MaxPreps 2013 Wisconsin preseason football Fab 5

Then juniors and now Arrowhead seniors Nathan Kanneglesser (74) and Billy Hirschfeld (95) celebrate after winning a state title last season.

File photo by Josh Johnson

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

1. Arrowhead (Hartland)
Head coach: Greg Malling
2012 finish: 13-0; Division I champion
Team preview

In just his second season since taking over for Wisconsin coaching giant Tom Taraska, Greg Malling brought Arrowhead back to the promised land as the team cruised to a Division I state title in 2012. The 2013 Arrowhead squad will feature superb line play, highlighted by Wisconsin commits George Panos and Billy Hirschfeld on the offensive line and defensive line respectively. If this team reaches its potential, it could be one of the top teams from the Badger State in recent years.

See the Top 15 Wisconsin football dynasties

2. Homestead (Mequon)
Head coach: Dave Keel
2012 finish: 12-1; Division II champion
Team preview

Homestead captured the Division II title in dramatic fashion last fall, by snapping Waunakee’s 48-game win streak and dashing the school’s hopes of a four-peat. Though it needs to replace leaders from last year’s team like Jack Laihinen, there is enough talent back for Homestead to repeat. Vincent Wilkerson will likely take over behind center, but keep an eye on 6-3 sophomore Jack Popp, who will line up at receiver as well. Brandon Hines is back at defensive tackle. Both lines will have great size.

See all our 2012 football photo galleries from Wisconsin

3. Waunakee
Head coach: Pat Rice
2012 finish: 12-1
Team preview

After falling short for the first time in four seasons, there’s little doubt that Waunakee will be back in the state title mix in 2013. The team has reloaded in the past but will be extremely young in 2013. Troy Laufenberg, who topped 300 yards rushing in limited action as a sophomore, will play a bigger role offensively. Defensive tackle Alex Horras will power the team’s defense.

See last season's Wisconsin football playoff brackets

4. Sun Prairie
Head coach: Brian Kaminski
2012 finish: 12-1
Team preview

Sun Prairie quarterback Ryan Curran is set to become the first three-year starter in Brian Kaminski’s 10-year tenure at Sun Prairie. Last year, he led Sun Prairie to its first state title game since 1995. The team’s top defensive player also returns in defensive tackle Craig Evans. The 6-foot-3, 315-pound senior is committed to Wisconsin.

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

5. Whitefish Bay
Head coach: Jim Tietjen
2012 finish: 10-2
Team preview

Whitefish Bay lost two games by a combined eight points last season, including an overtime playoff setback to Waunakee. Defense will likely be the team’s calling card again in 2013, but it will be hard pressed to improve on a unit that allowed a mere 88 points all season. Linebacker Tyler Terveer will be the team’s leader on that side of the ball. Punter/kicker Colin Downing should be a special teams weapon.

See last season's Wisconsin All-League football teams