MaxPreps 2014 North Carolina preseason high school football Fab 5

1. Mallard Creek (Charlotte)
2013 finish: 16-0; 4AA state champion
Head coach: Michael Palmieri
Since it first fielded a varsity team in 2007, Mallard Creek's run has been nothing short of spectacular. Michael Palmieri has guided the program to a point where it is now arguably the top program in the state. Last year's squad was one of the top teams in area history. It loses plenty, but returns junior quarterback James Smith, who took over mid-season after an injury to Emiere Scaife.

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2. Butler (Matthews)
2013 finish: 11-5
Head coach: Brian Hales

Anthony Ratliff should be one of the state's top quarterbacks this season. He'll have a familiar target to throw to in Charlotte-commit Alex Barrow. Benjamin LeMay, the last in a trip of brothers to play for Butler, should have a big junior campaign. Eight starters return on defense.

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3. Scotland (Laurinburg)
2013 finish: 15-1
Head coach: Richard Bailey

Following a 15-1 season and with numerous key pieces returning, Scotland was poised to make a run as the state's top team in 2014. Recently, however, tragedy struck the team, as star quarterback and Georgia Tech commit Jaylend Ratliffe was injured in an ATV accident. Richard Bailey will certainly have his team ready to play, but it will be difficult for the team to focus on football with its leader and star player hospitalized. Dashaun Ferguson, last year's JV quarterback, is the leading contender to take over behind center.

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4. Havelock
2013 finish: 16-0; 3A state champion
Head coach: Jim Bob Bryant

Havelock is operating on a whole other level right now in the state of North Carolina, as the program has lost just once in the last three seasons. With senior quarterback Travis Sabdo back on offense and blue-chip linebacker Keion Joyner back on defense, Havelock may run the table for the third time in four years.

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5. East Forsyth (Kernersville)
2013 finish: 10-3
Head coach: Todd Willert

Karson Sharpe, a 2,600-yard passer last year, is back, as are three of his top targets. Linebacker Gabe Price, the team's leader in tackles last season (139), is back on the opposite side of the ball.