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

Video: Houston Griffith's highlights vs. Brother Rice High School
See the Mt. Carmel quarterback in action last season.


1. Homewood-Flossmoor
Coach: Craig Buzea
2014 finish: 11-3
Team preview

Homewood-Flossmoor is a trendy pick in Illinois' Class 8A, and with good reason. It finished as a close runner-up to Stevenson in the bracket last year, and returns several key contributors. The team's leading passer, top two rushers and No. 1 receiver are all back for 2015. Leading the way up front is three-star guard Desmond Bland. There are some holes on defense, but this senior class has been much-ballyhooed and could bring a state title to Flossmoor.

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

2. Chicago Mt. Carmel
Coach: Frank Lenti
2014 finish: 8-5
Team preview

Last season ended for Mount Carmel by running into the buzzsaw that was Providence. But this year's squad is only two years removed from the 2013 team that trounced Lake Zurich to claim the Class 7A title. Anthony Thompson returns at quarterback, while running backs A.J. Ries and A.J. Lewis are also back. Demetrius Lewis, a 6-foot-4 tight end, is yet another weapon. Sophomore Houston Griffith, who already holds several big scholarship offers, has the makings of the school's next blue-chip recruit, and could help Mount Carmel capture its 13th state title.

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3. Glenbard West (Glen Ellyn)
Coach: Chad Hetlet
2014 finish: 12-1
Team preview

How consistent has Glenbard West been? It has lost just four games in the last four seasons. New quarterback Brian Cochrane will be greeted by plenty of experienced skill players, most notably Vanderbilt commit Sam Brodner. Defensively, Glenbard West will need to replace eight starters, but it brings back linebackers Nico Gagliano and Ross Andreasik.

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4. Bolingbrook
Coach: John Ivlow
2014 finish: 8-4
Team preview

Bolingbrook captured a state title in 2011, but has fallen short each of the past three seasons. A strong junior class and some impressive senior leaders will help Bolingbrook stay in the thick of the title hunt in Class 8A this fall. Junior quarterback Joseph Coates could enjoy a breakout season in his first year starting. Six-foot-5 defensive tackle Izayah Green-May, a fellow 2017 recruit, also has major breakout potential. Ohio State commit Tuf Borland, entering his fourth year as a starter, is dynamite at linebacker.

See last season's Illinois football computer rankings

5. Edwardsville
Coach: Matt Martin
2014 finish: 9-2
Team preview

It was clear that Edwardsville was for real in 2014 when it raced to a 21-0 lead over Loyola before eventually enduring a heartbreaking overtime loss. The program will look to take more steps forward in 2015. It features a fierce front seven that includes five-star junior A.J. Epenesa, junior linebacker Cyress Ahart and senior defensive end Desmond Chapple. Junior Kaden McCann, who played as a sophomore, will see a larger workload. An October showdown with East St. Louis will be a big test.