In a highly anticipated showdown, the No. 6 Allen Eagles will face the Duncanville Panthers in the Texas UIL Class 6A Division I state semifinal. This exciting matchup is scheduled for 3 p.m. CT at Mesquite Memorial Stadium in Mesquite. The winning team will advance to the state championship game, where they will meet either Houston North Shore or Austin Lake Travis on December 20.
Season Records and Performance
Allen enters the game with an impressive record of 14-0 and is currently ranked sixth in the nation according to the SI Top 25 power rankings. The Eagles have dominated their opponents this season, outscoring them 681-140 while recording four shutouts. However, they faced tough challenges, including a nail-biting 31-30 victory over Prosper and a close 22-15 win against Lewisville in the playoffs. Last week, they avenged a previous loss by defeating North Crowley 33-21.
Duncanville boasts an 11-1 record and is riding a remarkable 10-game winning streak. After starting the season with a 28-27 loss to Waxahachie, the Panthers have turned things around. Notable wins include a 48-28 triumph over DeSoto and a recent 35-27 win against Waxahachie in the semifinals. Overall, Duncanville has outscored its opponents 445-171 this season.
Key Players
Allen Eagles
- Jeremiah Daoud (QB, Sr.) – 2,739 passing yards, 28 touchdowns.
- Lyndon Spriggs (RB, Jr.) – 860 rushing yards, 15 touchdowns.
- Ja’Prei Wafer (LB, Sr.) – 105 tackles, 6 sacks, 4 forced fumbles.
- LeBron Bauer (DB, Sr.) – 5 interceptions, 4 blocked field goals.
Duncanville Panthers
- J’Coryon Rivers (QB, Sr.) – 1,126 passing yards, 11 touchdowns.
- Trenton Yancey (WR, Jr.) – 750 receiving yards, 9 touchdowns.
- Jaylyn Manning (LB, Sr.) – 105 tackles, 2 interceptions.
- Landon Barnes (DE, Sr.) – 22 tackles for loss, 10 sacks.
Historical Context
This meeting is a rematch of the memorable December 15, 2018 semifinal, where Duncanville edged out Allen with a score of 44-35. That season, Duncanville went on to become the state runner-up against Houston North Shore.
What to Expect
As kickoff approaches, fans can expect a highly competitive game. Allen, with its explosive offense, faces a Duncanville team that boasts a strong defense and an equally capable offense. Be sure to follow El-Balad for live updates, scores, and highlights throughout the game.
