December 2, 2022
For the third time in the last four seasons, the showdown for a spot in the Class 6A Division I State Semifinal comes down to Atascocita and North Shore.
The Eagles will face the Mustangs in the State Quarterfinals tonight at 7 p.m. at New Caney ISD’s Randall Reed Stadium. Fans can purchase tickets online until 3 p.m. After that they can purchase them at the gates starting at 5:30 p.m.
Fans who plan to attend the game should be aware that Randall Reed Stadium does enforce a clear bag policy.
Playoff History
Atascocita and North Shore last met in the playoffs last season in this exact round. The Mustangs ended up winning 44-20 and went on to claim the 2021 Class 6A Division I State Championship.
“Last year’s team for them is way different than this year’s team,” Atascocita coach Craig Stump said. “Our team is different. The year before that it was different. The year we beat them in the Regional Final with Daveon it was different. Same schools but all those teams have been different.”
Prior to that, Atascocita and North Shore faced off in the 2019 State Quarterfinals, North Shore winning 76-49 and then in the 2016 State Quarterfinals, which the Eagles won 33-27 in overtime at NRG Stadium.
This version of the Eagles are trying to become the first since the 2016 group to reach the State Semifinals. Of course, the roster is completely different but Stump admits there are some similarities.
“Their togetherness, the way they like each other and the way they pull for each other,” Stump said. “I think the team speed is similar as well.”
Atascocita vs North Shore in Playoffs - 1-2 overall
Pictured: Atascocita coach Craig Stump
Best vs Best
There is no other way to put it. This is the best versus the best when it comes to District 21-6A.
Atascocita and North Shore battled it out earlier this season to a 16-13 victory for the Mustangs in a heavyweight match.
This playoff showdown will pit the top two offenses and defenses against each other. North Shore enters averaging 438.85 yards per game on offense, while Atascocita is right behind them averaging 427.62 yards. Defensively, North Shore is giving up an average of 155.3 yards per game and Atascocita surrenders an average of 221.85 yards.
Both explosive offense and stout defensive units will now play their fourth time against each other in the past two seasons on Friday night.
“It’s week four and we’re trying to get them to understand that we are trying to play a six game season,” Stump said. “The difference is that they know each other on a personal level. Not just two schools playing each other.”
Zion Ready for Big Stage
Zion Brown was thrust into the starting role for Atascocita a year ago after the injury to Gavin Session, which sidelined him for the remainder of his senior season.
Brown played the remainder of the season as the Eagles’ starting quarterback as a sophomore and led Atascocita to the State Quarterfinals.
A year later, he now has 13 more varsity games under his belt since then, which is a difference maker.
“Last year, I didn’t know what the reads were and this year, I’m better with the reads,” Brown said. “The game got way slower. I’m able to move faster every game. It’s definitely a big jump. Last year, I got thrown into the fire. But this year coming in knowing I was the starter it was amazing.”
Entering this week, Brown has passed for 2,653 yards and 26 touchdowns and has completed 56% of his passes for the year. He has also been a threat with his legs, rushing for 826 yards and eight scores. He has averaged 8.69 yards per carry in his junior campaign.
“He can throw the ball, he’s accurate, he can run and he can do things,” Stump said. “It’s about all the other stuff about playing quarterback. Level-headed, trusting your keys and learning it’s OK to punt even though you don’t want to punt. He’s developing in that role really well over the last four or five weeks.”
Pictured: Atascocita quarterback Zion Brown
Ready to Run
Tory Blaylock saw his recruitment explode over the summer and in his sophomore season with the Eagles he has matched the offseason excitement with big numbers.
Blaylock is coming off a career game last week against Ridge Point and for the 2022 season has rushed for 1,177 yards and 17 scores.
“Communicating with the O-Line,” Blaylock said when asked about the key to success. “Let them know if they’re locked in, I’m locked in. If they play good, I have a good game. Let them know the holes they open up, I’m going to run through them.”
Atascocita quarterback Zion Brown and running back Tory Blaylock look over towards coaches for a play call during a Tuesday afternoon practice on November 29, 2022.
Defensive Prowess
The Atascocita defense is led by senior Jadon Ducos, who has racked up an impressive 142 total tackles this season. De’Angelo Hayes is right behind him at 102, followed by Marquell Dorsey-Abram with 90.
Braylon Conley leads the team with 19 pass break-ups and Deion Campbell has reeled in four interceptions for the season. Hayes has three.
“Week in and week out we are becoming more of a team,” Campbell said. “I feel like we are the best in the state if we play right.”