From The Houston Chronicle, Nov. 15, 2003, 2:58AM

North Shore rip Clear Lake 52-0 in bi-district

Mustangs off to impressive playoff start

By NIKI HERBERT
Copyright 2003 Houston Chronicle

In years past, athleticism, power and speed were not enough to propel the North Shore Mustangs to a state title.

The past two seasons the Mustangs were sent home in regional play after losing tight, high-scoring contests with Madison and Eisenhower, respectively.

But behind the inspired play of a veteran defensive unit, unbeaten North Shore has returned as a serious 2003 title contender.

In a 52-0 Class 5A Region III Division I bi-district victory over Clear Lake at Pasadena Memorial Stadium, the Mustangs did everything right Friday night.

Clear Lake did not get inside North Shore's 20-yard line all night. In fact, the Falcons made just five first downs, with their largest gain -- a 16-yard run -- coming late in the game.

North Shore scored on four of its first five drives en route to a 31-0 halftime lead.

"We've been doing this for a while now, and we know what to do now," Mustangs senior strong safety Bug Aymond said. "We're not worried about what people have said or anything. All we're worried about is we're seniors, and it's do or die."

After North Shore (11-0) took a 38-0 lead on its first drive of the second half, Mustangs coach David Aymond pulled his starters -- on offense and defense.

But there was no dropping off in seasoning or intensity.

"They've all had a chance to play this season," said David Aymond, who has not played his starters all four quarters of any game this season. "They've gotten some experience. We're a more talented team. We can do more things offensively now. We took whatever they gave us."

Justin McNeese rushed for 124 yards on 14 carries, scoring three touchdowns on runs of 10, 32 and one yards for the Mustangs. Bobby Reid completed all seven of his passes, three of them going for touchdowns to Tyrell Williams.

"We practiced all week on certain schemes, and the coaches told us if we played the fakes right, then we'd have open opportunities," McNeese said. "Our offensive line did such a nice job, I couldn't do anything but score tonight."

Charles Robinson had several tackles on the night. Bug Aymond and Courtney Lane not only broke up passes but also drilled runners at the line of scrimmage when North Shore stacked eight or nine players in the box and limited the Falcons' ground game to 63 yards.

"You've got to understand against Madison, these guys were first-time starters as sophomores," David Aymond said. "Against Eisenhower, it was just their second year. They've got experience now. That's a major part of why the defense is playing so well this year.

"Sure, those were a lot of points those teams scored, but this year our defense has done a great job. Tonight, they put us in good positions to score."

North Shore started five drives near midfield, scoring on three of them.

"We're coming down this year, and we're going to state," Mustangs senior cornerback Norman Mingo said. "We're more focused, and we know what we're capable of doing."

North Shore took a No. 1 state ranking into last year's regional semifinal game against Eisenhower. But this North Shore team just might be stronger, quicker, more athletic and much more passionate than its 2002 counterpart.

"We're having fun now," Bug Aymond said. "When you have fun, you play better. It's not about proving anything or being boastful. It's just about being seniors.

"We are more focused. We do have more experience, too. Our defense is fast, and we love to hit. We're coming at you full speed. There's no slowing down."