North Crowley defeats No. 5 DeSoto 57-51 in wild shootout

The graduating class of No. 5 DeSoto (Texas) has only vague memories of what defeat feels like, as the last setback came against rival Duncanville on Oct. 28, 2022. The Eagles have since reeled off 23 straight wins — most of them lopsided — to capture two straight Class 6A Division 2 state titles.

DeSoto scored a field goal to take a 44-43 lead with 11 minutes left, but Cornelius Warren III put North Crowley back in front, 49-44, with a 66-yard touchdown run less than 20 seconds later.

Daniel Bray helped the Panthers extend their lead a few minutes later with a 63-yard touchdown run. North Crowley converted a 2-point attempt to make it 57-44.

With 25 seconds left, the reigning state champions managed to pull within six points with a short touchdown run by Kelden Ryan, but it was too little and too late.

North Crowley went 26-2 during the 2022 and 2023 seasons, falling in the Class 6A Division 1 semifinals last year. The Panthers opened the 2024 season with a hard-fought win over Lancaster, but Friday's surprise victory over DeSoto could put the program on the map for good.

IMG Academy capitalized on four turnovers by No. 11 Cocoa (Florida) to win 34-13. The Ascenders intercepted Michigan junior Brady Hart three times to improve their record to 2-1.

Veteran quarterback Ty Hawkins, who committed to SMU, threw three touchdown passes in IMG Academy's win.

Bergen Catholic dominated the second half of its match against No. 24 Massillon (Ohio), winning 35-21. The score was tied 21-21 at halftime, but the Crusaders pulled away at the end, ending the Ohio school's 18-game winning streak.