HOUSTON — It may be the most dramatic finish in the history of the UIL football championships. North Shore’s heave on the final play to win the 2018 state title over Duncanville.
Competitors then are now, five years later, on the same side at Rice.
"Man, time’s flying," said Jon Kay, who coaches the Rice linebackers and was the winning head coach that day for North Shore. “That (2018 game) was kind of what kicked off this rivalry."
Owls' starting defensive tackle De’Braylon Carroll and starting cornerback Tre’shon Devones were both all-district players for Duncanville.
"When you lose in a way like that it just kind of just it never really just goes away," said Devones.
Carroll and Devones were one play away from a title. “It just slipped in a matter of three seconds,” added Devones.
“I'll just say we didn't finish you know, for like we did a good job coming back and taking the lead and we had opportunity to win and we didn't come up,” said Carroll.
Kay is new to Rice. Joined the Owls staff this season. The Duncanville players’ reaction then? “I didn't really know how he looked,” said Devones. “It'd been so long since I've seen him,” replied Carroll.
Compare that to their feelings today. “Coach K is a football genius,” said Carroll.
“And actually put a face to the man we've heard about and he'd be able to put a face to the players he's heard about that was like a real blessing,” mentioned Devones. “I think one thing about us is that (the) Texas high school football (community), we go against each other. But at the end of the day, when you get to different programs (at higher levels), and you're together, we love each other because we know what type of background you came from.”
“They're great kids,” said Kay, who will attend this latest meeting between North Shore and Duncanville on December 16 . “They're incredible players. And I think that's why you go into programs like Duncanville and recruit those guys. They know how to win. They know how to compete, they've been great leaders.”
Once opposite charges. Now, it’s all positive.
“(North Shore) They know they barely got up out of there (with a win),” joked Duncanville’s Carroll.
Almost all positive.