VYPE DFW Football Game of the Week: North Crowley vs. Duncanville (6A-D1 State Semis)
This Saturday’s highly anticipated playoff match-up between the North Crowley Panthers and the Duncanville Panthers is set to be a thrilling rematch of last year’s State Semifinals, where D'Ville emerged victorious.
Both teams are in top form and ready to battle it out for a spot in the State Championship.
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North Crowley enters this game riding high on a 14-game win streak after dominating Allen 35-7 last week in the Region I-6A-D1 Finals.
The victory secured their spot in the State Semifinals, and they are now more determined than ever to take the next step.
Under the leadership of head coach Ray Gates, North Crowley boasts one of the most complete rosters in the state.
Offensively, they are loaded with talent, led by the dynamic senior trio of WR Quentin Gibson (Colorado-signee), dual-threat QB Chris Jimerson (North Texas), and running back Cornelius Warren III (UNLV).
But it doesn’t stop there.
The Panthers also have an impressive supporting cast with running back Daniel Bray (Utah), senior wideout Kevin Moore, and sophomore running back Kiante Ingram, all of whom can make explosive plays at any moment.
On defense, the Panthers are anchored by a group of play-makers.
Senior linebackers Jonathan Cunningham (Texas) and Ja’Brelle Asberry, along with safety Gaylon McNeal (Washington State), are the key leaders on the field.
Sophomore linebacker Avery Dotson and senior defensive end Neuntae Cassey have also been huge contributors to a defense that has been stifling all season long.
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On the other side of the field, Duncanville comes into this game as the No. 1-ranked team in the state and the two-time defending state champions.
Under head coach Reginald Samples, the Panthers are undefeated with a 13-0 record, extending their overall win streak to 20 games after a 31-13 victory over Bridgeland in the Region II-6A-D1 Finals.
Duncanville’s offense revolves around their superstar quarterback, Keelon Russell (Alabama-signee).
Russell has had a monster year, throwing for nearly 4,000 yards and 53 touchdowns against just four interceptions, earning him the Gatorade National Player of the Year award earlier this week.
Although primarily a pocket passer, Russell can still hurt defenses with his legs, adding 255 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns.
The ground game is further bolstered by senior Jaqualon Armstrong, who has rushed for nearly 700 yards and 11 touchdowns this season.
Duncanville’s receiving corps is nothing short of terrifying, led by five-star wide receiver Dakorien Moore (Oregon), who has caught 67 passes for 1,322 yards and 18 touchdowns.
The Panthers also have two other standout receivers in juniors Ayson Theus (53 receptions, 996 yards, 10 touchdowns) and Zach Turner (56 receptions, 905 yards, 14 touchdowns), making this trio a nightmare for any defense.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Panthers are just as formidable.
Senior safety Nehemiah Borner (Lamar) and middle linebacker Jaylyn Manning lead a unit that has held opponents to under 13 points per game.
The defensive backfield features two SMU signees, Javion Holiday and Tyren Polley Jr., while linebackers Mason Williams, Antwon Brown (North Texas signee), and junior defensive lineman KJ Ford round out a well-rounded and aggressive defense.
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This could easily be one of the most memorable games of the year, in a State Semis rematch that takes place this Saturday (3:00 pm) at Eagle Stadium in Allen, TX.
