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TICKET PUNCHED: Duncanville preps for North Shore... again
It's a tale almost as old as time-- Duncanville is set to take on Galena Park North Shore in the UIL Class 6A Division 1 State Title game... again. This will be these two teams' fifth meeting in the state title game since 2018-- North Shore leads 3-1 in title match meet-ups. VYPE DFW takes a look at how the Panthers made it back to the big stage:
Having lost only one game all season-- a 49-35 district showdown against DeSoto (who is also playing in their own respective state title match on Saturday), the team has put up incredible stats this season. Outscoring their opponents by nearly 600 points combined this season, the Panthers are back at the top and ready to complete the season with another crown as they prepare to face North Shore in the UIL Class 6A Division 1 state title match-up on Saturday, December 16th.
With playoff victories over the likes of Hutto, Rockwall-Heath, The Woodlands, Westfield, and last week's state semifinal victory over North Crowley, Duncanville has not waivered on its path to success. Led by Caden Durham (who recorded 226 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the state semifinal), Keelon Russell (who recorded 141 passing yards and one passing touchdown last week), Dakorien Moore, Maximus Denson, and others, the Panthers routed North Crowley 52-10 to punch their ticket to the state title game.
As the Panthers prepare to take on North Shore, fans can expect to see the likes of Durham, Russell, Moore, and Denison continuing to sharpen their skill ahead of the big game. With an explosive offense backed by a defense that continually shuts down their opponents' efforts, this team has long been a force to be reckoned with. Last season, Duncanville finally secured a state title victory over North Shore. This year, the team will look to repeat. "We are focused on the next game and finishing successfully," said head coach Reginald Samples following the semifinal victory over North Crowley.
Kick-off is slated for 3 p.m. on Saturday, December 16th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
TICKET PUNCHED: Aledo to seek 12th State Title
With a state record of 11 UIL state championships to their name, Aledo is headed back to the biggest stage in Texas high school football. The team will suit up on Friday, December 15th and face off against Comal Smithson Valley in the UIL Class 5A Division 1 State Title game!
On Friday night in Midlothian, Aledo took to the field without any doubt as they prepared to go head-to-head with the Forney Jackrabbits. Led by Hawk Patrick-Daniels (who accounted for 203 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on the night), Hauss Hejny (who recorded 122 rushing yards and 85 passing yards), Davhon Keys (who accounted for four scores on just seven carries against Forney), and more, Aledo was able to secure a big 43-7 victory in the semifinal against Forney. "We came in ready to get the job done," said Hejny following the game.
Aledo is no stranger to the big stage-- having made 14 state championship appearances, the Bearcats are as poised as ever to take on the challenge. "Our athletes have the confidence it takes to win big games," said head coach Robby Jones. "There will always be pressure when it comes to such a big stage, but we will do whatever we need to do to get it done."
Seeking their fifth state title in six seasons, the team can be expected to put on a show at AT&T Stadium at the end of this week. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. in Arlington, Texas.