MANSFIELD, TX — It came down to the final seconds to determine a winner in the 6A Div II State Semifinal between the Southlake Carroll Dragons and the DeSoto Eagles on Saturday afternoon. With a trip to AT&T Stadium on the line, the Eagles stonewalled Southlake on four straight plays at the 2-yard line to claim victory, 57-44.
Instant classic. That is the only way to describe the final two quarters in this State Semifinal. On 4th down and one, the Dragons' quarterback, and Pittsburgh commit, Angelo Renda, scrambled to punch the ball into the endzone himself. However, he was met at the goal line by three Eagles. Renda's head crossed the goal line, but the football did not. He was stopped short, and the celebration began.
DeSoto overcame a 13-point halftime deficit to claim the win. Down 27-14 at the half, the Eagles outscored Southlake Carroll 43-17 in the final two quarters to put the game away.
DeSoto running back Sarod Baker scored the go-ahead touchdown on a 1-yard run with 6:42 remaining in the 4th quarter to put the Eagles up 51-44. Baker finished his day with an outstanding 346 yards on 38 carries and three TDs, including a 99-yard touchdown run as time expired.
DeSoto Eagles 2025
(San Angelo LIVE! Photo/Ryan Chadwick)
Renda threw five touchdown passes, four to wide receiver Blake Gunter. Despite a stellar first half, the Dragons failed to match that same offensive magic in the final two quarters. Southlake had plenty of opportunities to score, but failed twice on 4th down in the final six minutes.
DeSoto advances to the 6A Div II State Final against the winner of Austin Vandegrift and the King Panthers. Southlake finishes its season with a 14-1 overall record.
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