This matchup is almost too good for high school football. Earlier today, North Crowley announced that their visitor section at Duncanville Stadium is sold out! If you don’t have a ticket to tonight’s game, plan to watch it online or refresh your social media channels for minute-by-minute updates! North Crowley’s undefeated championship season faced one tough question, whether they could get past Duncanville who had recently overcome its hurdle of Galena Park North Shore. While ruling the DFW 6A football roost, Duncanville was an improbable challenge. That was until North Crowley rose to prominence.
When North Crowley’s dream of repeating fell short against Allen last year, Duncanville made easy work of the Eagles and advance to the state title game to add another chapter in their long storied history against North Shore. The Panthers were a play away from glory with seconds left in the game but couldn’t complete a pass to keep their drive alive to force a go-ahead field goal or score and take the lead.
How Will North Crowley Fare in the ‘District of Doom?’
Tonight, the big question pits Duncanville’s offense against North Crowley’s defense. Duncanville will need to be creative moving the ball. In last week’s loss to Desoto, Duncanville battled back but lost the game on a blocked PAT. Duncanville can score quickly and they can move the ball methodically. Their defense will have their hands full with the two-headed running back beast in Kiante Ingram and Gy’Rell Smith. North Crowley is gifted with a thunder and lightning type duo. Ingram’s ground and pound running will tire out defensive linemen and backers while Smith’s lightning speed will put him in the defensive backfield before you see the handoff. North Crowley doesn’t need much time to score. Damarion Mays or Pryce Demerson are a threat whether it’s a deep pass or a screen from behind the line of scrimmage. If Duncanville wins it will be due to their preparation for the myriad of ways North Crowley can find the end zone.
Defensively, Antonio Smith is a force on the defensive front but any runner or receiver advancing beyond the first level should be on the lookout for Avery Dotson and Brock Lacy who are don’t let much past them. North Crowley’s “no-fly” zone doesn’t just defend the ball, they are hard hitting, led by senior tandem Jerry Outhouse, Jr. and Elijajuan Houston. Duncanville is behind in the win column but legendary coach Reginald Samples will have his team ready to face one of their toughest challengers of the season.
Is Their Pre-District Play a Preview of District of Doom Success for the Panthers?
Both team have put last season behind them and while Duncanville has struggled early, North Crowley has paved its road to district play with big name matchups and future rivalries with Aledo, Southlake Carroll and Houston Summer Creek. The gameday air in Crowley is electric and that’s not just the lightning delay that postponed the game an hour against Summer Creek. Fans are starting to have that “feeling” again but those who know better have a cautious optimism.
“It’s the District of Doom” because we’re in it!
Coach Demarcus Harris
They know the toll of playing in the District of Doom may cost a playoff win. Teams like Crowley and Lake Ridge will be fighting for a playoff spot with the presumption that North Crowley, Waxahachie and Duncanville are a lock for the postseason. Each week is a prize fight and only the team who can outlast and withstand the barrage of blows will make it far. All things considered, district and playoff goals are a setup to a potential rematch with Allen whose dominance has Texas football writers prepared to crown them as this year’s champions.
Tonight, North Crowley and Duncanville have a score to settle with the assertion of football dominance on the line. With three Dallas area teams making appearances in state title games, North Crowley would like a word in the conversation when Fort Worth takes on Dallas.
Can’t make the game? Watch the game on Dave Campbell’s Texas Sports.
