Duncanville-South Oak Cliff highlights, recap: Maximus The Great Denson leads Panthers to 35-28 win

By Norbert Durst Sep 5, 2025, 8:15pm

Junior quarterback throws for three touchdowns in the first half, Panthers hold off Bears late.

In a showdown between two of the top high school football programs in Texas, Duncanville opened its season with a 35-28 win over South Oak Cliff (Dallas)

Duncanville, ranked No. 8 in this week's MaxPreps Top 25, led 29-14 at halftime and held on for the seven-point win.

Junior quarterback Maximus The Great Denson showcased his dual-threat ability in his first start, replacing MaxPreps All-American Keelon Russell (Alabama).

Denson passed for three touchdowns and compiled nearly 100 yards on the ground in the first half. He had touchdown passes to SMU recruit Zach Turner (7 yards), Trenton Yancey (64 yards) and Emmanuel Ellison (23 yards).

South Oak Cliff's first-half touchdowns were both scored by Levon Morton. The first was a 76-yard punt return for a score, and the second was a 1-yard run late in the second quarter.

The Bears got within two touchdowns, 35-21, at the start of the fourth quarter when junior Jayden Williams found senior Devonte Hill for a 74-yard touchdown. South Oak Cliff made it a one-score game with 2:34 left in the game with a 76-yard touchdown run by senior Torrin Teague



Duncanville (1-0) is off next week. The Panthers' next game is at Waxahachie on Sept. 19. South Oak Cliff (1-1) hosts Longview next Friday.