It’s a big-time Super 25 matchup this Saturday in Texas, as No. 5 DeSoto takes on No. 25 Southlake Carroll in the 6A-Division II semifinals.
The Eagles have to continued to impress in 2023, taking the massive win over No. 11 Duncanville (then ranked No. 3) in the regular season and building on that momentum all season—which has escalated in the playoffs.
Like we noted last week, the offense continues to shine, lighting up the scoreboard to the tune of nearly 53 points per game. Sam Houston State commit D.J. Bailey leads the attack under center, with Marvin Duffey and 4-star running back Deondrae Riden handling the running game, while 4-star SMU commit Daylon Singleton (class of 2025) is a focus outside.
Up front, 6-foot-7 Byron Washington and 6-foot-4 Ronnell McLain solidify an offensive line that is truly special — and effective.
On the other sideline, Southlake Carroll is rolling, and looking to move toward adding state title No. 9 to the mantle.
Can the Dragons stop the soaring Eagles?
Back like 2011? Southlake Carroll quarterback Kenny Hill (left) and linebacker Dillon Rake celebrate with the semifinal trophy after beating Dallas Skyline in the UIL 5A Division 1 semifinal football game at Gerald J. Ford Stadium. (Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports)
In short, especially when looking at recent numbers — 100 percent, yes.
Southlake Carroll’s lone loss on the season came at the hands of Bryon Nelson in late October, which knocked the team out of the Super 25. But the Dragons didn’t let that bump in the 2023 road derail the mission.
Instead, they rattled off five wins to the tune of 283 points scored and 35 points allowed, which included a 56-7 revenge win against Byron Nelson last week.
Heading into the semifinals, Southlake Carroll is back in the Super 25, with an offense that can create a ton of problems on the ground and through the air.
Sophomore running back Davis Penn has been solid in the backfield, while fellow classmate Riley Wormley has also been tough on the run. Georgia Tech committ Graham Knowles leads the attack from under center, and his 13-of-16 passing clinic last week to receivers like Clayton Wayland should create confidence heading into this Long Star State headliner.
Will it be enough?
High school football fans around the nation who are looking to watch the Texas high school football playoff matchup can live stream the game on the NFHS Network.
(USA TODAY Network)
Note: We occasionally recommend interesting products, services, and gaming opportunities. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. USA TODAY HSS operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.
