FOOTBALL AT FINEST
North Shore’s Davis, Katy’s Varner lead All-Greater Houston team.
Dematrius Davis only wanted to be remembered. He did that and more. A star almost as soon as he donned a North Shore uniform, Davis handled it with grace and his name is now in the mix when the conversation turns to the best quarterbacks in Texas high school history. The numbers back it up.
After four seasons and three as starter, Davis leaves with 13,583 total yards of offense — 10,536 through the air and 3,047 on the ground — and 171 touchdowns with 2018 and 2019’s state championships. Davis is an astounding 51-3 as a starter.
Davis, the Chronicle’s 2020 All-Greater Houston Offensive Player of the Year, had his best season through the air in 2020 with 3,553 yards. He reached a career-high with 22 rushing touchdowns, too. Davis also passed for 38 touchdowns and rushed for 875 yards.
A third consecutive state title escaped Davis and the Mustangs with Austin Westlake’s triumph in the Class 6A Division I state semifinal. It didn’t put a dent in the legacy.
“Dematrius’ legacy already is written,” North Shore head coach Jon Kay said. “It’s the leadership he’s provided us, the work ethic he’s brought, and the hope that he’s delivered to this community, and the young kids. If you continue to work, and do your thing, you can write your own future. We’re nothing but proud of him.”
Davis will continue his career at Auburn University.
Q: Did you envision yourself having this kind of career?
A: “I had no idea. When I ( joined North Shore’s varsity team) in ninth grade, all I was thinking of was ‘Am I going to play? Why am I even up here? Am I going to get in?’ They obviously threw me up in there and I was just focused on trying to get the plays right, do everything right and try to win some games for this team. These dudes I didn’t really know too much about at 14 years old, I ended up becoming a leader not too long after that season.”
Q: When did it all click for you? A: “That 2018 spring. That spring right after my freshman year. That’s when it all clicked. Coach Kay actually had the quarterbacks play live. We didn’t have red jerseys or anything. Everybody could get hit. I feel like that made me the player I am. Getting hit by those older guys, it helped me with jukes and everything. You’re trying not to get hit. I think it really developed me.” Q: Considering the strong offseason that preceded it, how special was that 2018 season?
A: “That was a great year. I played on a very, very good team. There were weapons all over, offense and defense. We were just so confident, especially me. I just had no doubt. That confidence, I think that’s what made us the team we were that year.”
Q: How would you rank the last three North Shore teams?
A: Overall I’d say 2018 was the best team. But the best defense was the 2019 season. That was our best defense. And 2020, was probably our best offense.”
Q: What made 2020 so different offensively?
A: If you want me to be honest, things just got easier. We got older going against younger dudes. Being the oldest on the field, it was just easy. I’m not going to lie.”
Q: You seemed like you were in good spirits at the end of the Westlake game. What were your thoughts then?
A: “After that game, I felt like I gave 110 percent. I really felt like I put it all on the line for my team. That’s exactly what I wanted to do. When I woke up that morning before that game, I told myself I’m going to give 110 percent win or lose. I never think about losing when I wake up, but I was just telling myself I’m going to give 110 percent. I felt like I did. There wasn’t a reason to hang my head down.”
Q: What is your reaction to being mentioned among the best quarterbacks in Texas high school football history?
A: “It just makes me feel so blessed. That’s really all I just ever wanted. To be in the conversation, to be talked about, to be remembered. As long as I’m remembered, I’m thankful for that. That’s how I try to leave my mark — being remembered.”
Q: What are you most thankful for in your high school career?
A: “I was blessed to have a great group around me every year in high school.
From ninth grade all the way to 12th grade, I had a great group every year. I think that’s what helped every year, having those guys around me.”
Q: What are your personal goals for your freshman year at Auburn?
A: “Just play my role and do whatever I can to make this team better.”
Q: How much does coach Kay mean to you?
A: “He made me the man I am today. All the stuff that came for me, he knew it was coming. He was ready for it and I was ready for it. I am very thankful for it.”