San Diego Football Network: 2016 Prep Football Preseason Rankings: #4 Madison Warhawks

#4 Madison Warhawks

Location: San Diego, CA

School Colors: Navy Blue & Grey

Division: I

League: Western

Championships: 1 (State), 2 (Section), 13 (League)

Head Coach: Rick Jackson (13th Season)

2015 Recap: 8-3 (5-0 Western, 1st)

Following a 2-2 start, Madison went on a six-game tear, outscoring their opponents 338-33 on the way to earning a league title for the ninth consecutive season. That led to an eight-seed in the Open Division Playoffs and a first round battle at top-seeded Helix.

The Warhawks came ready to play, scoring the game's opening touchdown after recovering a fumble. The game was tied 14-14 late in the first half, but the eventual champion Highlanders managed to survive and advance, 56-34.

2016 Outlook

Undefeated in league play since 2006, the Warhawks' impressive streak will be put to the ultimate test this season. The new and improved Western League will feature Cathedral Catholic, St. Augustine, Mira Mesa, and familiar foe Point Loma.

Fortunately the Warhawks, they get back a majority of their top players from last season, including the team's leading passer, rusher, receiver, and defender.

Senior quarterback Terrell Carter is one of six key players returning to lead the offense. He threw for 1441 yards and 21 touchdowns, earning All-CIF honors his first season starting on varsity.

Carter will have his primary target Brandon Lewis, who put up 500 yards and 10 scores as a junior, while Erick Buchanan leads Madison's ground game coming off 968 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2015.

On a defense that returns just four starters this year, All-CIF selections Sampson Niu and Jojo Falo will be key figures in the Mad House front seven.

The roster should have enough senior leadership to make a run at a section title, but the Warhawks might need assistance in some areas from players who helped lead the JV squad to a 10-0 record last season.