Few programs can touch North Shore when it comes to consistency.  The Mustang program has posted an astounding 95-9 record since 2000.  North Shore’s only multiple loss season in that time came in 2000 (10-3 overall record).  Longtime head coach David Aymond has engineered North Shore’s transition from a losing program into the powerhouse it is now. 

          Aymond took over in 1994 after North Shore had gone 1-9, 2-8, 2-8, 2-8 and 3-6-1 in the previous five seasons.  The turnaround occurred almost instantly.  The Mustangs have made the playoffs 14 seasons in a row dating back to 1994.  North Shore is 160-29 under Aymond’s leadership and currently owns a 70-game regular season win streak. 

          The Mustang program consistently produces some of the best football players in the Houston area.  Last year, North Shore won 14 games and lost to Converse Judson in the Division 1 state semi-finals.  It was the Mustangs’ deepest trip into the post-season since winning the state title in 2003.  26 lettermen are back in action this season as North Shore aims to make another playoff run in 2008.

          The biggest loss to graduation on offense is all-star QB Jeremiah McGinty.  McGinty had the best season at the position that North Shore’s seen since Bobby Reid (2002-2003).  Senior Alex Tillman (5’9 175) backed up McGinty last year and takes over the starting role.  Tillman is a dual-threat who should make a dangerous combination with the backfield talent the Mustangs have in the arsenal.  Senior RB DeAundre Jones (5’7 160) is a shifty and explosive back who fits the mold of what’s become the classic scat back in the North Shore offense.  Jones led the team in rushing last year.  Junior Tracy Woods (5’11 200) will split the workload.  Woods averaged almost nine yards per carry as a sophomore.

          Junior receiver DeAndrew White and senior tight end Barrett Matthews (6’2 235) are two of the primary options in the passing game.  Matthews is a dominant blocker and a total mismatch for most high school defenders in the passing game.  Matthews is committed to the University of Texas.  Also, DeAundre Jones is a very good receiver out of the backfield. 

          North Shore’s also got some experience back on the line.  Senior Jason Clayton (6’1 300) and junior Trey Hopkins (6’4 250) are both returning starters.  The Mustangs are typically very good up front.  Overall, this offense will be very good if Tillman steps in as expected at quarterback.  Jones and Woods are both proven commodities in the running game and will keep the chains moving along with Matthews. 

          The Mustangs could be strongest on the defensive line with three starters returning.  Senior defensive ends Terrance Kindle (6’4 200) and Jestin White (6’4 210) give North Shore two long and athletic players coming off the edge.  Senior DT Thaddeus Randle (6’1 260) is a returning first team all-district selection.  Junior Jarrod Foster (6’0 240) played last year as a sophomore.  Senior Daniel Salinas (6’1 205) anchors the second level in the Mustangs’ base 4-3 alignment.  Salinas is a very intelligent player who makes all of the pre-snap calls from his middle backer position and is always around the football.  The secondary returns two experienced veterans in seniors Eric Ruben (5’11 175) and Andrae May (6’1 170).

          North Shore defenses are known for aggression, speed and physical play.  The Mustangs generally favor smaller and quicker players on defense.  Most of North Shore’s size is featured on offense, and this team is following that same blueprint. 

          North Shore will be challenged right out of the chute with this talented team at home against Katy.  The Mustangs follow that up with games against Eisenhower, Cy Falls, La Marque, and Southlake Carroll.  Their 70-game streak may go by the wayside as a result, but the brutal non-district schedule should ensure that North Shore will be well prepared for what they'll be up against if they're to make a run at another state title.

 

2008  Team  Outlook

Pre-Season State Top 25:  8th Pre-Season Rank (Region):  1st (R3) Pre-Season Rank (District):  1st (21) Returning Offensive Starters:  6 RB Tracy Woods (Jr.) RB Deaundre Jones (Sr.) WR DeAndrew White (Sr.) TE Barrett Matthews (Sr.) OL Trey Hopkins (Jr.) OL Jason Clayton (Sr.) Returning Defensive Starters:  7 DE Terrance Kindle (Sr.) DE Jestin White (Sr.) DT Thaddeus Randle (Sr.) LB Brandon Briscoe (Jr.) LB Daniel Salinas (Sr.) DB Eric Ruben (Sr.) DB Andrae May (Sr.) All-State Players (Team): TE Barrett Matthews (1st) OL Trey Hopkins (All-Junior) Returning All-District Players:  6 RB Deaundre Jones (1st) TE Barrett Matthews (1st) LB Daniel Salinas (1st) OL Trey Hopkins (2nd) DT Thaddeus Randle (2nd) DB Eric Ruben (2nd) Other Players to Watch: QB Alex Tillman (Sr.) DT Jarrod Foster (Jr.) 2008 Schedule (Stadium): 8/29     Katy (GPISD)                                      7:00 9/5       @ Eisenhower (Thorne)                 7:30 9/12     @ Cy Falls (Berry)       9/20     La Marque (GPISD)                    9/27     @ Southlake Carroll (Dragon)        6:00 10/3     OPEN 10/10   PA Memorial (GPISD)  10/17   @ Channelview (N/A) 10/24   Baytown Sterling (GPISD) 10/31   @ Baytown Lee (N/A) 11/7     Beau. West Brook (GPISD) Opponents Combined Record: 68-38 Projected 2008 Record: 9-1 Key Games (Rank): vs. Katy @   Eisenhower @   Cy Falls @   Southlake Carroll vs.  Beaumont West Brook Unit Rankings: Total Defense (6th) Defensive Line (3rd)   The Bottom Line: Strengths: Key Players Return at Nearly Every Spot Nice Balance of Experience, Talent, & Depth Program Consistency Team Speed Weaknesses: Inexperience at QB