And just like that, quarterback DJ Lagway’s historic season is over.
The Willis Wildkats were defeated by the DeSoto Eagles in a lopsided 65-31 victory at the Alamodome on Friday night. The Lagway-led Willis kept it close… at least, in the first half.
DeSoto, fresh off last season’s 6A-Division II State Championship, accounted for five second-half scores behind their dominant offensive attack led by Eagles quarterback Darius Bailey. The Sam Houston commit contributed four touchdown passes, including three to receiver Antonio Pride Jr. Both Deondrae “Tiger” Riden and Marvin Duffey combined for 260+ rushing yards. The rush game for the Eagles is so deep that five different running backs scored rushing touchdowns.
DeSoto’s defense tallied six sacks in the game, led by senior linebacker Jamir Laye (3 sacks) and senior defensive end Keylan Abrams (2 sacks).
The regional matchup is only the second time in Willis school history that the team has reached the third round of the playoffs. The loss marks the end of their undefeated season—one of the best seasons to follow nationally this fall.
Still, Lagway—the future Florida Gators quarterback—managed to break the Texas high school record for most passing touchdowns in a single season with two passing scores. Entering the contest, the 5-star competitor had thrown for 4,269 yards, 56 touchdowns, as well as 845 yards on the ground with 14 rushing scores.
DeSoto advances to the quarterfinals, where they will face Cedar Hill on Saturday.
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