State title games bring a feeling of déjà vu
N. Shore, Marshall both in rematches; Shadow Creek also back in final
A North Shore player could be heard shouting “rematch” on the sidelines as soon as the Mustangs’ state semifinal win over Lake Travis became official Saturday in Round Rock.
How often is it that the winner looks forward to a rematch as much as, if not more than, the loser?
North Shore (14-1) meets Duncanville (15-0) at 3 p.m. Saturday back at AT&T Stadium in a Class 6A Division I game expected to be another tightly contested classic. Count on last year’s Hail Mary from Dematrius Davis to A.J. Carter that gave North Shore its state championship to be replayed frequently on Twitter timelines, Instagram feeds and local TV.
The truth is, this rematch was expected as soon as that unforgettable play solidified North Shore’s 41-36 win. Carter, now a receiver at Utah State, said via Twitter he’d be in attendance this year.
Duncanville suffered an extraordinary blow in its state semifinal win over Rockwall. Quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson, a University of Texas commitment, suffered what coach Reginald Samples believes might be a torn anterior cruciate ligament.
Freshman Chris Parson is expected to replace Jackson. But no one from North Shore will doubt Duncanville just because of Jackson’s injury.
Also feeling a sense of déjà vu is Fort Bend Marshall (14-1), which is back in the Class 5A Division II state title game, where it will again face Aledo (14-1) at 11 a.m. Saturday at AT&T Stadium.
Aledo won 55-19 last year.
Marshall is still healing from last year’s death of safety Drew Conley to a gunshot wound. Buffalos coach James Williams and players are open about what Conley meant to the team and how they are dealing with his death. Signage in his honor is still seen at Marshall games.
Marshall was undefeated at this time last year, and its only blemish this season — a 38-34 loss to Manvel in district play — was avenged with a 40-10 victory in the playoffs. Marshall is playing better as the season deepens, not needing to survive as many heart-stopping and tight moments.
Aledo (14-1) still has Jase McClellan. He rushed for 146 yards and three scores with a touchdown catch in last year’s meeting.
Senior all-purpose back Devon Achane is the difference for Marshall now. He was great last year but has found another gear this postseason with 1,058 total yards and 19 total touchdowns.
Though its game won’t be a rematch, Shadow Creek is back in a state final and will play Denton Ryan at 7 p.m. Friday for the 5A Division I championship. Highland Park, which beat Shadow Creek for the title last year, lost to Frisco Lone Star, which lost to Ryan.
All Shadow Creek needs to solidify the greatest twoyear UIL varsity debut is a state title. The Sharks are 30-1 in their first two official years as a program.
With quarterback Kyron Drones picking up where Jamarian George left off last season, Shadow Creek (15-0) has produced dominant wins and moments of brilliance whenever a game gets close. But it is facing a six-time state finalist in Ryan (15-0).
One thing is for certain: Houstonians won’t be shy about rooting for a clean sweep among Shadow Creek, Marshall and North Shore.
Amid his support for alma mater, North Shore, Carter made sure to tweet Saturday night: “This time y’all bring back all three trophies.”