This week, two heavyweight showdowns highlight the Dallas–Fort Worth high school football scene.
DeSoto at North Crowley
A clash between two programs with state championships in the DNA.
- DeSoto Eagles – Back-to-back 6A DII champs in 2022 & 2023 under Head Coach Claude Mathis. They enter this matchup looking to rebound after a tough road loss in Georgia to Creekside (70–28). The Eagles will rely on QB Legend Bey to stay poised, protect the football, and create explosive plays. Playmakers SaRod Baker and USC commit Ethan Feaster give DeSoto the firepower to test any defense.
- North Crowley Panthers – Head Coach Ray Gates has built a powerhouse, going 41–2 over the past four years and capturing the 2024 6A DI state title. Their identity is physicality, starting with a strong ground game led by Class of 2027 RBs Gyrell Smith and Kiante Ingram, running behind Texas OL commit John Turntine III. Defensively, look for edge Jurwone Irvin to apply pressure, while a loaded secondary featuring Aaron Bradshaw (Texas Tech commit), Thomas Cook Jr. (Colorado State commit), Jerry Outhouse Jr., Elijuan Houston, and standout freshman Braylen Cunningham look to contain DeSoto’s explosive receivers.
The Stage: DeSoto’s speed vs. North Crowley’s power. Can the Eagles bounce back, or will the Panthers set the tone early and prove why they’re the defending champs?
South Oak Cliff at Duncanville
A battle of pupil vs. mentor.
- South Oak Cliff Golden Bears – Head Coach Jason Todd has led SOC to four straight 5A DII title game appearances, winning two. In Week 1, they made a statement by knocking off perennial power North Shore 41–31. QB Jayden Williams is a rising star with full command of the offense, while RBs Levon Morton and Mikail Trotter both rushed for over 100 yards against North Shore. The Golden Bears are physical, balanced, and confident.
- Duncanville Panthers – Head Coach Reginald Samples, the mentor, faces off against his former assistant once again. The defending 6A power introduces new QB Maximus Denson, stepping into the role after the graduation of Alabama signee Keelon Russell. Fortunately, the supporting cast is loaded: WRs Trenton Yancey, Zachery Turner (SMU commit), and Ayson Theus (TCU commit) provide explosive options. The defense remains elite with KJ Ford (Florida commit), Landon Barnes (Ole Miss commit), and SMU DB commit Braylon Edwards.
The Stage: Last year, Duncanville handled SOC 34–12, but this year’s Golden Bears look different. With confidence and momentum after their North Shore victory, can Jason Todd finally break through against his mentor?
Two games. Four programs. Countless storylines.
The DFW spotlight doesn’t get brighter than this week.
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