Photo Cred: Greg Hammer (@creolehammer) Hammer Media/3rd Down Media
In one of the most anticipated early-season matchups in Texas high school football, Waxahachie edged perennial powerhouse Duncanville 28-27 in a game that had all the intensity of a playoff clash. Both teams came in state-ranked and loaded with nationally recruited talent. The game served as both a district opener and a showcase of next-level prospects from the sophomore, junior, and even freshman classes.
Waxahachie used a balanced attack, opportunistic special teams play, and timely defensive stops to hold off the Panthers. Duncanville showed its trademark explosiveness but could not overcome a late defensive stand by the Indians.
This contest put a national spotlight on several players who raised their recruiting stock, while established stars showed why they are already on the radar of Power Four programs.
Waxahachie Standouts
Jordan Smith | WR | Class of 2027
Smith delivered one of the game’s biggest plays with a kickoff return for a touchdown that swung momentum. He added seven carries for 68 yards, flashing speed, short-area quickness, and vision. What stood out most was his ability to transition from receiver to runner seamlessly, showing he can line up in multiple spots and still produce. He has strong hands and can track the ball downfield, but his change-of-direction ability makes him especially dangerous in space.
Jordan Thompson-Woods | WR | Class of 2028
Jordan came down with a crucial touchdown reception during crunchtime. Thompson-Woods ran a crisp route, separated cleanly, and tracked the ball over his shoulder with confidence. His quickness and reliable hands were evident, and he showed poise. The touchdown play stood out not only for the finish but also for how he created space in a pressure situation.
Jayquan Snell | DB | Class of 2027
At 6-foot-3 with a long frame and natural range, Snell looked like a prototype safety or hybrid defensive back. He set the tone early with physical hits on special teams and stayed consistent throughout the night. He showed he could run the alley with control, take good angles, and finish tackles in space. Snell plays with discipline for his age, keeping balance while still delivering forceful contact.
Kaden Tolleson | LB | Class of 2027
Tolleson was consistently around the ball, playing with sideline-to-sideline range and excellent instincts. He read plays well, flowed to the ball quickly, and delivered clean, physical tackles. His ability to diagnose plays before they developed stood out in a game featuring elite speed.
Taylen Strange | RB | Class of 2028
Strange made a major impact through the air and on the ground. He scored the opening touchdown on a wheel route, displaying strong hands and fluid route running for a back. On the ground, he ran with low pad level, balance, and short-area agility. His compact build and natural burst give him the look of a running back who can be a feature player as he develops.
Grant Gonzales | OL | Class of 2027 | 6’5”, 285
Gonzales has the frame college coaches look for. At 6-foot-5 with long arms and athletic feet, he displayed the ability to anchor against Duncanville’s elite pass rush. He has a stiff punch, moves well laterally, and plays with a competitive edge. Gonzales already holds an offer from Delaware State, but his stock is poised to rise as he continues to add strength.
Malik Dismuke | OL | Class of 2027
Dismuke complemented Gonzales by showing toughness and strength on the interior. He consistently won at the point of attack, holding balance against speed rushers and moving defenders in the run game. His footwork and base are traits that stick out in his game.
Braylon Davis | DB | Class of 2027
Davis played aggressively but under control, showing fluid feet and quick reaction skills. His biggest moment came in the first quarter when he returned a blocked PAT for two points, a play that proved critical in the one-point win.
Sedrick Marsh Jr. | DL | Class of 2027 | 6’5”
Marsh displayed excellent length and power at the line of scrimmage. His quick get-off made him disruptive against Duncanville’s run game, and his frame projects well for college development. He has the size to be an edge or interior player depending on how he fills out.
Carmelo Clawson | EDGE/LB | Class of 2027
Clawson came up with one of the game’s defining plays, recording a sack in the fourth quarter that ended a Duncanville drive. He showed strength at the point of attack and a good motor in pursuit. He looks comfortable setting the edge but also has the burst to be a pass-rush threat.
Kohen Brown | WR/DB | Class of 2026 | Texas Commit
Brown didn’t have a big statistical night, but his presence on both sides of the ball was felt. On defense, he showed his ability to erase a side of the field, while offensively he made timely receptions to extend drives. His versatility and competitiveness remain his calling cards.
Duncanville Standouts
Victor Lincoln | DB | Class of 2026 | Arkansas Commit
Lincoln had a standout night highlighted by a pick-six. His length, fluid backpedal, and closing speed were evident. He plays with confidence, tackles well, and has the physical tools to be an immediate-impact college defensive back.
Jaylyn Manning | LB | Class of 2026 | 6’2”, 230
Manning’s instincts and physicality were on display. He secured an interception and consistently met Waxahachie ball carriers with force. Already holding offers from UTEP, Lamar, Jackson State, and Montana State, Manning’s list of suitors should grow after this performance.
Trenton Yancey | WR | Class of 2027
Yancey was Duncanville’s most productive offensive weapon, finishing with eight receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown. He showed the ability to separate downfield, win contested catches, and create after the catch.
Max Denson | QB | Class of 2027
Denson threw for 236 yards and two touchdowns, showing a strong arm, quick release, and mobility in the pocket. For a young quarterback, his poise under pressure and ability to deliver the ball on time stood out.
Ayson Theus | WR | Class of 2026 | TCU Commit
Theus contributed 99 yards and a touchdown, showcasing his explosiveness in the open field. He is quick out of his breaks, has reliable hands, and is a dangerous yards-after-catch player.
Landon Barnes | EDGE | Class of 2026 | Ole Miss Commit
Barnes made his presence felt with multiple tackles for loss. His length, quick first step, and ability to bend around the edge make him a difficult matchup for offensive tackles.
KJ Ford | EDGE | Class of 2026 | Florida Commit
Ford’s elite burst off the line was evident throughout the game. He consistently pressured the quarterback and chased plays down from the backside. His speed and length make him one of the premier defensive end prospects in the country.
Final Takeaway
Waxahachie’s one-point victory sends shockwaves through District 11-6A. The Indians matched Duncanville’s physicality and proved they have the depth and star power to compete with the state’s elite. The win was fueled by a blend of senior leadership, underclassman breakout performances, and timely plays on special teams and defense.
For Duncanville, the loss shows that even with one of the most talented rosters in the nation, execution in key moments remains critical. The Panthers remain a championship contender, but Waxahachie proved they are no longer simply chasing Duncanville, they are ready to challenge them head-on.
This game was a showcase of the future of Texas high school football. Dozens of players in this matchup will play at the college level, with several poised to become national names by the time they reach their senior seasons.
