The Houston Cougars wrapped up their season at TDECU Stadium with a loss to TCU, but football isn’t done on Cullen Boulevard. The venue shifts from college to high school this week for a high-stakes Texas playoff matchup.
No. 11 North Shore (11–2) and unbeaten Dickinson (13–0) will meet in the Class 6A Division I state quarterfinals at 7 p.m. Friday at TDECU Stadium.
The matchup features one of the state’s powerhouse programs against one of its most compelling undefeated stories.
Dickinson enters riding momentum after a dominant 55–16 win over Houston Strake Jesuit last week at Bulldog Stadium. The Gators controlled the game from the first snap, showing explosiveness on offense and strength up front.
“Our defensive line and linebackers did an excellent job of controlling the line of scrimmage, and offensively, we were able to big-play them a little bit,” Dickinson head coach John Snelson told the Galveston Daily News. “You’ve got to match their physicality on the line of scrimmage. They’re just a physical ballclub. … We’ve got to be ready for a four-quarter fist fight.”
The win pushed Dickinson to 13–0 for just the second time in program history.
It sets up one of the biggest games the school has played in years.
North Shore arrives with momentum following a 54–27 victory over Cypress Falls the day after Thanksgiving. The Mustangs leaned heavily on the connection between quarterback Kaleb Maryland and receiver Jaylen Bocard, a duo that torched the Eagles’ secondary all afternoon.
Maryland finished with 170 passing yards and three touchdowns. Bocard hauled in 110 yards and two scores.
Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. Friday, and tickets are available here.
