The spotlight is back on Dickinson’s star running back, Malachi Gamble. After carving up defenses for 1,505 yards and 23 touchdowns last season, the senior earned Offensive MVP honors in 6A Region III District 24. His hard work also landed him a preseason All-Greater Houston selection by the Houston Touchdown Club. Entering 2025, Gamble isn’t just chasing a 16-0 season; he’s aiming to repeat as the district’s top offensive player.
“I’m all about winning, I’ll do whatever it takes to win,” said Gamble. “It meant a lot to me to win the MVP last season as well as be selected for the preseason All-Greater Houston team. I was really just happy to know that I could help my team win in so many games.”
Last season, Dickinson finished the regular season in a three-way tie for first with Clear Springs and Deer Park. The Gators faced Atascocita in the first round of the playoffs, falling in a 50-45 shootout. But as one chapter closes, another begins and Gamble is ready to lead his team back into contention.
“I haven’t been thinking about the recognition. Going into a new season, I felt like it was time to close that chapter and really focus on going farther and doing better than what we did last season,” said Gamble.
Every year brings change in 6A football. Some programs reload, others rebuild and every opponent presents a different challenge. Consistency, however, is expected from players no matter the scheme.
“One week they may be asked to pass protect more than they carry the football,” said Dickinson head coach John Snelson. “The next week, the game plan may call for more running of the football. Postseason awards will take care of themselves as long as the player is focused on being the best he can be for his team every week.”
Snelson has coached plenty of talented backs, but he sees something special in Gamble.
“I’ve been very lucky to be able to coach some very good high school running backs,” said Snelson. “Malachi has a unique combination of physicality, contact balance, explosiveness, good hands out of the backfield and is one of the best blocking running backs I’ve ever had the privilege to coach.”
Despite the attention defenses give him, Gamble doesn’t feel pressure; he trusts his coaches and teammates.
“I know my coach is going to find a way to get me involved and my teammates are unbelievably talented, so if a team solely focuses on stopping me from running, we adjust and show them we have weapons all on the field.”
The offseason gave Gamble time to grow stronger and faster and fully learn Dickinson’s playbook.
“Last season was my first year at Dickinson High School and I came right at the beginning of football season, so I never really got to learn the playbook correctly,” said Gamble. “Now that I’m more comfortable with the plays, it helps me relax and focus more on my game when I’m on the field.”
His ability to stop suddenly, change direction and accelerate has taken a noticeable leap.
“I’ve always had great acceleration, but comparing my junior season to my senior season, I feel faster and my running feels more natural.”
Running backs coach Teron Guidry has seen that growth firsthand.
“Malachi comes to work, has fun and is a great teammate,” said Guidry. “He is always at the front of the line, explosive in drills, finishes everything strongly and asks great questions during film study. The area in which he has improved the most is his vocal leadership skills. He encourages his teammates often and he also holds them accountable when they need correction.”
That leadership showed immediately in Dickinson’s season opener, a 34-21 victory over powerhouse Katy. Gamble scored two touchdowns in the win.
“Beating Katy proved that Dickinson isn’t to be taken lightly,” said Gamble. “Our defense is off the chain and our offense can run the ball and go deep effectively. Beating Katy proved that our destiny is in our hands.”
With Gamble setting the tone, Dickinson believes this season can be different.
“I’m just giving my all when I step on the field so I can enjoy the feeling of winning with my teammates. The only thing I’m chasing right now is a 16-0 record,” said Gamble.
“When you have a running back with Malachi’s skill set, we would be crazy not to feature him,” said Snelson. “He’s a very mature young man who brings an old-school work ethic to practice and workouts and at the same time, a useful enthusiasm that makes workouts and practice fun.”
Becoming the top offensive player in 6A Region III District 24 again and chasing perfection will take long nights and early mornings. Still, Gamble hopes his legacy stretches beyond wins and awards.
“Once I graduate, I hope people look at me and see the work I put in,” said Gamble. “I hope they understand that no matter your position, you can change it through hard work. When I first enrolled at Dickinson, I wasn’t a starter; I was new to the system, but when I got my opportunity, I took advantage and made a name for myself.”
More than stats, Gamble wants to be remembered for his character.
“I want to be remembered as a hardworking, respectful person who loved to help out with anything and everything,” said Gamble.
With six offers on the table, Gamble has yet to commit, but Snelson knows any college will be lucky to have him.
“The program that recruits this kid is getting a great young man, a mature young man, a driven and focused young man and a very explosive athlete who loves the game of football and loves his teammates,” said Snelson.
