DeSoto Eagles
Last Season: 9-3; Defeated by Southlake Carroll in the area round
Head Coach: Claude Mathis: 9th season as head coach (2008-14, 2019-Present)
Non-District game to watch: 8/28 vs. Converse Judson (@Baylor University)- This will be a showdown between two top-tier programs at McLane Stadium. Judson went 12-2 a year ago, making a run to the regional finals, so DeSoto will get a good test of their playoff credentials in this one.
Player to watch: WR Jerand Bradley- A Texas Tech commit, he is a rangy receiver at 6’5” and 200 pounds. He will be a big addition for the Eagles this season after transferring in from Plano John Paul II, where he caught 96 passes for 1,595 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Storylines: The Eagles are poised for a deep playoff run with the amount of Division I talent that they have on their roster. Illinois commit quarterback Samari Collier is back to lead the offense after throwing for 2,367 yards, rushing for 445 yards, and amassing 30 touchdowns a year ago. He has two extremely talented weapons in Bradley and Arkansas commit WR Jaedon Wilson, 520 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season. Sophomore WR Johntay Cook II is one to keep an eye on as he has eight Division I offers and is prepped for a breakout season as a sophomore. Juniors Robert Richardson, 422 rushing yards, and Chris Henley Jr., 401 rushing yards, will be looked upon to lead the backfield after the Eagles top two rushers from last season graduated. On the other side of the ball, 4-star defensive end Shemar Turner, 54 tackles and eight sacks, will be an impact player on the defensive line alongside Baylor commit defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, 98 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The secondary is immensely talented too with several key players in first team all-district selection safety Devyn Bobby, Colorado State commit cornerback Lathan Adams, and sophomore Jaden Milliner-Jones, 31 tackles, who transfers in from Mesquite Horn. The Eagles are primed for a special season, and this extremely competitive district will help make them battle tested as they prepare to make some noise when November rolls around.
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