DeSoto delivered a stunning second-half comeback to upset No. 3 Southlake Carroll 57-44 in the Texas Conference 6A Division II state semifinal, earning a spot in next weekend’s championship game. After trailing 37-21 late in the third quarter, the Eagles erupted for 36 points over the final 17 minutes to flip the game. The matchup lived up to its billing between two familiar playoff foes meeting for the sixth time in nine seasons. Southlake Carroll led 27-14 at halftime behind Pittsburgh signee Angelo Renda, who threw for more than 200 yards and four first-half touchdowns, including three to Blake Gunter, who finished with four scores.
The comeback was fueled by junior running back SaRod Baker, who dominated the second half and finished with 346 rushing yards on 37 carries and three touchdowns, highlighted by a 99-yard run to seal the win. Baker also added 66 receiving yards and a touchdown, giving him 730 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns over the last two games. DeSoto tied the game at 37 on an 85-yard interception return by Jordan Stevens, then took the lead for good on a 1-yard Baker run with 6:42 remaining. The Eagles’ defense sealed the victory with multiple fourth-down stops late, sending DeSoto—already a three-time state champion—into the title game with a chance to claim its third championship in four years.