By Allan Jamail
Galena Park ISD Stadium – August 29, 2019 before a sell-out crowd the Katy Tigers (Westside Boys) beat the North Shore defending state champion Mustangs (Eastside Boys) 24 – 21 in a 6A Region III District non-conference game.
The key to Katy’s win came from an out of state player who recently transferred to the Katy ISD. The Tigers didn’t have senior Ron Hoff on the team last year but he moved here from Dutch Fork, South Caroline to play his senior year here. He was told the Mustangs are the team to beat, because they beat Katy twice last year.
In the first half the defending state champion Mustangs ranked number one in state looked like they were well on their way to another undefeated season and state title. Mustangs led at halftime by two touchdowns (TD) 21-7 over the Tigers. They beat Katy both games played last year; Katy intends to do the same to the Mustangs this year.
KATY BAR THE DOOR, Not so fast said the Katy Tigers, you’ll have to come through us for the next state title. The Tigers second half offense led by the newly acquired running back racked up 2 touchdowns and a field goal for a come-from-behind victory. The Tigers stingy defense held the Mustangs scoreless in the second half.
Katy’s well balanced offense garnered 458 total yards, making 233 passing yards and 225 rushing yards. North Shore only managed 47 rushing yards with 181 yards passing for a game total of 228 yards, equaling only half of Katy’s total offense.
Katy’s transferred Hoff was the leading rusher with 206 yards and a TD. He proved to be too dominant for the Mustangs defense. Katy’s junior quarterback Bronson McClelland was the leading passer with 233 yards and two TD’s. Wide receiver senior Jordan Patrick had 7 receptions for 169 yards and a TD.
In the non-district game Mustang Coach Jon Kay wisely limited Zach Evans, the state’s top running back to only 9 carries for 39 yards. They were playing without one of their best offensive player’s, wide receiver Shadrach Banks who might miss all non-district games.
Katy’s Coach Gary Joseph said this one game doesn’t mean everything but it’s a confidence booster and gives the team momentum. He said it proves the Tigers can play on a championship level; they’re going to build on this win and improve their play much more throughout the season.
It’s likely these two teams will go head to head again this season, but if they meet again it’ll be for a deciding bid to win the state championship. STAY TUNED.
North Shore’s next game is a non-conference game with Ridge Point (Missouri City, TX) on Thursday, September 5 at 7pm, at TDECU Stadium (University of Houston).