Matchup of the Giants

A game that the city of Houston has been waiting for years to happen we set up in the halls of a Texas High School coaches meeting. Fast forward six month and we are at the eve of the Katy versus North Shore match-up that will be an old-fashioned, slobber-knocker game against two physical opponents. North Shore, which won the 2003 Class 5A Division I championship, hosts the five-time state champion Katy Tigers Friday night. The Mustangs fell to Converse Judson in the state semi-finals last season and is prepared for another deep run into the playoffs with a state championship on their mind. Their defense will be back and even nastier, but quarterback Jeremiah McGinty is gone and that is a big hole to fill. Quarterback Alex Tillman takes over the offense and is a capable runner and passer. He took over in clean-up duty in 2007. Tight end and Texas-verbal commit Barrett Matthews is a tremendously versatile talent and receiver Deandrew White will have a break-out season if someone can get him the ball in space. Returning starters Tracy Woods and Deaundre Jones will tote the rock for the Mustangs if the passing game doesn't take off. Woods is a tough, physical back while Jones has track speed making him a homerun threat with every carry. Junior Trey Hopkins will anchor the offensive line and reminds coaches of former Mustang and Dallas Cowboy center Andre Gurode. Defensively, North Shore is freaky with the return of defensive linemen Thaddeus Randle (Nebraska commit), Jestin White and Terrance Kindle. At 6-foot-4 and extremely long, White could be a star. Linebacker Daniel Salinas is the soul of Coach David Aymond's defense that will face one of the toughest schedules in recent history. Throw in rangy defensive back Andrea May patrolling the secondary and you have one of the soundest defenses in the state. Gone are the names Mitchell, Dean, Hunter, Ball and Frederick. So, how will Coach Gary Joseph reload? Who knows, but he always seems to do so. He is the CEO of the state's best programs, which has won five state championships, 10 regional championships and 23 district championships. Running back Michael Webber will take over the ball-carrying duties for Aundre Dean and tackle Cameron Travis will open the holes along with explosive full-back Chris Roberson. Parker Ray will be the signal-caller for the Tigers with Michael Stojkovic waiting on the wings. On defense, Katy will be anchored by speedy linebacker Sam Holl, who started as a sophomore. Did I forget that there is a 70-consecutive regular season winning streak on the line for North Shore as well? Oh the story lines.