The line to get into the stadium to see Texas high school football’s most significant regular season spectacle stretched far into the parking lot well into the second quarter.
The fans packed Eagle Stadium on Oct. 11 to see DeSoto vs. Duncanville, a game between state champions and district rivals that have developed an intense, competitive rivalry. Max Preps ranks the Panthers No. 4 in the nation, while DeSoto is ranked No. 17.
The Panthers thrived in the clash of Dallas-area juggernauts behind a monster performance from senior wide receiver Dakorien Moore, securing a 35-20 statement victory. The Eagles surged from behind in the second half, but it was not enough.
Moore, an Oregon commit, tallied 231 receiving yards and four touchdowns on nine receptions. Senior quarterback Keelon Russell, an Alabama commit, tallied 429 passing yards, six touchdowns and completed 26 of 35 passes.
The Duncanville (5-0, 3-0 11-6A) offense was extremely pass-heavy, recording only 29 total rushing yards.
Duncanville’s defense stole the show early, allowing zero first-half offensive touchdowns. Linebacker Jaylyn Manning sealed the deal and extinguished DeSoto’s momentum with a fourth-quarter interception.
In 2023, DeSoto took down Duncanville en route to a District 11-6A title. Duncanville is now the clear district title favorite after getting revenge on the Eagles. Head coach Reginald Samples and the Panthers are searching for a three-peat in Texas’ largest classification.
DeSoto, playing 6A football with a 5A enrollment, has lost two games this year. The Eagles (4-2, 2-1) lost to North Crowley 57-51 in a non-district game. When DeSoto lost to Duncanville in 2022, the Eagles went on to win the Class 6A D2 state championship.
Duncanville dominates with Russell-Moore connection
Both offenses struggled to move the chains until Alabama commit Keelon Russel hauled a 66-yard strike to Moore for a wide-open touchdown late in the first quarter. After a defensive stop, Moore tallied his second touchdown, a 19-yard catch in the left corner of the end zone.
DeSoto special teams responded with an 82-yard kick return touchdown from Daylon Singleton, an SMU commit. The extra point was wide left; the Eagles did not score the rest of the half while Moore continued his elite play.
Moore’s third and fourth touchdowns were 38 yards and 44 yards, respectively. Duncanville carried a 28-6 lead into the half.
Duncanville added to its lead with a short screen pass to Devine Green, who scampered 42 yards to the end zone. Soon after, DeSoto seized the momentum with two consecutive touchdowns and revamped defensive play.
The running back room thrived with Myson Johnson-Cook breaking free up the middle for a 47-yard score and Deondrae “Tiger” Riden Jr adding a 1-yard scoring scamper.
DeSoto had an opportunity to make it a one-possession game when an errant snap sailed over quarterback Kelden Ryan’s head. He had a chance to throw it away but fumbled. The Eagles lost 26 yards, and two plays later, Manning’s interception sealed the deal.
A 16-yard touchdown pass from Russell to Trenton Yancey was the finishing touch on a dominating performance.
On Oct. 18, DeSoto will host Mesquite Horn. On the same day, Duncanville will host Lancaster.
