MaxPreps 2017 CIF San Diego Section preseason high school football Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Jeffrey Jackson junior year highlights
See the Bishop's quarterback in action last season.


1. Helix (La Mesa)
2016 record: 10-3
Head coach: Robbie Owens

The Highlanders return 13 starters off last year's squad that won by an average margin of 19.5 points per game. Not only does Owens return an experienced group, but the JV team last season went 8-1-1.

Leading the way for Helix is senior receiver/defensive back Isaac Taylor-Stuart (6-foot-2, 195 pounds), ranked the 28th top senior in the country by 247Sports. He's got a staggering 50 college offers, including from Alabama, Michigan, Nebraska, Ohio State and USC.

Other top prospects are senior receiver/defensive back Rashad Scott (6-2, 190) and senior quarterback Carson Baker (6-3, 190), who should get plenty of protection by four returning offensive linemen.

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2. Cathedral Catholic (San Diego)
2016 record: 15-0, state D1-AA champions
Head coach: Sean Doyle
The Dons return just six starters from last season's historic team, but with a 10-0 junior varsity squad, Doyle still has plenty of talent to choose from.

The team's top returners are 5-9, 190-pound junior running back Shawn Poma, junior linebacker Miles Mccormick (6-2, 225) and senior linebacker Chris Calhoune (6-0, 205).

The team is largely inexperienced at the varsity level, but Cathedral Catholic is projected to finish 8-2 and to win its league.

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3. St. Augustine (San Diego)
2016 record: 10-3
Head coach: Richard Sanchez

The Saints return 14 starters — eight on defense — including senior linebacker/tight end Andrew Alves (6-1, 220). The team's offense will be led by senior quarterback/receiver J.R. Justice (6-3, 185). He was the team's leading receiver last year with 46 catches for 932 yards and 12 touchdowns last season.

Defense is the team's strength while lack of experience at the skill spots might take some time to develop.

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4. Bishop's (La Jolla)
2016 record: 14-1
Head coach: Joel Allen

The Knights return one of the section's most dynamic players in Jeffrey Jackson, who completed 264 of 404 passes last year for 4,056 yards, 46 touchdowns and just five interceptions. Jackson also rushed for 506 yards and nine more scores as Bishop's won the Southern California 3-A title before losing to Oakdale 47-0 in the finals.

The Knights also return Jacob Jackson (78 catches, 1,359 yards, 13 touchdowns) and Mozes Mooney (69-1,081-17) for Allen's prolific squad that piled up 663 points in 2016.

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5. Torrey Pines (San Diego)
2016 record: 8-3
Head coach: Ron Gladnick

The Falcons return 11 starters — six on offense — and with the addition of a lot of talent from an 8-2 JV team, they could make a state title run.

Leading the way is senior linebacker and tight end Louie Bicket (6-4, 205), along with senior two-way lineman Michael Perrone (6-3, 255) and senior running back and receiver Sully O'Brien (5-11, 175).

Gladnick's team is loaded with experience on the line, but lacks experience on the defensive side.