MaxPreps 2012 Arizona Preseason Fab 5 presented by the Army National Guard

1. Brophy College Prep (Phoenix)
2011 finish: 11-1
Head coach: Scooter Molander
Team preview
It's hard not to like this year's Brophy squad. It returns Washington State-bound quarterback Tyler Bruggman along with one of the state's most dangerous offensive weapons in speedster Devon Allen. With Andrew Curtis, Robert Felf and Joe Nauert, the team's linebacking unit should be the best around. An interstate showdown with Santa Margarita (Calif.) will be one of the state's most significant games in years, insofar as a victory would be a major statement for Arizona football on the national scene. Search for Brophy College Prep players on the 2011 Arizona All-Section football teams list.

2. Centennial (Peoria)
2011 finish: 11-2
Head coach: Richard Taylor
Team preview
Last season, Centennial lost two games by a combined eight points. This fall, it has the talent to potentially go undefeated. Marcus Farria, truly a physical specimen, will star at defensive end while running back Jalen Ortiz will carry the offense. Transfer Trevon Grant threw for more than 2,300 yards last season at Phoenix North Canyon. If he performs anywhere near that level in 2012, expect to see Centennial playing for a state title. Centennial ranks No. 2 on our Arizona's Top 10 most consistent football programs list.

3. Hamilton (Chandler)
2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Steve Belles
Team preview
Once again, Hamilton will be strong in the trenches, led by junior tackle Casey Tucker, who has an early commitment in to USC. Fellow junior Qualen Cunningham, a defensive end, is also a national recruit. Defensive back Cole Luke will provide senior leadership to the defense. Quarterback Allen Thigpen could be the difference-maker for this Hamilton squad. Hamilton tops our June, 2011 list of the Top 10 Arizona football dynasties.

4. Desert Vista (Phoenix)
2011 finish: 13-1
Head coach: Dan Hinds
Team preview
The reigning Division I champion, Desert Vista certainly has holes to fill, thanks to the graduation of a whopping 36 seniors. But head coach Dan Hinds and staff have some pieces to work with, including running backs Jarek Hilgers and Kaleb Germinaro, the team's leading returning rushers. Defensive back Nick Farina and defensive end Lorenzo Melvin are two of the team's top players on the defense. Desert Vista sits atop our list of Arizona state football champions for the past 10 years.

5. Chandler
2011 finish: 8-4
Head coach: Shaun Aguano
Team preview
Quarterback Darell Garretson returns for Chandler this fall, but keep an eye on sophomore Bryce Perkins, who already has several big-time offers. Having two capable quarterback is a luxury for head coach Shaun Aguano. Tight end Patrick Baldenegro, a 6-foot-5 target, will see his share of passes. Chandler lost narrowly to crosstown rival Hamilton during the regular season, but was shut out 28-0 in the playoffs. It will need a dynamic offense as well as a physical defense to overcome that hump this season. Chandler will need to replace four of the players from the list of every Class of 2011 Arizona Division 1 signee.