ARLINGTON, Texas – Light rain fell at Choctaw Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Friday night, but it couldn’t dampen the DeSoto Eagles’ victory over the Wylie East Raiders, securing a 42-20 win.
and advancing in the playoffs.
In a hard-fought, penalized game, the Eagles dominated on both sides, compiling over 300 rushing yards and nearly 250 passing yards.
Senior running back Marvin Duffey kicked off the scoring with a 72-yard touchdown run, and despite Wylie East briefly taking the lead, DeSoto led 21-13 by halftime.
DeSoto extended their lead in the second half, with quarterback DJ Bailey delivering a standout performance—13 for 23, 241 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
Running backs Deondrae Riden Jr. and Duffey showcased the Eagles’ formidable ground game.
Wideout Daylon Singleton went off, catching nine receptions for 213 yards and two touchdowns, including a 55-yard score.
DeSoto Head Coach Claude Mathis praised the team’s resilience.
“I thought the kids played well. It’s really been a long week, and they played very hard over there, but I know when we went through, and we’re just glad to get this over and move on to the next round it,” said Mathis.
DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers was in attendance and spoke to The DeSoto Tribune after the game emphasizing the lesson in perseverance for the students.
“Today was a good game and it was a good lesson for our students. You can’t count anybody out, and you always have to play like you could go home,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rogers after the game.
“I’m extremely proud of them because its perseverance that builds champions, it builds champions on the football field, and it builds champions in life, so today our kids learned a good lesson about perseverance, and I’m extremely proud of them.”
Next, DeSoto faces the Willis Wildkats at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio on Friday, Nov. 24, at 7 p.m.