Duncanville weathered a tough test against Maryland’s finest, proving that Texas high school reigns supreme by defeating St. Frances Academy 28-24 at Panther Stadium on Saturday night.
The contest was a back-and-forth thriller.
The Panthers featured massive runs from senior tailback JaQualon Armstrong, posting 88 yards on 21 carries, including 70 in the second half. Armstrong best run was a 28-yard gain to the St. Frances 37 during Duncanville’s game-winning drive.
“I knew I had to put the team in the red zone and I had the team on my back,” Armstrong told Sports Illustrated. “I know if I get down there, get the team hyped then we’re going to get up in that box. We were going into the halftime, but we kept our heads up and motivated our team and just kept it going; do what we really do.”
Despite trailing from a late St. Frances touchdown and 2-point conversion, the game effectively concluded with Alabama commit quarterback Keelon Russell finding receiver Zach Turner in the end zone with 1:57 left.
After trailing in the second half by two scores, Russell finished the game going 20-of-26 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns, including 40 yards rushing with an additional running score.
Outside linebacker and Lamar pledge Nehemiah Borner recorded three consecutive sacks within a minute and a half, including a clutch one on fourth down, ending St. Frances’ final drive. Duncanville got the ball inside the final minute and with St. Frances Academy out of time outs, they were able to run out the clock.
Duncanville improves to 2-0 and will face Waxahachie next week.
