Defending Class 6A Division I champion North Crowley survived both the weather and a hungry DeSoto squad in a thrilling Friday night showdown. After a nearly three-hour lightning delay stretched the game past midnight, the Panthers emerged with a 36-27 victory in Fort Worth.
DeSoto came out swinging. Quarterback LeMarcus Summers put the Eagles on the board early with a rushing score, and later connected with Antron Edmundson for another touchdown to build a 21-7 lead in the second quarter. The defending champs looked rattled, but backup quarterback DeMarcus Harris sparked North Crowley late in the half with a six-yard touchdown pass that cut the deficit to 21-14 at the break.
The second half was all about grit. Running back Kiante Ingram, already known as one of the state’s most electric playmakers, ripped off big runs to set up scores. Jayden Shaw added two clutch Wildcat touchdowns, including the late dagger with less than two minutes to play. North Crowley’s defense also made big stops in crunch time, highlighted by a momentum-shifting interception from Elijajuan Houston.
DeSoto, though, refused to quit. Sarod Baker’s 33-yard touchdown run kept the Eagles within striking distance in the third quarter, and Summers kept the offense moving deep into the fourth. Even in defeat, DeSoto showed its championship pedigree, battling until the final whistle.
North Crowley showed once again why they’re the defending 6A Division I champions, grinding out a tough win in front of their home crowd. The Panthers extended their winning streak and continue to look every bit like a team ready to defend their crown this fall.
DeSoto may have come up short on the scoreboard, but the Eagles reminded everyone why they’ve been one of the state’s premier programs. With playmakers across the field and plenty of time to regroup, DeSoto still looks like a team capable of making noise in 2025 and making another deep playoff run.
