Duncanville (4-0, 2-0) at DeSoto (4-1, 2-0):

It's Duncanville, the back-to-back Division I state champs. It's DeSoto, the back-to-back Division II state champs. It's once again the game of the year in DFW. 

Duncanville had gotten the best of DeSoto the past few years, but a year ago DeSoto broke through with an impressive win to end the Panthers string of dominance. Both teams are offensive juggernauts, but they get things done in different ways. Duncanville, which made a reputation as a physical football team, gets it done with a high-flying passing attack led by Alabama QB commit Keelon Russell. He’s got five-star WR and Oregon commit Dakorien Moore on the outside along with talented young WR’s Ayson Theus, Zach Turner and Trenton Yancey.

The concern for Duncanville is that its defense hasn't been quite as dominant as in recent years and the running game has yet to get going.

DeSoto, on the other hand, features a lethal running game led by Texas A&M RB commit Tiger Riden, sophomore RB Myson Johnson Cook and Virginia Tech QB commit Kelden Ryan. They operate behind a massive offensive line anchored by Syracuse commit Byron Washington.

DeSoto’s got talent on the outside with SMU WR commit Daylon Singleton and 2027 five-star WR Ethan “Boobie” Feaster, but the Eagles passing game has yet to have a breakout in 2024.

DeSoto’s defense was torched for 56 points in their Week 2 loss to North Crowley, and although they’ve played much better the past few weeks, this Duncanville offense will be the best group they’ve faced by a large margin since Week 2.

Expect a shootout. Both defenses will be fighting an uphill battle against these offenses. Duncanville hasn’t forgotten about DeSoto stunning them a year ago and they’ll find a way to get a stop or two and that’s the key; the defense that can get just a couple of stops will prevail.

Stepp’s Pick: Duncanville by 8