ARLINGTON – It was billed as ‘South Dallas Saturday’ with all three Dallas Independent Schools playing in state championship games. While the first game of the day didn’t go the way of DISD, Duncanville left no doubt they were the best team in Class 6A Division I following a dominant 49-33 victory over North Shore.

Duncanville (14-1) earns its second consecutive state championship and third in school history (1998). The only team to defeat Duncanville this season will play in the nightcap for a state crown. The Panthers also claim another win against a familiar state title foe. 

North Shore (15-1) and the Panthers have met in the state championship game in five of the last six years, with 2023 marking the third consecutive meeting between the two state powerhouses.

Make no mistake, there’s a reason these two schools have met so often in recent years. They’re clearly two of the best programs in the state. But on Saturday, it was about the better team, and that was Duncanville by a significant margin.

North Shore has a tremendous stable of athletes, which was proven multiple times during the contest. The Mustangs gained 449 yards of offense against a Panthers defense littered with numerous big-time prospects. Kaleb Bailey showcased his skills all game, completing 19 of 25 passes for 239 yards and three touchdowns while adding 142 yards rushing.

While North Shore has plenty of FBS talent on its roster, Duncanville was better inside AT&T Stadium on Saturday. The Panthers scored 28 of the first 35 points in the contest. Caden Durham was a human highlight reel during the first half, reeling off touchdown runs from 26, 72, and 92 yards, respectively. The longest of the three touchdowns gave the LSU commit the second-longest rushing touchdown in Class 6A DI state title game history.

North Shore closed within 35-20 with 5:56 remaining in the third quarter on a 35-yard field goal from Jonathan Soto. The teams traded touchdowns during the next two possessions, but a failed two-point conversion attempt left the Mustangs down by 16 points with 10:24 remaining in regulation.

The Panthers gained 538 total yards on offense, led by Durham, who was named Offensive Most Valuable Player with 231 yards and three touchdowns rushing. Quarterback Keelon Russell completed 14-of-20 passes for 288 yards and three touchdowns. Two Duncanville receivers gained over 100 yards, led by Ayson Theus (5 rec, 106 yds) and Zach Turner (2 rec, 103 yds, 2 TDs).

Colin Simmons secured Defensive MVP honors after terrorizing North Shore’s offense. Simmons finished with eight tackles (five solo) and three sacks.