This week, DeSoto High School is gearing up for an electrifying showdown as they prepare to face off against the reigning 5A D2 champions, the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears.
The highly anticipated matchup will unfold right in their backyard as the Eagles travel to the nearby John E. Kincaide Stadium, nestled within the Jesse Owens Memorial Complex.
Kickoff for the game is Saturday, September 9, promising an action-packed evening that is sure to draw fans from across the community.
Both teams are entering this game with high expectations, with South Oak Cliff coming off a huge victory against Lancaster, winning 42-21.
DeSoto is coming off an early bye week but previously defeated Allen on the road in hostile territory, winning 39-7.
However, in the win over Allen, DeSoto’s junior running back, Deondrae Riden Jr., would have to leave the game just before halftime due to injury.
DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis spoke to the DeSoto Tribune and provided an update but did not give specifics on the injury.
“We want to make sure he’s healthy, and We’re going to make sure he’s healthy,” said Mathis.
It remains to be seen if DeSoto will have their four-star running back.
Last season, the Eagles defeated the Golden Bears 42-23, and this year’s SOC team will have to figure out a way to slow DeSoto quarterback DJ Baily with a new secondary.
Expectations for this year’s game are high.
“I expect our kids to go in there and to play hard, and I expect our kids to cut down on the penalties. I expect our kids to go in there and continue to play hard,” said Mathis.
“It’s going to be a really great ball game. We have to get better,” said Mathis.
“Even though we’ve had a week off and were only going to have one game underneath our belt, and they’re going to have two games underneath their belt, we just have to make sure we’re in condition and in shape and ready to handle it.”
Kickoff for the game begins at 6 p.m.
Joshua Carter