Deer Park Faces No. 8 Galena Park North Shore in Texas High School Football Playoffs
North Shore controls the game
The Mustangs took an early lead after Deer Park punted on its opening possession. Kaden Brandley scored from two yards out, then added a short touchdown run in the second quarter.
North Shore extended its advantage with Brandley’s 23-yard score, a Dante Mays reverse on fourth-and-goal, and a 55-yard pass from Javoris Taylor to La'Damian Defreeze. The Mustangs reached 35-0 before Deer Park scored just before halftime.
Four touchdowns for Brandley
Deer Park scored on a four-yard pass to Jack Paradysz with six seconds left in the first half, making it 35-7. North Shore answered after halftime, recovering an attempted onside kick and scoring on Brandley’s eight-yard run.
Brandley finished with four touchdowns, three in the first half. North Shore added scores from Ian VanCourt, Xaylan Owens and Ka'Maury Marshall to complete the 62-14 victory.
A title defense continues
North Shore, last season’s University Interscholastic League 6A Division I champion, improved to 10-1. The Mustangs went 14-2 last year and beat Duncanville for the state title; their only loss this season was to District 17-6A rival Sheldon C.E. King.
Deer Park season ends
Deer Park placed third in District 18-6A, behind champion Dickinson and runner-up Barbers Hill. The Deer won all of their non-district games and finished the season 8-3. The live updates reported North Shore’s final score as 62-14, with Marshall scoring on a run from inside the five-yard line late in the fourth quarter.
Key points
- North Shore defeated Deer Park 62-14 in the 6A Division I bi-district round.
- Kaden Brandley scored four touchdowns, including three before halftime.
- The Mustangs improved to 10-1 and will play the winner of Pearland-Alief Taylor.
- Deer Park finished its season 8-3 after placing third in District 18-6A.