Strong defensive effort gives La Porte big upset.
Hoza Scott was instrumental in La Porte's big victory.
File photo by Greg Pierson
Thanks to a solid defensive effort and a 14-point third quarter,
La Porte (Texas) knocked off previously unbeaten
North Shore (Houston) 27-10.
Keith Whitely and
Britt Grant both rushed for touchdowns in the third quarter to break a 3-3 tie and give La Porte a lead it would not relinquish. A 1-yard Whitely touchdown run early in the fourth quarter put the game away for La Porte.
The Mustangs, who came in ranked No. 4 in the
MaxPreps Texas Top 25, had their 8-game winning streak snapped.
Led by
Hoza Scott, La Porte's defense was able to slow down North Shore's ground game. It limited star running back
Jared Pendleton to a single touchdown.
Scott is one of the nation's premier juniors and is being heavily recruited by Texas, Texas A&M and numerous programs from around the country.
La Porte (8-1) could be peaking at the right time. Last season, it stunned Katy in the playoffs. This season, after a September loss to Clear Springs, it has clamped down defensively, allowing two or fewer touchdowns in each of its last six games.
A win next weekend over Port Arthur Memorial would further bolster La Porte's momentum for a state title push.
North Shore, which entered the game averaging 48 points per contest, will look to get back on track offensively in a game against Deer Park.
