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PREVIEW: DeSoto Football Searching for a Repeat
A state title to their name, DeSoto Eagles football is on the hunt for a repeat this season. After hard work, dedication, determination, and grit helped them finish strong in the 2022-23 season, the Eagles are looking toward what should be another dominant year on the field. Sitting near the top of the VYPE DFW 6A Preseason Football Rankings, we dive into what fans can expect from the Eagles this season:
REWIND
After a deep playoff run ended in a 38-20 loss to Duncanville during the 2021-22 football season, the DeSoto Eagles put the pedal to the metal and brought home a state title in 2022. Opening their season with strong victories over the likes of Louisiana's St. Augustine (35-10), and eventual back-to-back state champions South Oak Cliff (42-23) during preseason, DeSoto was ready to face-off against their district opponents with almost flawless effort.
Going 6-1 in district play, the Eagles downed Waxahachie (42-24), Mansfield Lake Ridge (86-26), Mansfield (28-16), and more en route to the playoffs. Once in playoffs, DeSoto took it all the way to the 'ship by sending home Pflugerville Weiss (37-20), Rockwall-Heath (52-7), Tomball (38-14), Harker Heights (60-24), and Denton Guyer (47-28) to keep the Wildcats from a second-straight state appearance. In the UIL Class 6A Championship game, DeSoto posted a 42-17 finish over Austin Vandegrift to seal their season with a title.
LOOKING AHEAD
As the team gears up for the 2023-24 season, fans will see the return of Kelon "KJ" Davis, Jaden Trawick, Daylon Singleton, Mario Buford, Deondrae Riden Jr., Brandon Booker, Jason Douglas, and more. These strong athletes have worked hard through the off-season and can be expected to bring a dominant defense as well as a prolific offense to the field each and every game. Looking toward what could be a repeat season, the Eagles are already focused on finishing strong.
DeSoto will begin their season on the road against Allen on August 25th. From there, the team will square off against other non-district opponents like South Oak Cliff before opening district play against Dallas Skyline in September. Looking at a line of district opponents who want to put a stop to DeSoto's aggressive style of play, fans can expect the Eagles to bring the heat this fall.
Sam Houston State gets big verbal from DeSoto QB
As the summer continues to heat up, interest in athletes across the metroplex is high. With recruiting comes decision making and with decision making comes commitments. At DeSoto, state champion quarterback D.J. Bailey announced his commitment to play football for Sam Houston State University.
During his junior season, Bailey was prolific for the Eagles where he threw 45 touchdowns while completing 67% of his passes for 3,840 yards. Choosing Sam Houston State over the likes of Austin Peay, Lamar, and Weber State, Bailey looks toward a senior season filled with honing in on his skills in the pocket. With the ability to learn from every moment on the field, Bailey is consistent in watching film to fine-tune his ability in the quarterback position. Check out his commitment below:
AGTG @BearkatsFB pic.twitter.com/dcm6RuWIue
— 5 (@DJBailey5_) July 30, 2023