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THE FINAL 48: UIL Football 2025 State Championship Preview -- C.E. King vs. DeSoto (6A-D2)
WHERE: AT&T Stadium -- Arlington, TX
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2025-26 C.E. King FootballBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
C.E. KING PANTHERS
This fall has certainly been underscored by a continuing trend of “firsts” for C.E. King. Sheldon ISD’s flagship football program is in the midst of the most distinguished campaign in its history.
Following last week’s 58–41 thrashing of defending 6A-Division II champion Vandegrift, the Panthers (13-2) now make their long-awaited debut in the UIL State Final—accomplishing the feat in head coach Cory Laxen’s inaugural season at the helm.
The “WAO”—an acronym for “We Are One”—stitched to C.E. King’s jerseys is emblematic of what has driven them to this point: cohesion, determination, and an irrefutable dawg-mentality.
Few defenses can withstand nearly 52 points per game, and the Panthers’ offensive stars have made that output possible.
Senior tailback Dionne Sims brings an almost superhuman level of efficiency. It’s not that Sims appeared out of nowhere this fall; rather, his rapid ascension into the Texas high school football stratosphere warrants a deeper dive. The recent Rice-signee has already eclipsed 2,000 all-purpose yards, with 28 combined scores heading into Saturday’s finale.
King Sr. RB Dionne Sims flexes vs. Atascocita (9/26/2025)Matthew Ogle (VYPE)
Sims’ dominance forces opposing defenses to respect the run, giving senior quarterback Timothy Potts Jr. ample opportunity to capitalize. Potts has showcased remarkable precision, throwing 34 touchdowns against just two interceptions while totaling 2,594 yards. He also provides a mobile threat, adding nearly 800 rushing yards and 11 scores to the mix.
Sophomore Dillon Mitchell has been deservedly integrated across passing, rushing, and special teams, combining for over 1,100 scrimmage yards, 16 total scores, and 501 return yards. Another exceptional target for Potts is senior wideout Le’Jerric Clark, who has hauled in 43 passes for 841 yards and 7 TDs.
Factor in an impressive junior class led by wide receiver Braylon Lane and running back Antwon Sanders, and the Panthers’ offensive depth and versatility come fully into focus.
King’s defense has been just as formidable, generating splash plays and momentum-shifting moments when it matters most – accumulated 68 sacks and 31 turnovers in 2025.
King Sr. DE Dominick ToulonBradley C. Collier (VYPE)
Senior defensive end Dominick Toulon has accounted for 17 of those sacks, along with 93 tackles (21 for loss), while junior MLB Damian Broussard leads the unit with 111 tackles. Also, senior Calvin Carter should have an impact off the edge.
Junior safety Kei’Dryn Edmond contributes in multiple ways, totaling 54 tackles, five interceptions, four forced fumbles, and three recoveries. Fellow junior defensive backs Enoch Bell and Mykah Laster round out an exemplary secondary, proving the Panthers are tough to move through the air as well.
We all know what’s at stake here. Now, can this become the first C.E. King team to bring home a UIL title?
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DESOTO EAGLES
DeSoto head coach Claude Mathis was visibly energized following last week’s monumental win, declaring the team is entering a new era and that it is “just beginning.”
That sentiment carries added weight considering the Eagles knocked off the previously No. 1–ranked team in Texas, Southlake Carroll, in a decisive 57–44 victory last Saturday.
As a result, DeSoto (12-3) punched its ticket to the UIL title game, marking its fourth overall appearance—and third since Mathis returned to lead the program in 2019. The Eagles will look to make it a perfect 4-for-4 at State, with a red-hot C.E. King squad standing as the final obstacle to another championship, joining the rings secured in 2023, 2022, and 2016.
It’s clear DeSoto can match King’s scoring output. Saturday shapes up as an offensive shootout, with both teams averaging 52 points per contest.
Junior SaRod Baker has delivered a performance for the ages out of the backfield. Defenses have seemingly had no answer for the bruising running back, as Baker has accounted for more than 3,300 yards from scrimmage and 43 scores. Even more impressive, he can sling it as well, throwing for nearly 500 yards and four additional touchdowns.
When Baker isn’t carrying or tossing the ball, senior quarterback Legend Howell orchestrates the offense from behind center. Possession is often the name of the game, and Howell has proven efficient, completing 70 percent of his passes while approaching 2,500 yards through the air, with 27 touchdowns against just three interceptions.
Howell’s connection with his favorite target, senior wideout Ethan “Boobie” Feaster, is nothing short of spectacular. The five-star talent who recently signed with USC boasts over 1,500 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns entering this week’s matchup.
Also like C.E. King, DeSoto’s defense is opportunistic, frequently forcing timely mistakes.
Six-foot-4 junior defensive tackle K’Adrian “Big Juicy” Redmond fortifies the trenches, a crucial piece in slowing down King’s powerful run game. Junior edge rusher DJ Rumph will look to wreak havoc in the pocket, while senior defensive back Jordan Stevens—who recorded a pivotal pick-six early in the fourth quarter against Southlake Carroll— and fellow senior Damarion Ross anchor a balanced secondary.