By Maxwell Milner
The semifinals are rapidly approaching in the Texas High School Football playoffs. On Saturday, December 9th, 2023, the North Shore Mustangs will face the Austin Westlake Chaparrals at Pfield in Pflugerville, TX. Both teams, heralded as the best in their respective cities, boast undefeated records. Consequently, one team will experience their first loss of the season.
North Shore Mustangs
North Shore’s strength lies in its balanced team, spearheaded by quarterback #9, Kaleb Bailey. Since recovering from a midseason injury last year, Bailey has returned in top form. Excelling in both running and passing, he effectively leads North Shore. His key playmakers include wide receivers #2 Christopher Barnes and #4 Terrence Guillory, whose speed, quickness, and strength make them formidable opponents. Additionally, North Shore’s defense is anchored by the nation’s top junior cornerback, #6 Devin Sanchez. Known for his aggressive style, Sanchez effectively matches the speed of opposing wide receivers, limiting their success.
Austin Westlake Chaparrals
Austin Westlake, a powerhouse in high school football, may not be at its historical best this season but remains a formidable team. Their offensive strength is highlighted by running back #33 Jack Kayser. His impressive speed and durability contribute to his outstanding stats: 1,120 rushing yards with 21 total touchdowns, 19 from rushing and 2 from receiving. The success of Westlake’s run game is also attributed to their offensive linemen, all towering over 6’3″, with a dominant presence on the field.
In last season’s matchup, North Shore triumphed over Westlake with a score of 49-34. The game was characterized by its back-and-forth nature, and a similar intensity is anticipated in this upcoming clash on Saturday.
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