis Thornes.