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

Recruiting Tape - Tyler Hamilton 8:10

Video: Highlights of Hartford DB/QB Tyler Hamilton
Watch Hamilton led the Hilltoppers win their first state title in a decade.


1. Windsor
2016 record: 11-0
Head coach: Greg Balch

The Yellowjackets return 17 players from a team that scored 461 points and gave up just 87.

Balch has led Windsor to 22 wins and seven losses over three seasons. The Yellowjackets won their first state Division III title since 2009 with a 42-6 win over Otter Valley.

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2. St. Johnsbury Academy (St. Johnsbury)
2016 record: 8-3
Head coach: Richard Alercio

Alercio has guided the Hilltoppers to 26 wins against 15 losses over his four seasons. Last season St. Johnsbury outscored opponents 363-200 but lost 24-14 in the State Division I finals to Hartford.

The Hilltoppers have another strong turnout in 2017 with 62 players on their varsity roster. They open the season with a rematch of the state finals at Hartford.

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3. Hartford (White River Junction)
2016 record: 10-1
Head coach: Matt Trombly

Fourth-year coach Trombly had huge shoes to fill taking over for legendary coach Mike Stone, who led the Hurricanes to five state titles. 

Trombly worked on Stone's staff: "We have almost identical styles of coaching and our personalities are very similar," Trombly told UpperValleySports.com. "He taught me everything I know about football and coaching. I don't think there is a better coach out there."

Last year's team outscored foes 382-143 and at least half of its 36-man roster returns.

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4. Essex (Essex Junction)
2016 record: 6-3
Head coach: Charlie Burnett

The Hornets allowed just 118 points in nine games last season but dropped a tough 17-14 first-round decision to Middlebury in last year's Division I playoffs.

Burnett has guided Essex to a record of 47-30 since he took over in 2009, when it won its sixth state title and first since 1992.

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5. Burr & Burton (Manchester)
2016 record: 9-1
Head coach: Jason Thomas

The Bulldogs have some unfinished business to master after being upset in last year's state Division II title game, 20-14 by second seed by Bellows Falls, a team it beat 34-14 in the regular season.

Burr & Burton has gone 29-2 over the last three seasons under Thomas, who has guided the team to a 59-26 record since 2009.