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

Video: Recap - Omaha North vs. Bellevue West 2016
See two of Nebraska's best do battle last season.


1. Omaha North
2016 record: 12-1
Head coach: Larry Martin

Martin's Viking program has really taken off over the past five seasons, making the postseason every year since 2012 and posting a 16-3 postseason record during that time. Last year's Class A runner-up is ready to take the next step once again.

The Vikings did lose a lot of top end experience a year ago, as Martin brings back just three starters on both sides of the ball. However, several of those regulars have either garnered first team All-State status, or should be in strong contention at season's end. The Vikings bring back one of the state's top offensive backfields with the return of running backs senior Milton Sargbah (1,807 yards rushing and 23 TDs) and junior Zander Gray (1,469 yards and 20 scores).

Senior Alex Williford (5-11, 260) returns to his nose guard position after posting 52 tackles, 18.5 of which were for losses, and 4.5 sacks. Returning Omaha World Herald All-Metro senior defenders Syriuz Pittman (116 tackles, nine of which were for losses) and Vernon Johnson (30 tackles, six interceptions and eight passes defensed) will lead the linebackers and secondary, respectively.

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2. Bellevue West
2016 record: 13-0
Head coach: Michael Huffman

The Thunderbirds broke through last fall and won the first state football championship in school history. Now the target is on their backs. But don't feel sorry for Huffman's program - plenty of talent remains in the fold. Five starters on both sides of the ball return, including senior quarterback Joe Dolincheck (6-1, 200), who threw for 2,806 yards and 25 touchdowns in 2016. Dolincheck added 185 yards rushing and three more scores.

Seniors AJ Forbes (6-3, 280) and Ty Reynolds(6-4, 240) return to clear room for Dolincheck and junior Justin Chaney (5-7, 179) and sophomore Jevyon Ducker (5-9, 178), who are expected to fill in for departed All-State running back Jaylin Bradley. Senior Cedric Johnson (6-2, 175) and sophomore Zavier Betts (6-2, 172) return to play catch with Dolincheck. Forbes will return to the defensive line, but won't see as much playing time there in hopes of keeping him fresh for offense. Senior Dominic Chlupacek (6-3, 290) joins Forbes up front on the stop side of the ball, while seniors Malec Roum (6-1, 185) and Matt Koenigsman (5-10, 180) return at outside linebacker. Junior Justin Kildow (6-0, 180) headlines the secondary.
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3. Elkhorn South (Omaha)
2016 record: 13-0
Head coach: Guy Rosenberg

Elkhorn South's years in varsity football might be young, but the Storm have accomplished a lot during that time. After going 0-9 in 2010, Elkhorn South has been to the postseason six straight years and has posted a 9-4 playoff record. Rosenberg's program has won the last two Class B state football championships with 13-0 records.

More of the same is expected out of Elkhorn South in 2017. Rosenberg did lose some weapons, including All-State quarterback Braden Wright. But the Storm are locked and loaded once again with the return of three-time All-State running back Moses Bryant (5-11, 190), who now has 4,055 yards and 71 touchdowns running the football on 508 carries in his career. With the help of his teammates, Bryant has put together 18 100-yard games with another season left.

Seniors Cade Pilkington (5-11, 175) and Mick Williams (6-1, 165) return to play catch with whoever is selected as the Storm signal caller in 2017. Bryant and Pilkington are the only two-way starters returning for Rosenberg and they will head up a strong secondary along with senior Ben Friemel (5-10, 175). Seniors Carson Pilkington (6-0, 220) and Jared Jennings (5-11, 220) are back to lead Elkhorn South's defense at linebacker.

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4. Burke (Omaha)
2016 record: 8-3
Head coach: Paul Limongi

The Bulldogs have only missed the playoffs once since 2010 and played their way into the Class A quarterfinals a year ago before falling to Lincoln East 27-24. The great news for Burke fans is that seven offensive starters and five on defense return in 2017 to make another Bulldog run.

Pulling the trigger once again for Limongi on offense is junior quarterback Tyler Chadwick, who threw for 2,105 yards and 25 scores a year ago. He will play catch with junior tight end Chris Hickman (6-5, 195), senior Colton Abramo (5-10, 170) and junior Creighton Kimnach (6-0, 185).

Junior Nick Henrich (6-4, 200) returns to his linebacker position where he posted 58 tackles, including 16 tackles for losses and 5.5 sacks. Senior Bobby Murray (5-10, 170) returns to inside linebacker, while junior Dylan Sales (5-11, 205) anchors Limongi's defensive line.

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5. Millard North (Omaha)
2016 record: 9-2
Head coach: Fred Petito

Sporting one of the top offensive backfields in all of Nebraska high school football, Petito eyes another run toward the top of Nebraska's largest classification with the Mustangs in 2017. Millard North has played in eight state finals since 2002, winning championships in 2003, 2005, 2010, 2012 and 2015.

The return of senior dual threat signal caller Cade Elwood (6-0, 180) has Mustang Nation smiling once again after the senior threw for 1,278 yards and 17 touchdowns and rushed for another 786 yards and 10 more scores. Senior running back Noah Mick (6-0, 190) will add even more misery to opposing defenses after he ran for 1,405 yards and 16 touchdowns a year ago.

Senior Brandon Eastlack (6-3, 260) is set to run interference for Mustang ball carriers, while Mick and junior Jackson Creek (6-2, 240) will anchor the defensive line. Senior Thomas Kopcho (5-9, 170) is going to once again handle the kicking duties.