# DeSoto's new quarterback beat Duncanville by one point > DeSoto moved its best running back to quarterback, and the switch flipped a 36-year rivalry back to even. - Title: DeSoto's new quarterback beat Duncanville by one point - Summary: DeSoto moved its best running back to quarterback, and the switch flipped a 36-year rivalry back to even. When a season is going nowhere, moving your best… - Keywords: texas high school football, desoto, duncanville, rivalry, sarod baker, sports, DeSoto's, quarterback, beat, one, point, High School On SI - Source: High School On SI — https://si.com/high-school/texas/duncanville-vs-desoto-live-updates-texas-high-school-football-01m2b5femg0y - Published: 2026-09-12T16:06:14+00:00 - Read time: 3 min - Topics: texas high school football, desoto, duncanville, rivalry, sarod baker, sports ## A rivalry with a new address Duncanville and DeSoto met at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas instead of a district field, and it was no longer a district game at all. > One of the best modern-day rivalries in Texas high school football is getting a new look. ## Out of the District of Doom DeSoto dropped to 5A Division I, ending years of fighting Duncanville for the 11-6A title in a district nicknamed the District of Doom. ## Both teams arrived hurting Duncanville came in 1-1 after losing 26-7 to Allen. DeSoto was 0-2, having given up 88 points to St. Thomas Aquinas and Allen, and passing for 28 yards against Allen. ## The gamble DeSoto moved standout tailback SaRod Baker, a Texas Tech commit, to quarterback for this game. Wyatt Davis took over as the primary running back. ## First drive, first proof DeSoto took the opening kickoff and marched 75 yards in 11 plays. Baker finished it with a 24-yard run, 7-0 with 9:13 left in the first. > SaRod Baker on the keeper scores from 24 yards out. ## A muffed punt evens it DeSoto muffed a punt near its own 20. Brayden Arnold lined up in the Wildcat and darted in from 11 yards out to tie it 7-7. ## Baker's arm kept giving it back Chance Finley picked him off a minute into the second quarter, the first of three interceptions Baker threw. He went 7-of-13 for 86 yards on the day. ## DeSoto's defense held the line The Eagles stopped Duncanville on fourth down near their own 20, then sacked Maximus Denson on another fourth down late in the half. > DeSoto defense stands tall. Short by less than a yard. ## Davis breaks it open Wyatt Davis ripped off a 65-yard run to set up first-and-goal, and Baker powered in from a yard out. DeSoto led 14-7 with 3:13 left in the half. ## The hat trick before the break A 12-play, 64-yard drive ended with Baker's third touchdown, an 8-yard run with nine seconds on the clock. DeSoto 21, Duncanville 7. ## One player, one whole offense At halftime Baker had 86 rushing yards and three scores. Duncanville had 90 yards of total offense. DeSoto had 221. ## Fourth down kept failing Duncanville went 0-for-3 on fourth-down tries, twice stalling inside the DeSoto 20 when points would have changed the math. ## Two picks, one answer Malik Hudson and then Jeremy Clayton II intercepted Baker in the third. The second set up Denson's 29-yard touchdown to Jairus Ingram, 21-14. > Maximus The Great Denson links w/ Jairus Ingram for the Panthers. ## The snap that sailed With under five minutes left, the ball flew over the DeSoto punter's head. Duncanville took over inside the 5 with the game there for the taking. > Ball is snapped over the DeSoto punters head and Duncanville takes over inside the 5. ## A touchdown nobody planned The ball was fumbled into the end zone and Chris Jackson Jr. fell on it. Duncanville had pulled within one with 4:08 to play. ## The kick that decided it Duncanville lined up to tie the game with the extra point. DeSoto broke through and blocked it, leaving the Eagles up 21-20. > BUT, THE PAT IS BLOCKED. INCREDIBLE. ## Baker ran out the clock Duncanville had spent its last timeout. Baker picked up a first down on the ground and the Panthers could not stop the clock again. ## What the numbers said Baker: 208 total yards, 122 rushing on 21 carries, three touchdowns. Davis: 131 yards on 18 carries. Duncanville's entire offense: 213 yards. ## The series is level again DeSoto's win made the all-time record 18-18. Duncanville had taken seven of the last eight, including 48-28 a year ago. ## An 0-2 start they have seen before DeSoto opened 0-2 last season too, then won 13 of its next 14 and took the 6A DII state title. The Panthers sit 1-2, ranked No. 5 to DeSoto's No. 11. > DeSoto gets off the mat and picks up its first win after an 0-2 start. ## Key takeaway When a season is going nowhere, moving your best athlete to the ball is worth more than waiting for the scheme to fix itself.