For the 29th season, DeSoto is back in the playoffs.
The Eagles cemented their berth at the latest edition of “The Battle of Belt Line” with a 63-24 dominating victory over district rival Cedar Hill on Friday. The Eagles have now won five in a row in the series, outscoring the Longhorns 247-73 during that span; they lead the all-time series 24-16.
In a rivalry that stretches back to 1956, the Eagles continued to impress their dominance over the Longhorns, scoring touchdowns for the team’s first eight offensive possessions. The team has now surpassed 50 points for the sixth time this year.
Quarterback Kelden Ryan, in his first appearance in the rivalry, was responsible for 385 total yards and six touchdowns, including three rushing scores, and five TDs in the first half. SMU pledge Daylon Singleton accounted for 13 catches for 194 yards and two touchdowns.
The Eagles haven’t missed the postseason since 1995. During that span, the team has gone 55-25 in the playoffs and claimed three state titles in Class 6A Division II (2016, 2022, 2023). In his two tenures with the team, coach Claude Mathis has never missed the playoffs.
DeSoto will face off with Lancaster for the final week of the regular season, with the winner claiming 11-6A’s top playoff seed in the Division II bracket. With two district games left, Cedar Hill has to close the regular season against undefeated Duncanville, as they look for their 18th playoff berth in 20 years.
