MaxPreps 2013 Alaska preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Alaska Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Service (Anchorage)
2012 finish: 9-2
Head coach: Kevin Kern
Team preview

Kevin Kern takes over the reins for the Cougars, and will be in his first year as head coach. Service is coming off a disappointing loss in the state championship to South, but what it does have coming into this season is arguably the top prospect in the state in do-it-all athlete C.J. Toomer. He officially takes over the offensive unit after taking reps at just about every position and splitting time with All-State senior Viliamu Aukusitino last season. Toomer is coming off an impressive junior season and will look to carry the offense and lead his team back to the state championship in his senior campaign. He has the ability to make plays through the air and with his feet and could cause problems for defensive units. Targets for Toomer will be unproven, but between Nashon Fromm and Kekoa Foma'i, who moves from the offensive line to tight end, the Cougars should have some options on the offensive side of the ball. On the defensive side, the team lost some leadership but Levi Hanson, All-State nose guard Brand Ishnook and Foma'i look poised to fill the void. Hiapo McCandless led the team in sacks last season and is set to have an even better senior season. The defense will lose some experience but looks to have players ready to step in and contribute. If the new senior class can build on last year's success, Service could be the team to beat in Alaska this season.

See the Top 15 Alaska football dynasties

2. West (Anchorage)
2012 finish: 6-4
Head coach: Tim Davis
Team preview

West saw its season end in a tough loss to Service last season in the state semifinals, and the Eagles are looking for revenge this year. Losing Conor Feckley (who was arguably Alaska's top quarterback last year) is not going to be easy to overcome. Junior Sam Wedin got to learn the ropes last season and should be poised to lead the way. Two-way standout Leroy Elliot (Feckley's top target last season) returns and should take some of the pressure off Wedin. Between the likes of Chris Feero, Zach Christy and Tevita Fehoko, line play on both sides of the ball will be the strong point for the Eagles. Dave Tuilimu should give a nice punch on the edge to complement the stout defensive line. The Eagles will lack offensive experience, but the ceiling is high and they have the ability to be Alaska's best team this season. Coach Davis is aiming for the state championship and he's got the likes to get there.

See which Alaska teams have the most wins since 2008

3. South (Anchorage)
2012 finish: 9-2
Head coach: John Lewis
Team preview

The Wolverines come in to this season with visions of a repeat on their mind after defeating Service in the state championship game last season. The large chunk of production came from the senior class in that run, so experience will be down on both sides of the ball for Lewis and his team. Alec Valdez will take over the reins at quarterback for South this year. Juniors Nicholas Settle and Jacob Hoover are coming off nice sophomore seasons and could be a nice combination in the backfield for the Wolverines. Roman Stephan steps in as the go-to guy on the outside for Valdez. With Eyob Imlach returning, the kicking game looks like it could be one of the better ones in the state. South loses a lot of experience on the defensive side of the ball. With its top three tacklers from last season having graduated, South will look for Valdez to anchor the defensive unit as well from the secondary. John Widmar will provide size for the line on both sides of the ball and junior Jared Hudson has all the means to build on a successful sophomore campaign in which he was second on the team in sacks with 6.5. Inexperience could be the biggest issue for South this season.

See last season's Alaska football playoff brackets

4. Palmer
2012 finish: 9-1
Head coach: Rod Christiansen
Team preview

Palmer is coming off a bittersweet season. For coach Christiansen and the Moose, it was their best season in five years. They notched a 9-1 record with their only loss coming to eventual state champion South in the state semifinals. But there is plenty of good news for Christiansen. He gets All-State running back James Nisbett back, who was the catalyst for the offense last season. Nisbett is coming off a huge junior season, and is poised for an even bigger final go around. Losing their top two receivers to graduation will not be an easy replacement, but the Moose have some young talent and this could be their time to shine. The offensive line will have some new faces, but returning Nick Benshetier is a plus, as he will likely be the workhorse for Nisbett to follow. The Aumavae brothers will give Christiansen some leadership on the defensive side of the ball with Vincent Aumavae roaming the secondary and Benjamin Aumavae leading the linebackers. If the Moose can get solid play from the quarterback position and the offensive line fills the holes left, the Moose could have themselves another very nice season.

See last season's final Alaska football rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

5. Juneau-Douglas (Juneau)
2012 finish: 4-5
Head coach: Rich Sjoroos
Team preview

Last year was what coach Sjoroos would consider a down season for the Crimson Bears, who watched their season come to an end with a first-round loss to Service in the state playoffs. Junior quarterback Dorian Isaak, who saw some varsity action last season due to injury, will take the lead at quarterback. Along with Isaak, All-State return specialist Demetrius Campos will likely line up in the backfield and be the sparkplug for the offensive unit. It looks like his brother Dartanan Campos and Kris Hill will provide Isaak with some options out wide. Nick Tragis will likely anchor the offensive line, as well as see some snaps on the defensive line as well. Defense could turn out to be the biggest question mark for coach Sjoroos.

See last season's Alaska All-Conference football teams