GAMES
RANKINGS
INSTANT REACTION: North Shore Wins Round 2 Over Duncanville
ARLINGTON - It was the matchup we all wanted. And while the end did not have the theatrics of last year, it still had some big moments as North Shore was able to assert itself defensively in the second half to a 31-17 win over Duncanville to claim its second straight 6A DI state championship.
In the first half, the teams traded blows and it was clear it was an evenly contested matchup. As Duncanville was with Ja'Quinden Jackson and North Shore without Zach Evans, other playmakers had to step up. Duncanville (15-1) relied on Roderick Daniels to ignite its offense and lessen the burden on freshman quarterback Chris Parson, who was making his first high school start.
North Shore turned to Dematrius Davis, who made crucial plays with his arms and legs all game long.
After going into the break tied at 17, North Shore (15-1) completely put the clamp down defensively with the tide turning all the way in its favor after recovering a botched snap on a Duncanville punt. Four plays later, North Shore retook the lead.
Duncanville could only muster 42 yards of offense as the North Shore defense began to key in on the Duncanville run game and force Parson to make plays through the air.
With the game in the balance in the fourth quarter, North Shore iced it as Davis hit Charles King on a 44-yard touchdown to seal the victory for North Shore. Duncanville bit on the slot receiver, leaving King wide open for the score and the game.
Charles King wiiiiiiiide open! North Shore takes a two-score lead! #UILState pic.twitter.com/Y0mDJXePXs
— Dave Campbell's Texas Football — TexasFootball.com (@dctf) December 22, 2019
Duncanville turned the ball over on downs on the ensuing possession, sealing the game and the title for North Shore.
INSTANT REACTION: Bishop, McClellan Guide Aledo To No. 9
ARLINGTON - While the big-name stars shined in the 5A Division II State Championship, it was the play of quarterback Jake Bishop that set the tone for Aledo in its 45-42 win over Fort Bend Marshall to capture its 11-man state-record 9th state title.
Aledo (15-1) jumped on Marshall early, taking a 14-0 lead on a couple of quick strikes from Bishop to Money Parks and Jojo Earle. Marshall (14-2) tightened up defensively later in the quarter and early second to claw to within 14-13.
The teams traded blow through the second quarter but a solid 2-minute drive by Aledo pushed its halftime lead to 28-20. It would the beginning of a 17-point run by Aledo to extend its lead to 38-20. The second touchdown in that stretch was a 63-yard touchdown rush by Jase McClellan, who put together a fantastic performance despite coming into the game a little hobbled.
McClellan even left Aledo's first drive with an injury but still manged to play the rest of the game rushing for two scores and 220 yards.
Marshall, though, would not go away regardless of the score. Down 18 twice, Marshall responded on the ensuing drives to cut it to 11 the first time and then 10 second time. Marshall then forced a turnover on downs on Aledo's last drive and found the endzone to make it a 3-point game.
However, the onside kick comfortably landed in Aledo's hands to seal the win.
The game's offensive MVP went to Bishop, who threw three scores and ran for another and accounted for 300 total yards.