DeSoto Topples Southlake Carroll 57-44 in Thriller

Southlake Carroll entered the Class 6A Division II playoffs as the state’s top-ranked team and looked every bit the favorite for much of Saturday’s state semifinal. After finishing as the runner-up a year ago, the Dragons had overwhelmed opponents throughout the season and appeared poised to take another step toward a championship.

That momentum carried into the third quarter at Vernon Newsom Stadium, where Carroll built a 16-point lead against DeSoto. However, the Eagles flipped the game in the final stretch and surged to a 57-44 victory, ending Carroll’s title hopes.

The turning point came early in the fourth quarter when DeSoto defensive back Jordan Stevens intercepted a pass and returned it 85 yards for a touchdown. A successful two-point conversion tied the game at 37 and shifted the momentum decisively.

Carroll responded quickly as running back Davis Penn broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run, but the Dragons were unable to score again the rest of the night. DeSoto’s defense tightened while its offense continued to produce explosive plays.

Late in the game, Carroll had a chance to force overtime, driving deep into DeSoto territory. On fourth-and-goal with four seconds remaining, quarterback Angelo Renda was stopped just short of the goal line at the 1-yard line, sealing the outcome. On the final snap, DeSoto running back SaRod Baker capped the win with a 99-yard touchdown run as time expired.

Baker delivered a dominant performance, rushing for 366 yards and three touchdowns while also adding two receptions for 66 yards and a score. DeSoto finished with 758 total yards of offense.

Carroll’s offense also produced big numbers, totaling 544 yards. Renda accounted for five touchdowns, four through the air to Blake Gunter, who finished with seven catches for 111 yards. Penn rushed for 202 yards and a touchdown in a strong showing from the Dragons’ ground game.

The loss marked another painful postseason exit for Carroll, which also fell to DeSoto in the 2023 state semifinals. Despite the disappointment, the Dragons completed their third consecutive run to the state semifinals and continued a stretch of consistent success under head coach Riley Dodge.

Still, Saturday’s defeat underscored how quickly fortunes can change in the playoffs, as a season defined by dominance ended just one win short of a return to the state championship game.