Week 3 of the Texas high school football season delivered a slate of compelling storylines, headlined by the much‑anticipated Cotton Bowl clash between DeSoto and rival Duncanville. The Eagles, still reeling from a 0‑2 start, must confront a Duncanville squad that has owned them in recent meetings, while the state’s top‑ranked Waxahachie continues to impress after a narrow victory over Coppell.
Key Matchups and Player Spotlights
DeSoto’s offense has struggled mightily, managing only 53 passing yards against St. Thomas Aquinas and a meager 28 against Allen, despite a historic 3,096‑yard, 45‑touchdown season from running back Sarod Baker, who has been limited to 173 yards and a single touchdown in the first two games.
Duncanville, which has won seven of the last eight encounters with DeSoto, including a 48‑28 triumph last year, returns standout Maximus The Great Denson for this year’s showdown, adding another layer of narrative to a rivalry that has become a benchmark for Texas high school football.
Meanwhile, Waxahachie, perched at No. 1 in the state rankings, improved to a 2‑0 record with a 27‑24 win over No. 8 Coppell, showcasing the depth and resilience that have kept the Warriors at the summit of Texas football.
Allen and North Crowley also made strong statements; Allen routed DeSoto 50‑6, with quarterback Ty Snell throwing four touchdowns and receiver Zach Williams hauling in three, while North Crowley shut out Aledo 26‑0 after a 40‑10 victory over Southlake Carroll, underscoring their defensive dominance.
The upcoming schedule intensifies for Allen and North Crowley, who will each face tough road tests against Southlake Carroll and Humble Summer Creek respectively, while Waxahachie travels to Denton to meet the No. 7 ranked Guyer, a game that could further shape the state’s top‑tier hierarchy.
At the Cotton Bowl, South Oak Cliff and Galena Park North Shore will square off, with North Shore carrying a 2‑0 record and a defensive record that has yielded just 17 points in its last two wins, adding intrigue to a matchup that historically features state title contenders.
In Frisco, Anna and Frisco Panther Creek, both unbeaten at 2‑0, will meet at Toyota Stadium for a district title showdown, with Anna’s Zephyr Kreye and Juelz Carter facing off against Panther Creek’s Tristin Schramm and Sukora Cooper Jr., key figures in a race that could define the postseason picture.
As the week unfolds, the combination of historic rivalries, standout individual performances, and high‑stakes matchups promises to keep Texas football fans riveted, highlighting both the challenges of early‑season adjustments and the promise of championship contention.