North Shore High School defeated Duncanville 10-7 at AT&T Stadium to win the Class 6A Division I state championship, with a 44-yard touchdown pass and a strong defensive performance. Tony Guillory, who recorded 10 tackles and an early interception, earned Defensive MVP honors as the Mustangs showed their strength on both sides of the ball.
Head Coach Willie Gaston called the win "It’s a total team effort and these guys just banded together" and described the team as "It’s a true brotherhood." Quarterback Kaleb Maryland added, "We’re going back to state, Nobody believed in us. I’m just glad we’re able to do it and bring a ring back to the east side," according to KHOU.
Duncanville's late-game rally fell short as a touchdown pass brought them within a field goal, but North Shore stopped them with a defensive stand in the final minutes. The win gives North Shore their sixth title and a 4-2 record against Duncanville in championship games. Gaston said of Coach Garrett Cross, "He’s one of the top defensive coordinators in the state, and he loves coaching defense," as reported by Houston Chronicle. Gaston took over after Jon Kay’s departure and has a strong postseason record.
