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VYPE DFW Football Game of the Week Preview: North Crowley vs. DeSoto (Week 2)
Friday, September 5 – 7:00 PM // Crowley ISD Multi-Purpose Stadium -- Fort Worth, TX
Two of Texas high school football’s heavyweight programs collide this Friday night, as nationally ranked North Crowley welcomes perennial contender DeSoto for a marquee Week 2 matchup.
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NORTH CROWLEY
North Crowley enters the game riding high after a historic 2024 campaign.
Since head coach Ray Gates took over in 2022, the Panthers have steadily risen to national prominence — culminating in last season’s dominant run to the UIL 6A Division I state title. Currently ranked No. 20 in the country and third in Texas by MaxPreps, the Panthers are showing no signs of slowing down.
Despite graduating a talented core — including Chris Jimerson (North Texas), Quentin Gibson (Colorado), Cornelius Warren III (Arizona), and Ja’Brelle Asberry (Incarnate Word) — North Crowley opened the 2025 season with a gritty 22-18 win over Lancaster.
The victory wasn’t as flashy as last year’s 50-21 dismantling of Westlake in the title game, but it was a strong early test passed by a reloaded roster.
Junior QB Hayes Cloutier, a promising three-star prospect, looks poised to lead the offense. He’s quickly developing chemistry with sophomore wideout Damarion Mays — a four-star recruit with offers from blue-blood programs like Ohio State, Georgia, and Texas.
In the trenches, senior offensive lineman John Turntine III (Texas-commit) anchors a unit that should give Cloutier -- as well as tailbacks G'yrell Smith (Jr. RB) and Cam Russell (Sr. RB) -- the time and space they need to operate.
On the defensive side, Gates' squad remains stacked.
Junior DB Elijajuan “Fat” Houston is coming off a breakout season that earned him District 3-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year. He's joined the by 6-foot-4 three-star safety Aaron Bradshaw (Texas Tech), forming a scary duo in the NoCro secondary.
Up front, 6A-D1 State Defensive MVP Derrick “Big D” Gleason III headlines a punishing defensive line that also features senior standouts DeMorey Beasley and Jurwone Irvin.
Add in linebackers like Avery Dotson and Colorado State-bound cornerback Thomas Cook Jr., and it’s easy to see why the Panthers remain elite on both sides of the ball.
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DESOTO
DeSoto, meanwhile, is looking to rebound after a tough opening loss to Creekside (GA).
Under the leadership of head coach Claude Mathis, the Eagles captured back-to-back 6A-Division II State titles in 2022 and 2023 before falling to Longview in last year’s Region 1 Final.
Despite the early stumble, DeSoto remains a dangerous threat — and Friday’s clash offers a prime opportunity to reassert themselves.
Senior wideout Ethan “Boobie” Feaster will be central to that effort. The USC-commit and returning unanimous all-district selection is a dynamic playmaker capable of changing a game in an instant.
Up front, DeSoto boasts one of the state’s most coveted defensive linemen in junior K’Adrian “Big Juicy” Redmond, who holds offers from Notre Dame, Texas, USC, and more. Junior edge rusher DJ Rumph adds to the pressure, with programs like Michigan, Georgia, and Pittsburgh already showing heavy interest.
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Both teams have something to prove: North Crowley is looking to defend its crown against a familiar powerhouse, while DeSoto is aiming to bounce back and regain momentum. Expect intensity, physicality, and no shortage of big-time talent on display when these two collide.
Back on the Rise: DeSoto Lady Eagles Hoops
After winning the state title in 2021 and 2022, the DeSoto Lady Eagles didn't quite get the job done last season. Despite a deep playoff run, they were stopped just short of the title. This season, DeSoto is back on track for a great season. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team:
Rewind
Last season the team went 28-6 overall (12-2 in district play) and secured a second-place finish in their district standings-- just behind Duncanville. With several talented victories on the court, DeSoto showcased their usual strength against their opponents. The team defeated the likes of Richardson, Midway, Frisco Memorial, Dallas Skyline, Mansfield Legacy, Waxahachie, Lake Ridge, Cedar Hill, and more en route to the playoffs. Before eventually falling to San Antonio Clark, the team went on a strong playoff run defeating Harker Heights, Rockwall, Lake Ridge, Cypress Springs, Cedar Hill, and Pearland.
This Season So Far
So far this season, DeSoto has gone 9-3 in non-district showdowns and 1-1 in district play. Led by incredible leadership in Mylasia Smith, Nisaa Muhammad, Laila Wall, Janiyah Okray-Taylor, Miracle Aktoptayobo, and other talented athletes, the team has secured victories over Wylie, Ridgeline, Dallas Skyline, and more. Determined to get back to the playoffs, this team can be expected to continue their fast-paced style of play against their opponents.
With a couple of games over the holiday break, the team is looking forward to returning to district play after the new year. Be sure you catch this team in action.