Photo by Andre Odums/ossports
North Shore recalled its 2023 showdown with the Panthers. Duncanville overpowered the Mustangs, 49-33, that year in what has become an annual rivalry. Most of the current players were not on the roster that season.
Maintaining its advantage, the Mustangs held on to defeat Duncanville, 10-7, in the UIL Class 6A Division I Finals on Saturday evening at AT&T Stadium.
Following the victory, North Shore (14-2) leads the series of state championship meetings, 4-2.
After a scoreless first half, the momentum shifted as senior quarterback Kaleb Maryland threw a 44-yard touchdown to Jaylen Bocard, putting the Mustangs ahead. Kicker Daniel Cruz then drilled a 27-yard field goal with 9:53 left in the fourth quarter, extending North Shore’s lead to 10-0.
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Earlier, with 4:12 left in the third quarter, Maryland orchestrated a breathtaking six-play, 72-yard drive, capped by a picturesque scoring pass to a streaking Bocard. The touchdown sent North Shore fans into a frenzy as it seized a 7-0 lead, following Cruz’s extra point kick.
Maryland, floored during the play, did not immediately see the touchdown. When he saw Bocard celebrating in the end zone, excitement took over, marking a turning point for both teams and its supporters.
Midway through the fourth quarter, the Panthers forced a punt. They marched 70 yards with the help of it’s running game and timely passes. Trenton Yancey spotted Zac Turner for a daring 32-yard touchdown, energizing the Panthers. This trimmed the deficit to 10-7 with 5:00 left. But that was as close as they got.
Quarterback J’Coryon Rivers led the drive much like Maryland did. He executed the Panthers’ offense, handed the ball off, and passed to Turner and Yancey. The drive penetrated deep into North Shore’s territory.
“I’m excited for them, and I don’t take it for granted.” Mustangs coach Willie Gaston explained.
The Mustangs forced a punt and took over at its 42-yard line with 3:07 left in the third quarter. Maryland led a balanced attack, alternating runs and passes, advancing to the Duncanville 9. A holding penalty pushed them back to the 19, but Cruz connected on a 27-yard field goal. This expanded the lead to 10-7.
Despite staring at a 10-0 deficit late in the game, Duncanville (12-2) refused to give up.
The comeback chance arose as Duncanville drove to the Mustangs’ 26, but the drive stalled on Rivers’ incomplete fourth-down pass and North Shore erupted in celebration.
Both defenses dominated. Still, Maryland threw for 154 yards. Receiver Jaylen Bocard caught four passes for 79 yards and earned the offensive MVP honor.
“Coach Cross puts these kids in good positions to make plays,” Gaston said. “It’s just unbelievable. I’m just proud of our whole defensive staff.”
Fans saw a tense first-half defensive duel. Neither offense found its rhythm. Duncanville reached North Shore’s 16, but the drive ended when Guillory, who racked up ten tackles, intercepted River
North Shore’s defense dominated the night. They forced two turnovers, recorded two sacks, and held the Panthers to 97 first-half yards. This set an impenetrable tone and fueled its state title dreams. Defensive MVP Tony Guillory and defensive end Za’Qwaun Nunn led the defense.
Meanwhile, Coach Willie Gaston picks up his first state win and adds to the school’s collection of five titles (2003, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2021).
A season that began with a twist saw the Mustangs fall to South Oak Cliff, 41-31, who defeated Randle, 35-19, for the 5A Division II crown in the first game, and ended with a loss to district rival Summer Creek, 28-0. That loss changed playoff expectations as many doubted the Mustangs’ invincibility.
