With more than bragging rights on the line, the Cedar Hill Longhorns clinched a district title against the Desoto Eagles in the Battle of Beltline
Desoto took an early lead, led by Eagles’ QB Shun’Darion Ward running it in to take a 7-0 lead. Minutes later, RB Tyson Alexander ran in a touchdown of his own to take a 14-0 lead within the first four minutes of the game.
2020 WR Quin Bright took matters into his own hands to rally the the Longhorns, running in a touchdown to put the Longhorns within one score, 14-6. The rain prevented the offensive fireworks both teams are known for and at the end of the first quarter, Desoto led 14-6.
Desoto opened the second quarter with a field goal, to take an 11 point lead and looked ready to take over.
However, the Longhorns weren’t backing down and Christian Hallmonpunched it in from two yards out to bring Cedar Hill within five points midway through the half.
It wouldn’t be a week in Texas high school football without rain delays, and sure enough, with five minutes remaining in the half, the game was brought to a halt.
The break gave Cedar Hill the momentum they needed, and though they opened up after the delay with an interception, a safety on Desoto and a field goal before the half allowed the Longhorns to tie it up, 17-17.
The Longhorns momentum continued into the third quarter, as they rallied and scored 15 straight points in the second half. Daryon Tricheran it in from seven yards out and the Longhorns took their first lead of the night, 23-17, a score that remained through the third quarter.
Cedar Hill opened the fourth quarter with a touchdown to extend their lead 30-17. It wasn’t enough for the Longhorns, who tacked on yet another safety to win the game 32- 17.
After falling behind early, Cedar Hill rallied and outscored the Eagles 32-3 in the final 3.5 quarters. For the Longhorns this is a statement win. On a rainy night on the road, the Longhorns overcame the elements, and an early deficit, to come back and hand Desoto their second loss of the season. They officially clinch the district title and now look toward the first round of the playoffs, a feat they couldn’t accomplish last season.
For Desoto, they fall to 8-2 on the season, but they’ve still clinched a playoff spot. They’re projected to face off against undefeated Duncanville in the first round per Sportsday Dallas, which is no short task. The Eagles are trialed and tested, having survived the “District of Doom”, and they’ll be ready for any opponent they’ll have next week, even Duncanville.
