MaxPreps 2013 Missouri preseason football Fab 5

MaxPreps 2013 Missouri Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard 1. Blue Springs
Head coach: Kelly Donohoe
2012 finish: 13-1; Class 6 state champion
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The defending Class 6 state champions return three all-state selections from a year ago, led by running back Dalvin Warmack, who is committed to Kansas State. He rushed for a stunning 2,475 yards and 41 touchdowns a year ago. Teammate Elijah Lee, who was an all-state pick at defensive end, is also a future Wildcat. Receiver Darrius Shepherd will look to build on a 1,000-yard, 10-touchdown season as a junior. Blue Springs will be tested immediately by Lee’s Summit West in its opener.

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2. Rockhurst (Kansas City)
Head coach: Tony Severino
2012 finish: 10-3
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Ten starters are back for head coach Tony Severino, who enters his 31st season at the helm for the Kansas City Jesuit high school. In 2013, Rockhurst will once again be in the mix for a state title in Missouri’s largest classification. Dynamic quarterback Ahmad Tyler is back behind center for the Hawklets. The offensive line should be very solid, as it features 6-foot-4 tight end Jayke Simsheuser and junior tackle Jackson Jenkins. This team opens with a challenging schedule: a road game against East St. Louis, a game with Arkansas power Bentonville and a rematch with Blue Springs. A 3-0 start would be extremely impressive.

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3. Lee's Summit West
Head coach: Royce Boehm
2012 finish: 11-1
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After falling short of a state title last year, Lee’s Summit West brings back an impressive roster that should leave it poised to be playing late into November. Thomas Ganaden, the team’s 6-5 quarterback, will once again look for gifted receiver Monte Harrison, who is committed to play for Nebraska and was the conference offensive player of the year last fall. Offensive lineman Kevin Pendleton and defensive back Logan Cheadle are both committed to Missouri. Linebacker Zach Rasmussen will be a difference maker on defense.

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4. Kirkwood
Head coach: Matt Irvin
2012 finish: 13-0; Class 5 state champion
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In just his third season as head coach, Matt Irvin led Kirkwood to its finest season in program history, as the Pioneers finished 13-0 and captured a Class 5 state title. The team needs to replace its key playmakers on offense, but Blake Goddard, who was one of the team’s top linebackers last year, should fit the bill. Linebacker Jordan Brown will hold down the unit this fall. Still, 2013 will be a test to see if Irvin’s 2012 squad was a tremendous team, or if it laid the foundation for a perennial title-contending program.

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5. Webb City
Head coach: John Roderique
2012 finish: 15-0; Class 4 state title
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Despite only being a Class 4 program, Webb City has proven itself to be among the state’s top teams each year. The Cardinals were a senior-dominated team in 2012. However, a program doesn’t win 45 consecutive games without bringing along young players and filling in holes. A road matchup against Har-Ber will be a huge test to the team’s string and a good indicator of how quickly its young players have or have not developed.

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