Kelvin Washington Star-Making Night Leads Longview To Semis

In most of the country’s running back rankings, Longview running back Kelvin Washington was always absent from the list.

After Saturday’s incredible performance against DeSoto, that may no longer be the case.

The senior scrambled for nearly 300 yards and five touchdowns, including 193 yards and three touchdowns in the first half alone, leading the Lobos in a 50-14 lopsided victory in the 6A Division II Region II final at McLane Stadium on Saturday.

Longview focused their entire offensive strategy on the ground, completing only a sole 10-yard pass in a showdown that spoiled the Eagles bid for a third consecutive state title.

Longview dictated the game from the very beginning, starting the contest with a Washington 34-yard rushing touchdown, but missed the extra point. The Eagles seemed game, taking their only lead when Virginia Tech signee quarterback Kelden Ryan tossed a 21-yard wide open score to wide receiver and SMU signee Daylon Singleton. Longview immediately responded with two additional Washington scores, including a 94-yard sprint that buried DeSoto in a two-touchdown hole.

The Eagles offense was further crippled when running back and Texas A&M signee Deondrae Riden Jr. left the game in the second quarter with an injury and did not return to the field.

During the regular season, the Eagles averaged 37 points in all their victories, but were compromised by Riden Jr.’s absence.

A swarming and prepared Lobos defense made the most of their opportunity.

With DeSoto down 16 in the third quarter, quarterback Kelden Ryan started heaving desperation throws. Cornerback Da’Kayden Carter read the out route and snagged a pick-six to extend the Lobos ballooning lead. Linebacker Kason Brooks did more of the same to backup quarterback Legend Howell, later converting the interception with a six-yard scramble by Washington.

As Longview makes their return to the state semifinals for the second time in three seasons, Washington has now amassed 2,450 yards and 33 touchdowns on the ground, including 27 catches for 420 yards and seven touchdowns, plus 344 yards and a touchdown returning kicks.

Washington and the Lobos will hope the hot streak continues against Southlake Carroll; it’s the first meeting between both schools.

Regional Final: Longview vs. DeSoto

Longview: 50
DeSoto: 14
Date: December 7, 2024, at 3:00 PM CST

Final Score

Team Stats

Longview Passing

DeSoto Passing

Longview Rushing

DeSoto Rushing

Longview Receiving

DeSoto Receiving