Dallas-Fort Worth high schools put up some incredible games over the weekend.
After three weeks of the state’s playoffs, here is what we’ve learned as the picture is becoming a little clearer for the teams and the coveted title.
CLASS 6A
Coming out of DFW will be Duncanville.
This squad is complete and playing at an elite level. Led by Texas commit Ja’Quinden Jackson, the Panthers can beat teams in every phase of the game.
Jackson looks like the best quarterback in the state — in this decade.
Some may argue former Allen quarterback Kyler Murray, now with the Arizona Cardinals, is the best high school quarterback this decade, but Jackson is making a statement with each game that passes.
He can shred opponents with his legs or his arm. If anyone is in his way, he would rather run over them than around them.
Duncanville is poised for a date with North Shore for a Class 6A title rematch.
CLASS 5A
What we do know 100 percent is there will be a new state champion after Frisco Lone Star knocked off the previous champions in Highland Park in an overtime thriller Friday at AT&T Stadium.
Lone Star and stand out Marvin Mims did the unthinkable by beating a state champion twice in one year, and Friday’s matchup will be talked about for years to come.
The door is wide open now in Class 5A for a new state champion in Division I.
Lone Star looks like a solid favorite after the season it’s putting together.
DENTON COUNTY
Denton area schools are dominating in the playoffs this year.
With all the talent coming out of this region, one thing is for sure — Denton County may have more than one state champion.
Let’s start with Denton Guyer in Class 6A.
After surviving a thrilling come-from-behind win against Cedar Hill in the second, Guyer cruised past Arlington with ease 42-21 on Saturday at the Star in Frisco.
Eli Stowers, a quarterback, and running back Kaedrick Cobbs are the area’s lightning-and-thunder combo in the backfield.
Stowers, an A&M commit, is a true dual threat and leads a high-powered offense that is balanced out by the punishing runs of Cobbs.
Guyer’s defense is stout and anchored by defensive tackle Grant Mahon who is committed to Oklahoma State.
Next up is Denton Ryan.
The remaining schedule is tough, it is physical, and it is down right nasty.
Ryan shut down a top running back in any classification across the state in Noah Garcia out of Abiliene Cooper.
The Raiders force turnovers, and their offense makes their opponents pay for it.
Prediction — Ryan will face Lone Star in the state semifinals for a shot at it all.
Finally in Denton County, there is Argyle (4A) and Pilot Point (3A).
Both of these schools have been rolling through respective schedules and have outstanding talent at the quarterback position. Argyle’s Bo Hogeboom is committed to Houston for baseball, and Jacob Pitts is putting together a very good senior season, bringing Pilot Point back to dominance as they face Brock in the fourth round.
