The Cooldown- Week Two
Cover Photo courtesy of the Dallas Morning News and Staff Photographer Chitose Suzuki.
The second week of the high school football season featured some absolute bangers, including a statement made by North Crowley, a trio of Thursday night thrillers, and a big win for the Richland Royals over Colleyville Heritage. We’ll recap several of those games below. It still feels like the season just started, but keep in mind, there are some metroplex area teams that start district play this week. Let’s dive into a few of the best matchups from week two.
North Crowley (2-0) takes down DeSoto (1-1)
I won’t bury the lede here: North Crowley beat the back-to-back defending 6A D-II state champion DeSoto Eagles 57-51 on Friday night. I have two main takeaways from this game. The first is that, if North Crowley wasn’t already on radar (and they definitely should have been), they should be now. The second is that, to me, this game underscores just how hard it can be to win three straight state titles. And that is NOT to say DeSoto can’t win a third straight state title. In fact, it wouldn’t surprise me at all if DeSoto won a historic third straight title. That program is built to last and has all the talent it needs to do so again. On the flip side, giving up 57 points to any school is not something DeSoto is in the habit of doing, and it’s also not something teams that win state titles typically do.
As much respect as I have for DeSoto and the job that coaching staff has done since Claude Mathis returned to lead the Eagles, coach Ray Gates and North Crowley deserve a lot of respect as well, and not just because of this win. North Crowley had a fantastic season a year ago and now has arguably the best win in the entire state of this young season. I know North Crowley doesn’t view a non-district matchup with DeSoto as any kind of “Super Bowl,” but it’s certainly the first check mark on a list of goals and aspirations for the season. When you prove to yourself that you can beat the best in the state, that can go a long way in November and December.
North Crowley quarterback Chris Jimerson Jr. completed eight of his 17 passes for 177 yards and four touchdowns. Quentin Gibson was North Crowley’s only receiver with positive yards gained, catching seven of the eight completions for 180 yards and four scores. Cornelius Warren carried the ball 16 times for 152 yards and three touchdowns to lead the ground attack, while Daniel Bray added 128 yards and a score on 14 carries.
DeSoto quarterback Kelden Ryan completed 14 of his 23 passes for 117 yards and two touchdowns. SaRod Baker was the Eagles leading receiver with six receptions for 70 yards and a touchdown. Boobie Feaster also caught a touchdown pass and racked up 30 yards on five receptions. Ryan also led DeSoto on the ground with 175 yards and four touchdowns on 18 carries. Deondrae Riden Jr. carried the ball 26 times for 149 yards and a score and Myson Johnson-Cook gave DeSoto three 100-yard rushers with 108 yards on 10 attempts.
It’s early in the season and I’m not trying to get too far out over my skis, but what I will say is that I think these are two of the best teams in the state and North Crowley has maybe the best win in the entire state so far this season. Both teams will need to clean some things up defensively, but it won’t be often where either defense has to defend so many dynamic playmakers in one game.
Byron Nelson (2-0) beats Lewisville (1-1)
I mentioned that Thursday night provided some great games, and this was one of them. Byron Nelson took down Lewisville 32-28 thanks to a Leo Almanza touchdown reception with less than a minute left. Thursday night also featured Keller coming from behind to beat Arlington Bowie 34-28 in overtime, and The Colony hanging on to beat Frisco Wakeland 36-35 in overtime.
Some of the key offensive playmakers at Lewisville are young. That includes QB Tre Williams (class of 2027), RB Tenel Hill (2026) and WR Derrick Martin (2027). That trio faced a good Byron Nelson squad that won a district championship last year. As for the Bobcats, Byron Nelson is also breaking in a new quarterback this year in Grant Bizjack. You may recognize that name as his older brother Finley starred in basketball for the Bobcats.
Byron Nelson quarterback Grant Bizjack completed 23 of his 31 passes for 264 yards and four touchdowns, including the game clinching touchdown pass. Leo Almanza led the receivers with six receptions for 119 yards and three scores- including the game winner. Running back Tucker James caught the other touchdown pass from four yards out and also led the Bobcats in rushing with 47 yards and a score on 17 carries.
Lewisville quarterback Tre Williams completed 18 of his 26 passes for 160 yards and two touchdowns. Derrick Martin led the Lewisville receivers with eight receptions for 73 yards and two touchdowns- and also added a touchdown on the ground. Tenel Hill led the rushing attack with 23 carries for 137 yards and a score.
I’m interested to see how these two teams fair the rest of the season. Byron Nelson obviously plays in a tough district, but should have no problem locking up a playoff spot. Southlake Carroll is the favorite to win that district, and despite some shaky defense, Trinity won’t be easy to beat either. Lewisville also plays in a tough district and has another tough tune up non-district game this week against Rockwall. Denton Guyer and Coppell will be tough to get past for Lewisville, but I believe the Fighting Farmers have the talent to compete in those games.
Richland (2-0) routes Colleyville Heritage (1-1)
I have been a Richland believer since seeing them play in person last season, but even I didn’t expect to type “Richland routes Colleyville Heritage” this season. The Royals beat Colleyville Heritage 43-23, but this game was 36-0 Richland headed to the fourth quarter. The time to buy stock in Richland was last season, but there’s still time to get in and get a good figurative return this season. The Royals would have to get past Aledo to win a district title, but make no mistake, Richland is one of the best teams in 5A D-I in the metroplex.
Richland quarterback Drew Kates completed 14 of his 20 attempts for 244 yards and two touchdowns in the win. Deon Jones led the receivers with four receptions for 121 yards and a score, and Xavier Johnson also had an impressive night with five receptions for 95 yards and a touchdown. Michael Turner led the rushing attack with 71 yards and two scores on 17 carries.
Colleyville Heritage quarterback Bodey Weaver completed 17 of his 34 passes for 184 yards and two touchdowns. Sameer Johnson led the Panthers receivers with five receptions for 65 yards and a touchdown while Braden Blueitt added four receptions for 33 yards and a score. Bryce Abram carried the ball 15 times for 62 yards to lead the rushing attack. Richland starts district play this week with a road game at Denton while Colleyville Heritage also starts district play on the road this week at The Colony.
Offensive Player of the Week
My Offensive Player of the Week is Keller Timber Creek quarterback Carson Porter! Keller Timber Creek hung on to beat South Grand Prairie 45-41 as Porter aired it out for 350 yards and five touchdown passes in the win. Xavier Lee was Porter’s favorite target, catching six passes for 123 yards and two scores. Porter spread it around to seven different receivers in the win. Porter and the Falcons offense will need to be that dynamic in district play, which starts this week at L.D. Bell.
Defensive Player of the Week
My Defensive Player of the Week is Dallas Madison defensive back Davonta Morgan-Collins! Madison topped Molina 51-45 and Morgan-Collins was the definition of “everywhere” in the win! Morgan-Collins finished the game with 16 tackles, 11 of those solo, and three interceptions. That’s not just skill, but that’s having a knack for the ball and being in the right place at the right time.