It will be a tall task for anyone to stop Duncanville and DeSoto from a state title three-peat.
Heading into the playoffs, both teams could become the 20th and 21st schools in UIL history to win three consecutive state titles in football.
As expected, both teams took care of business this week. The Eagles cruised past Lancaster 43-13, finishing their district tilt 6-1. The Panthers collected their ninth win of the season, blowing out 48-6; Duncanville haven’t allowed more than a single score since their 42-20 victory over DeSoto on October 11th.
If their undefeated record is any indication, the Panthers have a better chance at another state championship; since losing to DeSoto last season, Duncanville can’t seem to lose, propelled by the air attack of quarterback and Alabama commit Keelon Russell, who is responsible for over 226 passes this season; currently, not one Duncanville running back has surmounted 500 yards.
In contrast, DeSoto has found tremendous success with their ground game, leading area 6A teams in rushing with an average of 314 yards per game.
Each has their own Kryptonite that may be lurking in the postseason. Duncanville’s biggest hurdle will be Galena Park North Shore. The Mustangs previously defeated the Panthers in the postseason in 2018, 2019, and 2021; coach Reginald Samples is currently 2-3 against their 6A rival.
DeSoto’s toughest challenge will be the undefeated Southlake Carroll Dragons, who will be hoping to ride on the momentum of last season, when they defeated the Dragons 45-38 in the 6A Division II state semifinal.
The Eagles biggest disadvantage is their enrollment size. Weeks after claiming the state title last year, DeSoto had to appeal to stay in Class 6A, after turning in a Class 5A enrollment of 2,127 students. If the Eagles are embarrassed in the playoffs, they have two years to revisit their classification status.
After claiming the 6A District 1 title, Duncanville is in the driver’s seat for their first perfect season since 2022.
The playoffs start for both teams on Friday, November 15 at 7 pm, respectively.
