In a game that will be remembered for its explosive offense and dramatic twists, #5 North Crowley edged out #1 DeSoto with a 57-51 victory on Friday night.
DeSoto has been the team to beat the last two years, striking fear into many of their opponents when they step onto the field.
Coming in with a 23-game win streak and a massive week one win off of 5A Georgia state runner-up Creekside Seminoles 70-0.
The last time DeSoto had lost was in October of the 2022-23 season, when the Eagles fell to Duncanville 41-17.
The matchup showcased high school football at its finest, featuring a combined total of 108 points.
The game began with DeSoto fumbling the opening kick-off on a pooch kick by North Crowley, which led to the Panthers scoring the game’s first points on the ensuing play.
North Crowley’s three-star running back Cornelius Warren was the standout performer, rushing for three touchdowns, including a pivotal 66-yard go-ahead score in the fourth quarter that put the Panthers up 49-44.
Warren also added a pair of two-point conversions, further solidifying his impact on the game.
Not long after Warren’s final touchdown, three-star running back Daniel Bray delivered another long score, sprinting 62 yards to the end zone to extend North Crowley’s lead.
DeSoto’s three-star quarterback Kelden Ryan kept his team in contention during the first half, accounting for three touchdowns—two on the ground.
However, an injury midway through the third quarter forced Ryan to the sideline until the final minutes of the third.
In his absence, backup quarterback Legend Howell stepped up, converting a crucial fourth down that led to a touchdown by four-star running back Deondrae Riden.
That touchdown gave the Eagles a temporary lead.
Under head coach Ray Gates, North Crowley has now improved to 28-2 over the last two-plus years.
DeSoto will look to get back into the winning column as they play host to Corpus Christie Miller.