Big rivalry matchup under the lights at Crowley ISD Stadium this Friday
Whenever Crowley and North Crowley line it up, an upset is always in the question. This isn’t unique to these two schools. That’s the nature of a rivalry game. Tempers flare, teams lose their composure and get flagged for pre-snap penalties. Anything can happen. In their fifth game of the season, it may be clear cut what will happen as undefeated North Crowley faces a .500 Crowley team. Last year, what looked like a brewing upset turned into a second half blowout with a final score of 27-6. North Crowley cruised to a district title and extended their winning streak after falling early in the season to Rockwall. This season is much different for both programs. The Panthers are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs but the Eagles will be fighting each week to secure a postseason spot.
Texas UIL High School Football District 11-6A, dubbed the “District of Doom” is living up to its name each week featuring a marquee or newly minted rivalry matchup somewhere. This week’s unique rivalry game pits lifelong friends, relatives and former teammates against each other. These athletes know each other better than other teams, which gives Crowley an edge other teams don’t have. Coach Carlos Lynn is an architect of the Crowley ISD “Crowley Tough” mantra. While the bigger picture celebrates all brothers in battle, Coach Lynn will bring his squad ready to take their best shot at Coach Demarcus Harris‘ red hot Panther team ready to ‘drop the hammer‘ on whoever lines up across them.
Both teams are coming off wins in their district opener. North Crowley triumphed in a sold-out show on the road in Duncanville and the Eagles made easy work of Skyline in a 52-14 drubbing of the Raiders. Friday night’s matchup has huge implications for both teams. A loss for the Panthers shifts the balance in Texas high school football but a loss for the Eagles could spell doom for their playoff hopes, keeping them right on the outside looking in.
“It’s Gold Ball Season!”
Those words bellowed out from Coach Ray Gates as his team set their sights on a postseason run after capturing their third straight district championship. With the win coming in a rivalry game against Crowley, the win was even sweeter. Coach Gates’ night got even better moments later with a montage of congratulations from former players and colleagues congratulating him on his winning career at North Crowley. Coach Demarcus Harris is moving the program forward with the team’s sights set on “D.P.S.”, winning district, playoff victories and ultimately playing for another state championship in December.
Aside from the competition, this is a celebration of a district doing all the right things the right way. Expect big games from big names on both sides of the ball and for every down to be meaningful for the players on the field. North Crowley’s ‘No-Fly Zone‘ will be looking to build on its dominance of Crowley’s air attack and its front four will make it a long night for anything coming out of the backfield. UCLA commit Jerry Outhouse, Jr‘s pick six last season with a high five right before crossing the goal line was a memorable play. I expect North Crowley’s secondary to keep the film rolling with big plays. We’re expecting a big game from North Crowley on the offensive side: Jacob “JT” Torres, Damarion “Champ” Mays, Kiante Ingram, G’yrell Smith, Pryce “Spicy” Demerson. And on the defensive side: Antonio Smith, Avery Dotson, Brock Lacy, Jerry Outhouse, Jr., Elijajuan Houston, Braylen Cunningham.
Crowley Rivalry 2025
Crowley has its own playmakers at quarterback Antwain Griffin, and running back Kenyen Cotton but it may not be enough to overcome the Panthers. Where the Eagles have a slight advantage is special teams. The Panthers have struggled with extra point kicks all season long and have opted to go for it on fourth down, even in the red zone. In close games, this would matter and if this game is ever close, Crowley has the edge with the reliability of their place kicker. SMG Sports will be on hand as usual to update you on social media and on our sports page here.
If you don’t already have a ticket, get them here and make plans to get to the stadium early!
