The 14th Annual MaxPreps Tour of Champions presented by the Army National Guard passed through Texas on Saturday, February 2 to recognize
North Shore (Houston, Texas) High School and its football team for winning a state championship and earning a high national ranking.
Having upended Duncanville 41-36 in the
UIL Conference 6A DI state championship contest, the 16-0 Mustangs claimed their first state football title since 2015, earned the No. 8 ranking in
MaxPreps' National Rankings and claimed the national championship in
MaxPreps' Xcellent 25 Writers' Poll!
Located east of downtown Houston, North Shore High School has consistently been a powerhouse in Conference 6A Division I, Texas' largest classification, inspiring some in Texas to call Mustang football the University of Alabama West!
An early pre-spring day greeted 2,000 excited and loud Mustang fans as they gathered to help MaxPreps and the Texas Army National Guard celebrate North Shore football at the Galena Park ISD football stadium in Houston. Once the presentation ceremony began at 3 p.m., a standing ovation greeted the football team when they entered the stadium. The band, cheerleaders and the dance team all contributed to the electrifying atmosphere for the duration of the ceremony.
Several school board members and city and state officials were in attendance, including Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, issuing proclamations in honor of the Mustangs. The celebration of North Shore football kicked off with the playing of highlights from the past season on a large video screen.
As the presentation ceremony continued, MaxPreps representative Bill Moore recapped North Shore's fantastic football season, explained MaxPreps' National Rankings and thanked the Army National Guard for its partnership. Staff Sergeant Carla Henry and PV2 Kalen LaRue, both of the Texas Army National Guard, interacted with the coaches, players and others on the football field and congratulated them on a terrific season. Moore introduced SSG Carla Henry, who spoke briefly about discipline, dedication and hard work, shared character traits of the Army National Guard and a state championship football team. SSG Henry then handed the Army National Guard national ranking trophy, shaped in the likeness of a ‘Minuteman,' over to Mustang head football coach Jon Kay.
Kay was humbled as he thanked his coaching staff, the players, North Shore High School and the fan base for their tremendous support and commitment. The fifth-year coach said that this year's Army National Guard national ranking trophy will look good next to the one his team received in 2015!
Congratulations Coach Kay and the North Shore Mustangs! We are looking forward to more championship seasons! Click
here to view the North Shore TOC photo gallery and for more information about the Football TOC, please visit the
MaxPreps Tour of Champions site.