In a highly anticipated match-up, No. 6 Allen squared off against Duncanville today at 3 p.m. CT at Mesquite Memorial Stadium for the Texas UIL Class 6A Division I state semifinal. As one of the nation’s premier high school football teams, Allen entered the game with an undefeated 14-0 record, while Duncanville, boasting an impressive 11-1 record, was riding a 10-game winning streak.
This game marked a significant rematch from the unforgettable December 15, 2018 semifinal, where Duncanville narrowly defeated Allen 44-35, ultimately finishing as state runners-up to Houston North Shore. For Allen, the stakes were high, as they sought to move beyond last season’s quarterfinal exit against the eventual champions North Crowley. The Eagles made a statement last week by avenging that loss with a decisive 33-21 victory over North Crowley.
Dominating their opponents this season, Allen has outscored them 681-140 while achieving four shutouts. However, they faced challenges in tight contests, notably a 31-30 nail-biter against Prosper and a close 22-15 playoff opener against Lewisville. Their formidable postseason included victories over Dallas Lake Highlands (41-7) and Odessa Permian (56-13).
Conversely, Duncanville’s path has been one of resilience. After a rough start that included a 28-27 loss to Waxahachie, the Panthers have surged, defeating DeSoto 48-28 and avenging the earlier loss to Waxahachie with a 35-27 win in the semifinals. Duncanville’s overall season record showcases their ability to score, having outpaced opponents 445-171. In earlier playoff rounds, they secured commanding victories against Temple (35-14), Rockwall-Heath (43-6), and Spring Klein Collins (34-7).
Highlighting Allen’s roster is senior quarterback Jeremiah Daoud, who has thrown for 2,739 yards and 28 touchdowns, supported by junior running back Lyndon Spriggs. Defensively, the Eagles are anchored by senior linebacker Ja’Prei Wafer and standout defensive back LeBron Bauer, who leads the team with five interceptions and multiple blocked kicks.
Duncanville counters with senior quarterback J’Coryon Rivers, who has achieved impressive numbers this season. The Panthers’ formidable defense is led by linebacker Jaylyn Manning and senior edge rusher Landon Barnes.
As the game progressed, Duncanville made an immediate impact, scoring two touchdowns in the first quarter to take a commanding lead. After winning the opening toss and deferring, Duncanville’s defense was quick to stifle Allen’s first drive, forcing a turnover on downs. With just over five minutes left in the first quarter, Duncanville’s Trenton Yancey dashed 53 yards for a touchdown, quickly putting the Panthers ahead.
They followed up with another touchdown courtesy of Leon Wood, who capitalized on strong offensive line play to push through for a 9-yard score. By the end of the first quarter, Duncanville held a decisive 14-0 lead, as Allen struggled to find their footing against a relentless defense.
With the quarter wrapping up, Allen faced challenges as they dealt with penalties and setbacks, leaving them in a precarious position as they looked to regroup and answer Duncanville’s offensive onslaught.
As the game continued, anticipation built, with fans eagerly awaiting further developments and highlights from both teams as they pursued the ultimate goal: a berth in the state championship against either Houston North Shore or Austin Lake Travis on December 20.
