Football

This year, barring any unforeseen forces of nature, the only hurricane-like force felt by the state this weekend will take place when the two teams meet on the field of Tiger Stadium in Corsicana at 6 p.m. Saturday.

A year in the making, the game promises to live up to its billing. The Dragons (4-0) look revamped and brimming with confidence. North Shore (3-1) continues to flex its muscle as a perennial power. The two are ranked in the top 10 by the Associated Press’ 5A state high school football poll – Carroll at No. 3 and North Shore at No. 9.

"We’re streaming with confidence right now, it’s just ridiculous," said Dragons running back Tommy Avers after last Friday’s 56-21 victory over Mesquite. "This team is meshing together better than any team I’ve ever seen mesh before."

That level of chemistry and power will be tested when Carroll takes on the Mustangs, a team that last won a state championship in 2003 (5A Div. I) and reached the state semifinals in 2007 before losing to Judson. Like Carroll, North Shore seems to constantly find itself in the playoffs. Also like Carroll, the Mustangs were knocked off in the second round of the playoffs last season.

North Shore’s power is in its ground game. The Mustangs are led by running back Tim Cornett, who’s rolled up 608 yards on 44 carries (13.82 yards per carry) and scored six touchdowns. But Cornett’s not alone in North Shore’s rushing arsenal. Tracy Woods has 198 yards and three touchdowns, and quarterback Keenan Gibson has 84 yards and two additional scores.

Gibson’s passing approach is less glitz and more about efficiency. The Mustangs quarterback has thrown for 463 passes and one touchdown on 43-of-82 attempts (52.44 percent). Gibson’s favorite target is Deandrew White, who has 13 catches for 201 yards (15 yards per catch) and two touchdowns.

North Shore’s only loss thus far was to Katy (ranked No. 10 by the AP), a 9-7 loss that was dominated by defense. Since then, the Mustangs have beaten their last opponents by an average of 24.7 points per game.

Running in High Gear

The Dragons proved they also could be a threat on the ground as well as in the air when they demolished winless Mesquite (0-4) 56-21 at home last Friday.

Tallying 670 yards of total offense, Carroll gained 359 yards running the ball. That attack was spearheaded by Tommy Avers, who rushed for a career-high 217 yards and five touchdowns.

"That was probably the most fun I’ve had in a football game," said Avers, who has a total of 600 yards rushing and 10 touchdowns (rushing, receiving and special teams) for the season. "Everybody was having a good time. It was fun to get into the end zone."

Carroll coach Hal Wasson said the success on the ground was a group effort.

Backup QB Sharp as Starter

With starting quarterback David Piland (792 yards passing, 7 TDs, 0 INTs) out due to illness, backup Kyle Williamson showed no drop off in leading the offensive attack.

Williamson, also a senior, came out of the chutes completing 11 of his first 13 passes in the first half, ending the night with a 17-of-20 performance for 311 yards and two touchdowns.

This after Williamson’s second pass of the game was intercepted by Mesquite and set up a 7-0 Mesquite lead.

"He did an outstanding job," Wasson said of Williamson. "It was his first start. He kind of struggled in that first possession. But like I’ve said about this football team, with the mental toughness that they have to respond, he came back out and was razor sharp."

Wasson said Piland rested this past week to overcome his illness and expects the

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Carroll (4-0) vs. Galena Park North Shore (3-1)
6 p.m. Saturday
Tiger Stadium, Corsicana
Prediction: Carroll 35, North Shore 27. This contest, to be shown on Fox Sports Southwest, should live up to the hype. Expect a close battle early, but with key offensive plays and defensive pressure up front, the Dragons should hold off the Mustangs.