This Friday, October 11, the DeSoto Eagles (4-1) face off against their cross-town rivals, the Duncanville Panthers (4-0).
The cross-town rivalry is one of the most anticipated high school football games of the season where the winner will hold bragging rights until next season.
The Eagles will host the Panthers at Eagles stadium at 7:00 PM, in a battle that will determine bragging rights for the southwest.
The rivalry between DeSoto and Duncanville is fierce, with both teams consistently ranking among the top in Texas high school football.
Each year, their matchup draws thousands of fans, alumni, and local community members, and this year is no exception.
Last season, DeSoto defeated Duncanville 49-35 in a thrilling contest, paving the way for the Eagles to finish their season undefeated and capture the 6A Division II state title.
Meanwhile, Duncanville rebounded from the loss to win the 6A Division I state championship.
Both teams are now eyeing a third consecutive state title this season, adding extra weight to Friday’s contest.
Key Players to Watch
DeSoto’s balanced and high-scoring offense is led by standout senior quarterback Kelden Ryan, who has thrown for nine touchdowns this season with an impressive 64.8% completion rate.
He will be supported by senior running back Deondrae Riden Jr., who averages 128.2 rushing yards per game, and senior wide receiver Daylon Singleton.
Singleton is averaging 74.8 receiving yards per game.
Defensively, DeSoto’s key players are senior defensive end Keylan Abrams and senior Marshall Kirven, who leads the team in sacks with four this season.
Duncanville’s offense, on the other hand, boasts high efficiency under senior quarterback Keelon Russell, who has thrown 19 touchdowns and maintains a remarkable 75% completion rate.
Russell’s go-to target is senior wide receiver Dakorien Moore, who averages 106.3 receiving yards per game.
On the ground, senior running back Jaqualon Armstrong leads the charge with 59.3 rushing yards per game.
Defensively, senior Nehemiah Borner stands out with 11.5 tackles per game and 4.0 sacks, anchoring a formidable defense known for shutting down opposing offenses.
A Clash of Champions
Both teams have shown their championship pedigree, with DeSoto and Duncanville winning back-to-back UIL state titles in their respective divisions.
DeSoto’s head coach, Claude Mathis, is known for leading the Eagles to high-scoring games and multiple state titles.
Duncanville’s head coach, Reginald Samples, has over 300 career wins and two consecutive state championships under his belt.
As the two powerhouse programs collide once again, fans can expect a hard-fought contest that could set the tone for the rest of the season.