Spurred by a strong performance from running back Malachi Medlock, Duncanville overpowered DeSoto 38-20 Saturday at Frisco’s Ford Center.
Medlock rushed for 252 yards and three touchdowns in addition to hauling in a pair of scores as the Panthers (12-1) motored to the Class 6A Division I semifinals to set up a rematch against Southlake Carroll.
The Panthers’ Jordan Crook kicked off the scoring in Duncanville’s quarterfinal matchup against the Eagles (11-3) with a 1-yard TD run that was countered by a 66-yard scoring pass from DeSoto quarterback Matthew Allen to Johntay Cook II.
Duncanville responded with a 24-point barrage that put the Eagles in its rear-view mirror. Medlock caught a 10-yard TD from QB Solomon James late in the first quarter, and Armando Benitez later booted a 43-yard field goal to give the Panthers a 17-7 lead at the half.
Second Half
Duncanville burst out of the gates in the third quarter with a 34-yard TD pass from James to Medlock and tacked on a defensive score when Colin Simmons scooped up a fumble and jetted 26 yards for another TD that put the Panthers up 31-7.
DeSoto’s Christopher Henley Jr. hauled in a 40-yard score to end Duncanville’s run, but Medlock provided one final highlight for the Panthers when he found a seam up the middle and darted ahead for an 80-yard TD run that punctuated the third quarter.
The Eagles managed one final score in the fourth period, but Duncanville’s commanding lead was never in jeopardy.
The Panthers finished the night with 298 rushing yards on 46 attempts to control the pace of the game. Meanwhile, Duncanville completely hemmed up DeSoto’s ground game, as Henley Jr. was limited to just 10 yards on nine totes.
Head coach Reginald Samples’ Panthers will now look to avenge their 2020 defeat against Southlake Carroll in a state semifinal rematch. The Dragons won 34-27 last year thanks to a furious second-half rally.
PHOTOS BY: PAT CARRIGAN
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