IN FOCUS: Duncanville knocks off North Shore in Instant Classic; photo gallery
By Miracle Bassey
With a nearly unblemished record, the Midlothian Panthers are making the program's first-ever state tournament appearance. With all the tools necessary to continue fighting strong, VYPE DFW takes a look at their season so far as well as what fans can expect:
Opening the season with incredible victories over tough non-district opponents, the Panthers were able to defeat Brewer (4-3), Adamson (6-0), and Sunset (5-1) as a way to sharpen their abilities before entering a tough district schedule. Using all moments as learning moments on the field, even their losses were seen as a way to continually get better.
Led by Landon Exley, Ayden Hildreth, Caden Naizer, Marcus Manu, Kyle Allen, Jacob Warren, and several other talent athletes, Midlothian pounced into their district schedule ready to make huge waves. Without hesitation, the team took their district opponents by storm while going 14-0-2 in district play and finishing at the top of their standings. Defeating Midlothian Heritage (3-0), Mansfield Summit (6-0), Joshua (4-1), Burleson (5-0), and others, the team put on several shows for their fans as they walked into the playoffs with their heads held high.
Once in the playoffs, the team showed no mercy as they took down Grapevine Northwest, Monterey, and Burges. Outscoring their opponents by a combined 108-28 goals this season, Midlothian has only showcased their continued ability to play a smart offense and an alert defense.
Fans can expect this bunch to remain alert as they enter the state semifinals. Facing Goose Creek Memorial in what is also their program's first tournament appearance, fans can be sure to expect a battle to the finish. This team has everything it takes to end their season on a high note, but they must first get through Goose Creek Memorial-- a feat they are absolutely prepared for.
The game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 11 in Georgetown, Texas!
Returning to the UIL State Tournament for the first time since winning the whole thing in 2019, the Flower Mound Jaguars' soccer team is prepared to bring the heat into the semifinals. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team's season and what fans can expect:
Powering through their non-district schedule, the Jaguars recorded telling victories over Frisco Independence (6-0), Garland (4-0), Carrollton Creekview (3-0), and more. Led by the likes of Gavin Hendrikson, Morgan English, Carlos Urbieta Magana, Red Hasseberg, Hardy Milsch, Ben Starnes, Landon Deleeuw, and others, their victories showcased exactly who they were just a couple seasons ago-- a team that was prepared for the season and ready to run away with it as long as they possibly could.
In district play, the Jaguars finished at the top of their standings with a 11-2-1 record. Coming out strong each game, the team started fast and continued to put pressure on their opponents as they defeated the likes of Coppell (4-1), Plano West (3-0), Plano East (4-2), Flower Mound Marcus (3-2), and more in order to secure a comfortable playoff position.
Once in the playoffs, the team showed zero hesitation as they sent Denton Guyer, Irving, Allen, Eastlake, and Prosper packing. Punching their ticket to the UIL State Tournament, this team has more than proven that they have everything it takes to be a powerful force on the biggest stage in Texas high school soccer.
With similar records, the Jaguars are set to face off against tournament newcomers Austin Vandegrift. Preparing to put the pressure on Vandegrift as they get out to a strong start, Flower Mound can be expected to play with tenacity and strength in Georgetown. The game is slated to begin at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 12!
It has been thirty-eight years in the making, but the Duncanville Panthers have punched their ticket to the UIL State Tournament for the first time since 1986 where they won the title. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and lays out just what fans can expect this week:
Under head coach Nuno Passos, athletes like Jesus Diaz, Adrian Beltran, Donovan Puente, Isaiah Guerra, Nathanael Zozaya, Edueardo Alaniz, and others have made this a season to remember not only for themselves, but for the Panthers' fans as well. Losing only two matches the entire season, the team started the year with a bang as they took on their non-district opponents and defeated Wichita Falls (2-0), Bossier (2-1), Lancaster (11-0), and more en route to district play.
Once in district play, the team remained focused despite several challenges and overcame moments that others said were impossible. With a 9-2-3 district record and a third-place finish in their district standings, the team was able to showcase their dedication and resiliency as they recorded victories over the likes of Waxahachie (3-1), DeSoto (6-0), Mansfield Legacy (6-1), Cedar Hill (5-0), and more as they hunted for a playoff spot.
Once in the playoffs, this squad kicked things into high-gear as they prepared to face-off against some of the state's toughest competitors. Allowing only one goal to be scored against them so far in playoffs this season, the team sent home Rockwall, Garland, The Woodlands, and Cypress Woods before punching their ticket to the state tournament.
Ready to show every naysayer that their squad is meant to be there, the Duncanville Panthers can be expected to bring a fire to the field in the state semifinals. Taking on defending state champions Katy Seven Lakes who boasts a 23-1-2 overall record this season, the Panthers have what it takes to force their opponent to slow down. Ready to get the job done and punch their ticket to the state title match for the first time in nearly four decades, Duncanville refuses to allow their fire to be snuffed out without a fight.
The game is slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12th in Georgetown, Texas.
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