When looking at the season statistics for the Pasadena Memorial team, it’s obvious that there are more than enough capable players who can get it done in the ground game. And that proved to be true in the Mavericks’ latest win over South Houston.
In a 24-3 victory last Thursday night at Pasadena Veterans Stadium, they had 273 yards on the ground with four or more backs contributing to that total. But, when the ball goes airborne, there is a good chance that Nathan Mourik will be on the receiving end.
Last game, Mourik was not able to get a catches, but did get some touches on punt returns.
“I didn’t catch any passes today. They had Leroy Scott and Kenneth Marshall on so I was more of a distraction (decoy) with two guys on me,” Mourik said.
But that did not much matter to the 6-foot-2, 180-pound Mourik as he has much bigger plans on his mind. While he was on the edge drawing double teams, he teammates were taking off on the rushing yards keeping the chains moving.
Plus, they came out with the win. And that is the main thing.
“This is probably the district championship for us. That depends on the game tomorrow (Deer Park vs. Pearland, Oilers won Friday night 27-7),” Mourik said. “It’s good to get this win. Not our best win that we could put up, but a win is a win. This will be the first time in the history of our school that we have a chance at the title.”
Memorial is now 8-1 on the year and 6-0 in district play. Next up is Deer Park, and according to word in the Maverick locker room, the confidence level is high.
From the standing, no matter what happens in the Pearland/Pasadena Dobie game, the Mavericks will take a share of the title for District 22-5A
“We have lots of confidence. We got playoffs coming and we are pumped up about that,” Mourik said. “We have the chance to make school history so we need to make that happen.”
Mission accomplished. And Mourik will play a key role in that as well. Though he had no catches against South Houston, for the year he has 34 receptions for 573 yards and nine touchdowns. The Mavericks will likely need that level of play to aid in their postseason run.
Along with helping the Memorial football team, the junior Mourik is also making a name for himself amongst the college recruiters who will be traveling through the Houston area in the coming months.
“Right now, TCU, Oklahoma State and Texas A&M are a few of the schools that are looking at me,” Mourik said. “Also, Missouri and Utah. I do plan to take some visits, but I’ll deal with that after the season is over with.”