Both defenses dictated the tempo from the opening kick, making points a premium throughout. The first half ended in a scoreless gridlock, defined by physical exchanges and disciplined execution on both sides. Field position mattered. Mistakes were magnified.
Head coach Willie Gaston was understandably overcome with emotion at the final whistle, as this championship carried its own weight. Not only did it mark his first title since taking over his alma mater two seasons ago, but it also validated a program eager to remind audiences of its supremacy.
Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
HC Willie Gaston hoists the UIL trophy as the team surrounds him
The breakthrough finally came late in the third quarter. Senior quarterback Kaleb Maryland (Utah State signee) stepped up in a collapsing pocket and delivered a strike downfield, finding senior wideout Jaylen Bocard for a 44-yard touchdown. North Shore later added a fourth-quarter field goal to extend the margin to two scores.
Duncanville responded with 5:33 remaining, cutting the deficit to 10–7 on a 32-yard trick play connection between Trenton Yancey and tight end Zach Turner. But when the moment demanded resolve, North Shore’s defense stood firm, forcing a turnover on downs in the closing seconds to seal the victory.
Senior Za’Qwaun Nunn anchored the defensive front with a dominant performance, tallying eight tackles and two sacks while consistently disrupting the pocket. Junior defensive back Tony Guillory was everywhere, finishing with 10 tackles and a pivotal red-zone interception on Duncanville’s opening drive—an effort that earned him State Defensive MVP honors.
While Maryland and Bocard—named Offensive MVP—rightfully drew headlines, senior tailback Hezekiah Johnson quietly delivered a vital performance, grinding out 93 rushing yards in a game dictated by toughness and field position.
When all was said and done, North Shore closed the 2025 campaign at 14–2, securing its sixth state championship—and once again affirming why the Mustangs remain the standard.
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