In a commanding performance, North Shore defeated district rival Atascocita 49-21 in the Class 6A Division I Region III final on December 7, 2024, at Thorne Stadium. With this victory, the Mustangs extended their unbeaten record to 14-0 and secured their seventh consecutive trip to the state semifinals.
Game Recap
North Shore set the tone early, scoring on their first possession with quarterback Kaleb Bailey rushing 8 yards for a touchdown. The Mustangs capitalized on strong defense, recording three fourth-down stops in the first half, including a pivotal stand at their own 1-yard line. This set up a 99-yard touchdown drive capped by a 5-yard run from D’Andre Hardeman Jr., putting North Shore up 21-0 before Atascocita finally responded with a late second-quarter touchdown.
Kaleb Bailey delivered a stellar performance, rushing for 272 yards and two touchdowns on just 10 carries while throwing for 187 yards and two more scores. His 35-yard touchdown run late in the third quarter highlighted the Mustangs’ offensive dominance. Receiver Quanell X Farrakhan Jr. contributed eight receptions for 132 yards and two touchdowns, including a 34-yard strike in the second half.
Defensive Standouts and Second-Half Domination
Atascocita quarterback Cardae Mack showcased his dual-threat abilities with a 41-yard touchdown run, but the Eagles struggled to sustain drives against North Shore’s relentless defense. The Mustangs’ ability to stop key plays and their explosive offense proved insurmountable for Atascocita.
North Shore racked up over 400 rushing yards while holding Atascocita to 165 yards on the ground. This marks the Mustangs’ 10th consecutive victory over the Eagles, including four straight in the regional finals.
Looking Ahead
North Shore will face Austin Westlake in the state semifinals at Legacy Stadium in Katy next Saturday. This will mark their seventh playoff matchup against either Westlake or Lake Travis in as many years, with the Mustangs aiming for another trip to the state championship game.
Game Stats:
North Shore Leaders
- Passing:
Kaleb Bailey – 9/12, 120 yards, 1 TD, 1 INT - Rushing:
Kaleb Bailey – 6 carries, 73 yards, 1 TD
D’Andre Hardeman Jr. – 10 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD - Receiving:
Quanell X Farrakhan Jr. – 4 receptions, 78 yards, 1 TD
Atascocita Leaders
- Rushing:
Cardae Mack – 13 carries, 49 yards, 1 TD
Tory Blaylock – 7 carries, 33 yards - Passing:
Cardae Mack – 5/12, 89 yards - Receiving:
Kyran Pate – 2 receptions, 65 yards
Team Stats
- Total Yards:
- North Shore: 246
- Atascocita: 172
- Rushing Yards:
- North Shore: 126
- Atascocita: 83
- Passing Yards:
- North Shore: 120
- Atascocita: 89
