Originally Appeared on VYPE
The 2019 VYPE Class 5A Preseason Football rankings are here!
Of course, the track team, I mean football team that made it to AT&T Stadium last season is back at No. 1. Fort Bend Marshall brings back a ton of firepower this season and should contend for the top spot. There is a chance that the Buffs could run into Huntsville again in the Regional Final, which would be a great showdown. Also making the list is Shadow Creek, which will have to replace some top players but could have the nastiest defensive unit in H-Town. Check out the rest of the Top 10 below.
No. 1 Fort Bend Marshall
The "M" Block is back after getting a taste of the bright lights of AT&T Stadium, reaching the state title game last Christmas. But it's different being the hunted instead of the hunter. Talk about star power. Quarterback Malik Hornsby showed off his feet and arm a year ago and emerged as a high-major DI prospect. Devon Achane is ridiculous out of the backfield. He's a weapon running, catching and returning. He's the most exciting player in Houston. The offensive line has a huge piece in Larry Moore (Texas Tech). On defense, teams must game plan around LB Warren Robinson, who will blow you up. The Buffs are No. 1 for now, but have a tricky non-district slate with an improved Eisenhower and Hightower on the sked. Manvel is the only test in district play. The only team standing in their way of a return to state? The Huntsville Hornets who lost to the Buffs in an instant classic and definitely want a rematch.
No. 2 Shadow Creek Sharks
Likely the best story in the history of Houston-area high school football. In their first year of varsity play, the Sharks ran the table in a tough district all the way to the state title game. That is setting the bar high. Coach Brad Butler says goodbye to bobble-head QB Jamarian George to graduation, but Kyron Drones gives the Sharks a different look. A more pro-style guy leading the offense. He can also run but his arm is what will wow people early. The offensive line will need some rebuilding and the WR corps needs to have a No. 2 and No. 3 emerge. Tight end Trent McGaughey needs to become a factor in the offensive plans as a national 2022 recruit. The defense is going to be salty with extra spice. LSU-commit Alec Bryant is unblockable on the edge, while K-State-commit Ronald Triplette stuffs the run. The linebackers? Forget about it. K-State-commit Jeremiah Harris and Warren Shankle lead a deep group. Defensive back Xavian Alford is a household name in recruiting circles. He will shut down an entire side of the field. The Shark bite was deadly in 2018 and should be again this year.
The list continues here
