The Huffman Hargrave Falcons lead our preseason district rankings
Lumberton Raiders
Bridge City Cardinals
Little Cypress-Mauriceville Bears
Liberty Panthers
Vidor Pirates
Livingston Lions
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Drayden Bacon, Huffman
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Nick Cratic, Lumberton
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Bryce Breeden, Bridge City
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jackson Struwe, LCM
ON THE CUSP: Liberty Panthers
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Bridge City Cardinals
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The Falcons enter year five under head coach Joey Buchta and are coming off a 7-4 mark in 2025. Huffman reached the Bi-District round. A total of nine starters return for Huffman, including running back Drayden Bacon, who holds an offer from Lamar and tallied 1,657 yards rushing and 21 touchdowns. He also had 159 yards receiving and one score. Bacon will have a pair of second-team all-district offensive linemen to pave the way for him in 2026 as Kaleb Smith and Peyton Burrow both return to the offensive line. Burrow enters this year with offers from Rice, FAU, Louisiana Tech and UTSA. Maurice Clark (WR/DB) and Dailen Bacon (WR/DB) are also players to watch after the duo recorded 167 and 257 receiving yards, respectively. Both found the endzone three times apiece. Dailen currently holds offers from Washington State, University of Houston and Louisiana Tech. Wally Hallum (DB/WR/K) will be another to watch as he enters this year with 65 career tackles and three interceptions. Keys to success for Buchta’s team include developing the defensive line, getting off the field on defense and spreading the ball to a variety of playmakers.
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Lumberton went 7-4 overall a year ago and reached the Bi-District Round of the playoffs. The Raiders return first-team all-district running back Nick Cratic, who rushed for 1,138 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2025. Honorable mention all-district QB Nolan Mitchell returns after passing for 1,114 yards and seven scores. The front will return experienced as offensive linemen Koltin Morales (first-team), Wyatt Millican (second-team) and Nic Graff (honorable mention) are all set to return. Defensively, second-team all-district defensive back Madden Dean (29 tackles, 1 INT) and all-district punter/kicker Luke Cody are set to return.
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Josh Smalley enters his third year of leading the Bridge City program. In his two years, Smalley has guided the team to a 19-5 overall record. Last year, they went 11-2 and reached the Regional Semis against Kilgore. Bridge City is fresh off back-to-back playoff appearances and now look for another in 2026 with 10 starters returning. The Cardinals will be led by reigning District Defensive MVP Bryce Breeden, who is also an Arkansas commit. Breeden was named an all-state linebacker last season. Other key returners include all-district LB Keagan Traha, QB Hudson Hoffman and TE/WR Luke Nelson.
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Little Cypress-Mauriceville coach Eric Peevey enters his sixth season of leading the Bears program. LCM has made the playoffs five straight years including going 5-6 overall in 2025 and reaching the Bi-District round. The Bears bring back some talent to the huddle in 2026 including second-team all-district QB Jackson Struwe. Other key returners include honorable-mention all-district picks Ronnie Garcia (OL), Brycen Chargois (TE), Ethan Pope (LB), Christian Corrillo (DB) and Isaiah Watzlavik (K).
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Liberty is coming off a season where it went 3-7 overall. A total of 12 starters return for third-year coach Kedrick Harrison, including reigning Defensive Newcomer of the Year Connor Schultz at linebacker for the Panthers. Another player to watch is Defensive Newcomer of the Year Logan Ross. Other key returners include honorable mention all-district picks Jaydon Holmes (RB), Jackson Harris (OL), Korbin Lawson (DB) and Jakob Rawlinson (DE). Also watch for Eli Nichols, John Key and Thomas Marberry. They are looking to make their first playoff appearance since 2018 this season.
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Vidor is coming off a 2-8 season and went 2-5 in district play. The Pirates missing the playoffs snapped a streak of five straight seasons of making the postseason. They will look to get back into the dance this year and return second-team all-district defensive back Bryce Collins to the field to try and do that.
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Livingston is fresh off a season where they went 2-8 overall and 0-7 in district play. Last year was an improvement off the 2024 year, which saw them go 0-10. Second-team all-district offensive lineman Ty Thomas is set to return for the Lions.
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Randle Lions football team.
Bradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Angleton Wildcats
Iowa Colony Pioneers
Freeman Golden Eagles
Friendswood Mustangs
Victoria East Titans
South Houston Trojans
Dulles Vikings
Pasadena Eagles
*Teams in bold are projected playoff contenders
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VYPE PRESEASON AWARDS
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER: Landen Williams-Callis, Randle
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Josh Brister, Friendswood
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Kasen Jammer, Angleton
BREAKOUT PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Christopher “CJ” Beaty, Freeman
ON THE CUSP: Friendswood Mustangs
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Angleton Wildcats
Matt Powell (VYPE)
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Few programs have flexed their supremacy over such a short span quite like Randle. Maintaining a 31-1 record over the past two seasons speaks volumes about the “No Days Off” mentality head coach Brian Randle has instilled throughout the locker room. Now, it’s back to work for the Lions, who still have a score to settle after narrowly missing out on back-to-back UIL titles last December, falling 35-19 to South Oak Cliff in the 5A Division II State Championship game. The move up to 5A Division I should be seamless, especially with five-star Texas commit Landen Williams-Callis still toting the rock. Named the Gatorade Texas Football Player of the Year, Williams-Callis added another chapter to his historic résumé in 2025, capturing his third straight District MVP honor while eclipsing 4,000 all-purpose yards and accounting for a staggering 62 combined scores. Senior wideout Kamar Chavez-Brown blends size and speed on the perimeter and in the return game, coming off a District 9-5A DII Utility Player of the Year season highlighted by 1,125 all-purpose yards and nine touchdowns. That should ease Brady Bratcher's transition as the new QB1 behind a stout offensive line anchored by Houston commit Samuel Thiergood. Meanwhile, seniors Camron Hypolite and Caleb George — both first-team all-district selections — establish the standard on the defensive front, freeing fellow first-teamers A’Mari Harris (Sr. LB), Patrick Oliver (Sr. CB), and Julian Gerena (Sr. S) to continue stifling opposing playmakers on the road back to AT&T Stadium.
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Angleton had every intention of returning to the State Final Four last fall. Instead, an injury-riddled second half of the season derailed those aspirations, as the Wildcats' playoff hopes were dashed by College Station in the opening round, capping their year at 9-2 overall. Suffice it to say, head coach Jason Brittain and company are eager to prove that setback was merely an anomaly. Powering the attack will be an efficient ground game, headlined by senior running backs Wyatt Neyland and Jayden Moore. A recent Navy commit, Neyland earned first-team all-district distinction in 2025 after rushing for 846 yards and 11 touchdowns, while Moore looks to elevate a second-team campaign that saw him amass 641 rushing yards and 14 total scores. North Texas commit Noah Smith (first-team) — an Iowa Colony transfer — and future Louisiana Ragin’ Cajun Noah Ernst (second-team) set the tone in the trenches, creating time for senior QB Trey Gardner to find wideout Jake Brittain downfield. Defensively, Angleton boasts one of H-Town’s most resourceful weapons in athlete Kasen Jammer. Best known for his lockdown presence at cornerback — where he garnered first-team recognition before committing to Duke in June — Jammer is a multi-dimensional threat who impacts kickoff returns and the offensive side of the ball. New Mexico State-bound safety Landon Miles (first-team) paces the secondary alongside Jordan Hasker (Jr. CB), while Brayton Rangel (Sr. LB) and John David Brittain (So. LB) round out the group.
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Mirroring the campaign authored the year prior, Iowa Colony once again posted a 12-2 record in 2025, ultimately advancing to the Region III Championship. The Pioneers’ only setbacks came against district rival Randle, whom they’ll now join in District 11-5A Division I following the latest UIL realignment. Coach Ray Garza’s relentless offense, which averaged just under 47 points per game, will feature some new faces this fall — most notably at quarterback, where junior Gage Martinez takes command. Already well-versed in the system, Martinez gained valuable reps behind former field general Carson White (now at Hightower), and now the opportunity is his. District Offensive Lineman of the Year Chukwuemeka “Chu Chu” Tasie (Sr. OL) controls the interior, with senior wide receiver Braylon Watts and tailback Denim Barnes (second-team) taking on expanded roles. On defense, first-team safety Kalen Simmons returns after a standout sophomore showing highlighted by 66 tackles (5 TFL), four passes defended, two interceptions, and one forced fumble. The four-star DB’s all-around impact has only accelerated his rise, with offers from Texas Tech, Arkansas, and Duke continuing to roll in. Sophomore Dylan Thomas (6-foot-2) complements Simmons in the secondary, while second-team linebackers Jordan Lockhart and DuQuay Buckhanon help fortify a ferocious unit featuring Texas State commit Charles Egbo (Sr. DL), Sidney Tyler (Sr. MLB), Awston Amboree (Sr. OLB), and Henry Fisher (Jr. DL).
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Freeman enters the fall looking to make a statement, as one of Katy ISD’s newest high school programs prepares for its first official varsity season in 2026. The Eric Robinson-led Golden Eagles wasted little time turning heads, delivering an impressive 8-2 mark against an independent schedule last fall and signaling their arrival as a potential force in Greater Houston football. The centerpiece of the attack remains senior Christopher “CJ” Beaty. An athlete in the truest sense, Beaty has earned his reputation as Freeman’s dual-threat quarterback, compiling nearly 1,200 passing yards and 16 touchdowns through the air, while adding 374 rushing yards and nine more scores on the ground. Athlete Jeremiah Cooper also left an immediate impression as a freshman, totaling nearly 1,100 all-purpose yards and 17 scores. Two-way senior Christian Tillman (RB/S) and junior WR Kenyon Roberts provide additional playmaking ability. On the other side of the ball, linebacker Salofi Alexius should continue to be a force in the middle after pacing Freeman with 51 tackles and six sacks last fall. Bolstering the stop effort will be junior hybrid safety Xander Lopez, along with Khalil Thomas (Jr. LB) and Dezman Ray (So. DE).
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The pathway back to the postseason becomes considerably more challenging for Friendswood, as the UIL realignment ushers in a tougher district slate. Still, the Mustangs have a proven track record of rising to the occasion, most recently going 6-5 and reaching the Bi-District round. Signal-caller Josh Brister figures to build on a junior campaign punctuated by 1,855 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. Standing 6-foot-5 with the athleticism to excel on the basketball court as well, Brister possesses all the physical tools to command the offense under head coach Jordan Johnson. Tailbacks Tripp Bateman and Charlie Moore form a dynamic duo in the ground game after combining for nearly 1,600 rushing yards and 19 scores a year ago, with Moore also providing Brister a reliable pass-catching option. The same holds true for senior wideout Antwon “AJ” Parker, who returns off a season in which he racked up 854 receiving yards and seven scores through the air. Defensively, outside linebacker Grant Martin and second-team all-district cornerback Austin — an Air Force commit — headline the Friendswood stop effort.
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Victoria East’s 1-9 finish last season came against the backdrop of a grueling District 13-5A Division I slate, which featured two-time defending state champion Smithson Valley alongside San Antonio powers New Braunfels, Pieper, and Boerne Champion. It won’t get much easier in the Titans’ new district, but first-year coach Brad Smithey will look to launch a new era at VEHS. Senior running back Christian Franco leads the way following a second-team all-district nod, running behind an offensive line that includes fellow seniors Zalerrion Jones and Noah Gonzalez. Two-way threat Travis Zimmer will also play an important role, contributing at both safety and wide receiver for the Titans.
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Second-year head coach Lamont Mayberry hopes to steer South Houston toward a turnaround, as the Trojans concluded their run in Class 6A with a winless showing. Still, that doesn’t mean South Houston won’t flash signs of potential. Playmakers La’Kee Baker (Sr. ATH) and Makih Cowart (Jr. ATH) add juice to the offense, with Cowart earning first-team all-district recognition. On defense, senior Jeremiah Micheaux will look to establish himself as a force up front.
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Though Dulles recently endured a difficult 0-10 result, 2026 could provide a fresh opportunity for the Fort Bend ISD program, which drops to the 5A classification as part of the offseason shift. Coach Bill Garrey will lean on versatile sophomore athletes Daryl Ward and Douglass Jones to make an impact on both sides of the ball, with Jaheim Gordon (Jr. DB/RB), Matthew Akintola (Sr. RB/LB), Donald Collins (Jr. RB), and Emmanuel Martinez (Sr. DL) providing additional support.
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Pasadena posted an identical 1-9 record to the year prior, opening the season with a win over Austin (Houston ISD) before finishing the year with nine consecutive losses. Under head coach David Zapien, the Eagles aim to return to the district win column behind the efforts of Shaun Aguirre (Jr. QB), Leo Tamez (Sr. S), Derek De La Rosa (Jr. LB), and Martellis Mosley (Sr. ATH).
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The featured standouts of the 2026–27 Madison Marlins football team.
Dana Strange (VYPE)
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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