GAMES
RANKINGS
The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Madison Marlins football team.
VYPE Houston 2026 Football Preview | District 10-5A DI: Madison, Westbury Set for Another Heavyweight Clash
Westbury Wolves
Milby Buffaloes
Wisdom Generals
Waltrip Rams
Northbrook Raiders
Chavez Lobos
Sharpstown Apollos
Sam Houston Hurricanes
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: DeAndre Columbus, Madison
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Gabriel Gutierrez, Milby
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Elijah Eche, Westbury
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Lydell Hinton, Wisdom
ON THE CUSP: Northbrook Raiders
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Westbury Wolves
Farrah Sheeren (VYPE)
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The Madison Marlins are coming off a district championship, and all signs point toward another title run under head coach James Soria. Madison returns one of the district's most complete rosters, but there is one question that could determine just how far the Marlins can go—quarterback. If that position settles in early, Madison becomes the clear favorite to repeat. The offense will once again revolve around a powerful rushing attack. Kenyan Navarre and Avery Jelks combined for more than 1,200 rushing yards last season, giving the Marlins one of the district's top backfield tandems. On the perimeter, DeAndre Columbus and Larry Carrington are explosive, long-striding receivers capable of changing a game with one touch. SJ Battel is expected to take over under center, while offensive linemen Reshawn Kennedy and Samaritan York anchor a veteran front. Defensively, Madison may be even stronger. Columbus and Carrington headline an athletic secondary, while linebackers Nathanial Salas, Donterrio Dome and Jah'mir Young form one of the district's most physical second levels. If the quarterback position develops as expected, the Marlins have all the ingredients to make another deep playoff run.
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The biggest challenger may once again be Westbury. Head coach Jarvis Kelley guided the Huskies to a 9-1 record and a 7-1 district finish last season, and his team returns one of the league's most intimidating defenses. Linebacker Elijah Eche is the heartbeat of the unit after piling up more than 120 tackles a season ago. Sophomore Machi Harden may be the program's next star. Already an impact player at linebacker and tight end, his added size and experience could make him one of Houston's breakout prospects this fall. Kenyon Wilson will contribute on both sides of the line of scrimmage, while Torian Brown, Chris Flemings, Mekhi Hopes and Josiah McCants provide versatility and athleticism throughout the roster. Like Madison, Westbury's championship hopes may ultimately depend on solidifying the quarterback position.
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If there is a team capable of lighting up the scoreboard every Friday night, it's Milby. Quarterback Gabriel Gutierrez returns after one of the area's most productive seasons, throwing for 2,879 yards and 31 touchdowns in 2025. His favorite target, Artavion Davis, erupted for 1,602 receiving yards and 22 touchdowns, while Isaiah Washington added another 857 yards and eight scores, giving the Buffaloes one of the state's most dangerous receiving duos. Running back Andre Lance adds balance to the offense, while Oscar Franco and Daniel Sanchez lead the offensive line. Defensive back Melvin Simien headlines a defense that hopes to complement Milby's explosive offense.
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Few teams exceeded expectations more than Wisdom. In his first season, head coach Alphonso James guided the Generals to a surprise playoff berth in Class 6A. Now dropping into Class 5A Division II, expectations continue to rise.Quarterback Lydell Hinton and running back Davis Smith provide balance after combining for more than 1,500 passing and rushing yards, respectively. Offensive lineman Alex Post and defensive lineman Chris Ramirez anchor the trenches, while linebackers Jamaroquie Haire and Noha Bereket give Wisdom one of the district's strongest linebacker units. Defensive backs Micah Coles and D'Aro Gaines round out a defense capable of making another playoff push.
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Waltrip enters a new era under first-year head coach Marlon Taplin-McMillan, but the Rams return the district's most experienced quarterback. James Haren threw for more than 1,800 yards and 24 touchdowns last season, giving Waltrip an experienced leader capable of keeping the offense on schedule. Dynamic running backs Dereyon Bush and Zyon Gamble provide explosiveness and versatility, while Ezra Metzkin and Ethan Salvador anchor the offensive line. The biggest key for Waltrip will be winning the battle in the trenches and continuing to play opportunistic defense. If those pieces come together, another playoff appearance is well within reach.
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Northbrook also benefits from the move down to Class 5A after enduring a difficult season in 6A. Head coach Demond Stafford hopes the new classification provides a fresh start. Quarterback Guillermo Macias returns to lead the offense behind an improving offensive line, while defenders Hary Meija, Tim Berman and Henry Alfaro headline what should be the Raiders' strongest unit.
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At Chavez, first-year head coach Elvis Davis Jr. begins building his program around running backs Marquis Miller and Kaleb Davis, who will be counted on to carry the offensive load.
Sharpstown continues to make steady progress under coach Tre Perro, with versatile athlete Nivre Graham expected to play all over the field as the Apollos chase a .500 season and playoff contention.
Meanwhile, Sam Houston begins a new chapter under first-year head coach Theodore Williams, formerly an assistant at Kashmere. Quarterback Drake Schexnayder will direct the offense, while safety Kristen Bell is expected to lead the defense as the Hurricanes work to establish a new culture.
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CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE THE 2026 VYPE HOUSTON FOOTBALL MAGAZINE
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