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

Video: 2017 Early Contenders — No. 2 Bishop Gorman
See Zack Poff break down the Bishop Gorman Gaels, the No. 2 team in our Top 25 Early Contenders.


1. Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)
2016 record: 15-0
Head coach: Kenny Sanchez

The Las Vegas power enters 2017 with the second-longest active high school football winning streak at 54. The Gaels have won eight consecutive state titles and have a chance to run the table again in 2017. Dorian Thompson-Robinson replaces Tate Martell at quarterback and is the No. 3 rated dual-threat quarterback in the 2018 class despite never making a start in his career.

On defense, 5-star USC commit Palaie Gaoteote should lead the way for one of the top defenses in the country.
See the MaxPreps Nevada Football Computer Rankingw presented by the Army National Guard

2. Liberty (Henderson)
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Richard Muraco

Last season, Liberty showed there is more than just Bishop Gorman when it comes to football in Nevada. They rolled into Texas and beat Westlake (Austin) last September.

They finished 12-2 with the only two losses coming to Southern California power Centennial and Bishop Gorman in the class 4A state championship game.

Kenyon Oblad returns for his senior season after throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 38 touchdowns last season.

See the MaxPreps Nevada football stat leaders

3. Arbor View (Las Vegas)
2016 record: 10-2
Head coach: Dan Barnson

Deago Stubbs returns at running back for his senior season after racking up 783 yards and five touchdowns, as is rising senior Jaquari Hannie (722 yards and eight TDs).

The Aggies must replace Hayden Bollinger at quarterback after he threw for 1,310 yards and 21 scores, but Dillon Cowan looks to step into that role.

Arbor View is stout up front with Zach Elefante anchoring the offensive line and making a nice defensive end bookend with Elijah Wade. Isaiah Herron at corner makes up for the loss of Mike Sims at the same spot.

See the MaxPreps Nevada football playoff brackets

4. Reed (Sparks)
2016 record: 11-2
Head coach: Tony Amantia

The Raiders head into 2017 with Cameron Emerson returning for his senior season at quarterback after nearly throwing for 2,500 yards and 30-plus scores in his junior campaign. Reed must find a way to replace Tre Bussey's 1,635 yards and 27 TDs at running back, but rising senior Josiah Schmidt looks to be capable after gaining nearly 800 yards and 10 scores last season. Emerson also ran for 744 yards and 12 TDs in addition to the yardage in the air.

Charles Tuavao should anchor the defensive line at nose guard, while Eric Schmitz Moran recorded 75 tackles last season at end and outside linebacker Matt Johnson is back after an 85-tackle junior year.

Tony Amantia takes over as head coach for Ernie Howren, who moved over to Bishop Maogue.

See the MaxPreps Nevada football photo galleries

5. Damonte Ranch (Reno)
2016 record: 12-2
Head coach: Shawn Dupris

Quarterback Cade McNamara returns for his junior year after the Notre Dame commit threw for an eye-popping 3,577 yards and 46 touchdowns as a sophomore.

The Mustangs must replace Cameron Sandoval's 1,440 yards at running back, but McNamara has senior Dru Jacobs at wideout returning 53 receptions for 1,107 yards and 12 TDs last season.

Linebackers Hunter Brooks and Richie Garcia return for their senior seasons after tallying 155 and 157 tackles, respectively.