Atascocita vs. North Shore Texas High School Football Preview: Important players, predictions and history

The upcoming Atascocita vs. North Shore Mustangs clash is set to be one of the biggest matchups in Texas high school football this season. North Shore is sitting at No. 8 nationally, while Atascocita is at No. 16.

Atascocita (7-0) has won three straight home games and has scored at least 31 points in every game this season.

North Shore (7-0) has dominated on the road and is coming off a crushing 55-6 victory over Channelview. The Mustangs have won six games by at least 26 points.

D'Andre Hardeman Jr. made a vital contribution to North Shore's win last time, with 88 rushing yards and a TD, while Deion Deblanc added 59 receiving yards and scored twice.

Atascocita will be looking to avenge last year’s close 34-28 loss to North Shore in December, when Christopher Barnes was a standout with 187 yards and two touchdowns receiving. However, Barnes won't be in action this time, giving the Eagles a boost.

Atascocita vs. North Shore Texas high school football: Prediction

As Atascocita prepares to face North Shore, the Eagles’ offense, powered by Oklahoma commitment Tory Blaylock, has been rolling. However, their defense has shown vulnerability, nearly falling to Kingwood last week in a 42-41 thriller.

On the other hand, North Shore's defense, led by LSU commit Charles Ross and five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez, has allowed just over six points per game.

While Atascocita holds an advantage in MaxPreps’ Texas rankings, North Shore’s history of dominance in this rivalry and its balanced attack make it the slight favorite.

Atascocita vs. North Shore Texas: Key Players

North Shore Mustangs:

DB Devin Sanchez (6-2, 170)

A standout in the defensive backfield, Sanchez has made his mark with 15 tackles, 10 of them solo. He has also defended three passes and contributed 40 kickoff return yards on special teams.

QB Kaleb Bailey (6-2, 190)

This season, Bailey has done well at being a quarterback by throwing for over 1,800 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions with a 65% completion percentage. His versatility is shown with 300 yards and six TDs rushing.

WR Quanell Farrahkan Jr. (5-11, 185)

Farrahkan Jr. has emerged as a top target with 35 receptions for 550 yards, averaging 15.7 yards per catch. His eight touchdowns and ability to create separation from defenders make him a pivotal player in the Mustangs' high-powered offense.

Atascocita Eagles

RB Tory Blaylock (5-11, 190)

Blaylock has been a dominant force on the ground with over 1,200 yards on 140 carries, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. He has reached the end zone 15 times, elevating Atascocita’s offense, which averages over 43 points per game.

QB Cardae Mack (5-10, 195)

Mack’s dual-threat ability has been a game-changer for the Eagles, rushing for 900 yards on 120 carries with 10 touchdowns. He has also contributed as a receiver with 200 yards and three touchdowns.

WR Brodrick Malone (6-5, 200)

Malone’s 40 receptions for 700 yards and nine touchdowns demonstrate his ability to dominate with size and athleticism, making him a key factor in Atascocita’s aerial attack.

Atascocita vs. North Shore Texas high school football: Head-to-Head

The rivalry between Atascocita and North Shore, which began in 2016, has been fiercely competitive, with North Shore leading the series 9-2.

In their most recent regular-season meeting on Oct. 27, 2023, North Shore secured a dominant 61-35 win. North Shore has eliminated Atascocita from the playoffs for the last three years. In last year's Classification 6A Division I, Region III final, North Shore beat Atascocita by a nose 34-28.