MaxPreps 2017 Alaska preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Brenner Furlong's highlights vs. Kodiak High School
See the Soldotna star in action last season.


1. Soldotna
2016 record: 10-0
Head coach: Galen Brantley, Jr.

The Stars come into 2017 as state champions with a 49-game win streak. They open the year at West and look to start with two experienced quarterbacks in sophomore quarterback Jersey Truesdell, who guided Soldotna in the medium school playoff run after rising senior Brandon Crowder was injured.

Brenner Furlong returns for his senior year after he churned out 269 yards rushing and five scores in the Stars' 40-19 title victory.

Soldotna no doubt has its eyes set on a 10th state crown.

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2. West (Anchorage)
2016 record: 7-4
Head coach: Tim Davis

The large-school runner-up returns loaded, but must face Soldotna in the season opener – a daunting task.
Quarterback Qyntyn Pilcher returns for his senior season after throwing for 20 touchdowns and 1,908 yards on 137-of-262 passing.

Pilcher's top target, T.D. Taylor, is gone and so is his 949 yards receiving and 15 scores. But AJ Suesue is back for his senior year after grabbing 327 yards receiving and five touchdowns.

The Eagles will have to find a way to replace graduated seniors Justin Tovio (747 yards rushing and six TDs) and Lazono Matrin (339 yards rushing and six TDs).

The offensive and defensive lines should be anchored by 6-5, 275 rising sophomore Caadyn Stephen.

See the MaxPreps Alaska football stat leaders

3. East (Anchorage)
2016 record: 9-2
Head coach: Jeff Trotter The Thunderbirds will have to replace a lot of senior leadership from last season's championship squad.

Allan Ala is a rising senior back who ran for 131 yards and one score while backing up a trio or seniors last season. He will be looked upon to fill the more than 1,600 yards vacated by Joshua Malnoske, Johnny Afuvai and Sam Logoleo.

Ala led East in tackles last season with 119 at the middle linebacker spot. Rising senior Armond Eppenger added 59 tackles for the Thunderbirds.

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4. Bartlett (Anchorage)
2016 record: 8-2
Head coach: Daniel Esparza and John Jessen

The Golden Bears lose quarterback Aaron Egoak, but have incoming senior running back Jontay Edwards returning to shoulder the load. The 5-9, 210-pound tailback ran for 1,196 yards and 15 touchdowns and will look to exact revenge for Bartlett's semifinal playoff last season.

Zai Malia-Hughes was second on the team last season with 137 yards receiving and a TD, but might bounce into the quarterback role for Bartlett. Rising junior Hunter Cargill had 318 yards rushing and two scores as a sophomore.

Linebacker Herman Grey and defensive end JB Mata are the returning tackle leaders with 39 and 38, respectively.

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5. Eielson (Eielson AFB)
2016 record: 9-1
Head coach: David DeVaughn

The small division state champs return senior quarterback Jeramiah Brown, along with a slew of backs in sophomores Carson Weiers, Mason Price, juniors Jiro Dobashi-Noa and Jaydenn Manibusan, and senior Jack Winkler.

Junior wideout and free safety Matthew Scarboro is a nice 6-foot-2 target for Brown, who will be protected by a cadre of linemen including Cody Benjamin, Ryan Armour, Evan Gaiss, Travis Moore, Regan Able and Scott Fry.