MaxPreps 2013 Vermont preseason football Fab 5

Three teams that went undefeated in 2012 are back again, looking for another outstanding season.

Thumbnail image of this articles writer: Kevin Askeland
By
Aug 16, 2013, 12:00am
MaxPreps 2013 Vermont Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard
Graphic by Ryan Escobar
1. Hartford (White River Junction)
2012 Finish: 11-0
Head coach: Michael Stone
Team preview

The Hurricanes have been unstoppable the past three seasons, racking up 26 straight wins and winning three consecutive Division I state championships. Hartford loses state MVP Michael Dulac (DL) to graduation, but all-state defensive lineman Patrick McGrath is like the heir apparent to Dulac as the stopper on defense. The offense will have to find a replacement for 1,400-yard rusher Josh Claflin, but quarterback Greg Shinn returns along with lineman Willy Todt.

See the Top 15 Vermont football dynasties

2. Rice Memorial (South Burlington)
2012 Finish: 11-0
Head coach: Neil Brodeur
Team preview

The Green Knights had won a pair of state Division II championships over the past two seasons, including an 11-0 finish last year when they beat Bellows Falls, 23-14, for the title. The Rice defense was stingy last season, giving up just under seven points a game with five shutouts. Rice returns a trio of all-conference players in tight end/kicker Matt Maynard, junior lineman John Boardman and receiver Tommy Fitzgerald.

See last season's Vermont football stat leaders

3. Middlebury
2012 Finish: 6-4
Head coach: Pete Brakeley
Team preview

The Tigers appear to be stacked and ready for a run at the Division I title. Sam Smith returns for Middlebury after earning all-state honors last year and he's joined by a number of returning all-conference players, including running backs Nick Felkl and Michell Clarke, tight ends Sam Usilton and Josh Stearns, fullback Jakob Trautwein and lineman Sam Messenger.

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

4. Essex (Essex Junction)
2012 Finish: 7-3
Head coach: Charlie Burnett
Team preview

The Hornets had a solid season last year, finishing in third place in the division with a 6-2 record. However Essex had a senior-dominated crew last year, led by graduated quarterback Joey Picard. The lone returning all-league player for the Hornets is Cody Greene, a junior receiver. Essex last won a state championship in 2009.

See last season's Vermont All-League football teams

5. Woodstock
2012 Finish: 11-0
Head coach: Jim McLaughlin Jr.
Team preview

The Wasps won the Division III championship last year, scoring 40 more points per game than their opponents. Woodstock has the second-longest win streak in Vermont, behind Hartford, with 20 straight. Woodstock has won two straight state titles and five in the past 10 years. The Wasps should be able to keep that streak alive thanks to return of all-conference picks Jesse Davis (TE), Tom Bauman (RB) and Tyler Anstruther (WR).

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