It was a clear and perfect night for the DeSoto Eagles as they soared to victory in their playoff debut against Harker Heights on Friday, Nov. 10, winning 50-10.
Head Coach Claude Mathis and his Eagles welcomed Deondre Tiger Riden Jr. back to the field as DeSoto’s run game didn’t skip a beat, dishing out over 300 yards.
On their first drive, the Eagles moved the ball down the field to set up a one-yard touchdown run by Jaden Trawick, making it 8-0.
DeSoto would get the ball back after Harker Heights goes three and out and would score again on a 32-yard Riden Jr touchdown run, giving the Eagles a 15-0 lead.
The Eagle’s defense refused to be left out of the endzone as, on the ensuing drive by the Knights, DeSoto intercepted the ball and ran it back for a 22-yard touchdown, making it 22-0.
DeSoto led Harker Heights 43-3 at halftime.
The Eagles would score one more time on a 58-yard touchdown run by Riden Jr. to put up 50 points on the Knights.
DeSoto’s ground game gave quarterback DJ Bailey the night off as he completed 6 of 9 passes for 102 yards and two touchdowns.
Senior running back Marvin Duffey continues to soar high, carrying the ball eight times for 113 yards and a touchdown.
In his first time back playing a full game, Riden Jr. did not disappoint, carrying the ball just five times for 111 yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles receivers, Eathen Feaster and Dylan Singleton, both scored a touchdown to help lift the Eagles over the Knights.
The Eagle’s defense held steadfast, only allowing 10 points and forcing three turnovers in the blowout win.
Up next, DeSoto won’t have to travel far as they take on the Wylie East Raiders at 7 p.m. on Nov. 17 at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington.