Friday afternoon saw a sea of supporters line Eagle Stadium as DeSoto High School, South Oak Cliff High School, and Duncanville High School prepare to battle it out for state titles at AT&T Stadium.
DeSoto’s Road to the Finals
Parents and supporters filled the parking lot of Eagle Stadium in DeSoto as the Eagles boarded buses bound for Arlington ahead of their Class 6A Division II state title game Saturday night. The team’s journey began after a dramatic 57-44 win in the state semifinal last weekend, where DeSoto toppled the previously undefeated Southlake Carroll squad. Head coach Claude Mathis celebrated the victory, telling reporters, “This is an exciting time for DeSoto, exciting time for this community,” as the team headed to the championship. Parents like Nekaya Duffey echoed the enthusiasm, saying, “We are so excited,” before the buses departed.
South Oak Cliff’s Championship Quest
Just 12 miles north in Dallas, a similar scene unfolded outside South Oak Cliff High School. Drill team members, cheerleaders, and the band performed while Golden Bears players and coaches boarded three charter buses for Arlington, heading to their Class 5A Division II state championship game on Saturday. The Bears are making their fifth consecutive appearance in a state title game and are aiming for their first championship since 2022. Head coach Jason Todd expressed determination, stating, “We worked our butt off to get back here, and our goal is to not be denied this time,” before the team set off.
Duncanville’s Powerhouse Presence
Between the 11 a.m. South Oak Cliff kickoff and the 7 p.m. DeSoto finale at AT&T Stadium lies Duncanville High School, a Class 6A Division I powerhouse on a quest for its third state title in four years. At a media briefing Thursday, Duncanville senior wide receiver Ayson Theus reflected on the significance of the three schools representing southern Dallas County. “We hold it deep to us because we represent South Dallas, and all three schools going to the state championship is a big thing for South Dallas,” Theus said. Coach Jason Todd echoed a similar sentiment Friday before boarding the team bus, adding, “It means a lot, but more importantly, we all three want to win, so it’s our job to kick the party off right tomorrow morning.”
The Big Stage
AT&T Stadium will host the culmination of these high‑school football seasons, bringing together three teams from the same county that are separated by only 12 miles. Each school carries its own history and expectations: DeSoto with a recent semifinal triumph, South Oak Cliff with a long streak of championship appearances, and Duncanville with a recent record of success in Division I. The convergence of these rivalries promises a thrilling showdown that will capture the attention of fans across North Texas.
Key Takeaways
- DeSoto’s 57-44 semifinal win over Southlake Carroll set the stage for a Class 6A Division II title run.
- South Oak Cliff is in its fifth straight state title game, seeking its first win since 2022.
- Duncanville aims for a third state title in four years, emphasizing the pride of representing South Dallas.
The upcoming games at AT&T Stadium will not only decide the state champions but also showcase the talent and community spirit of Dallas County’s top high‑school programs.
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