The Raiders’ 35-0 victory over Sam Houston last Friday improved their District 10-5A Division I record to 5-3, effectively punching their ticket to the UIL playoffs.
However, the celebration that erupted on the field at the final whistle carried far greater significance, as Northbrook secured its first-ever playoff berth in the program’s 52-year history, dating back to the school’s opening in 1974.
In just his third season as head coach, Demond Stafford has guided his squad to the dance, a testament to how he and his staff have instilled a renewed sense of belief in their players.
The Raiders (6-4) have relied on a balanced offensive attack, spearheaded by senior quarterback Guillermo Macias, who has thrown four touchdown passes this fall — all to sophomore Rafael Grijalva — while rushing for nearly 500 yards and 14 more scores.
Senior tailbacks Flavio Zambrano and Isaias Tejada have also proven instrumental, combining for just under 1,100 yards and four trips to the end zone.
Defensively, Northbrook has established a formidable contingent of playmakers, beginning with senior defensive end Kenneth Paulk, who leads the team with four sacks and nine tackles for loss.
Linebacker Henry Alfaro has racked up a team-high 34 tackles, while fellow senior Brian Robinson has anchored the secondary with game-changing ability, tallying four interceptions, three forced fumbles and two passes defended.
After more than five decades of waiting, Northbrook has finally broken through. Now, Stafford and the Raiders have an opportunity to extend their historic season when they face La Porte in Thursday’s UIL playoff opener at 7:30 PM at La Porte ISD’s Bulldog Stadium.
