Duncanville (7-0, 5-0) at DeSoto (7-0, 5-0): The two defending Class 6A state champions finally clash in a game DFW has waited for since December when both programs brought titles back to the Southern Sector of Dallas County.

No. 1 Duncanville has had DeSoto’s number in recent years winning seven straight in the rivalry. DeSoto’s last win came in its first state title season in 2016 and two of Duncanville wins came in the playoffs (2020 and 2021).

Duncanville has rolled in its first seven games with the Panthers closest win being a 34-13 win over South Oak Cliff in the opener. The Panthers eased past Dallas Skyline last week, 49-3, as LSU RB commit Caden Durham ran for two scores to pace a balanced attack while Duncanville’s ferocious defense dominated an overmatched Skyline attack.

DeSoto took on much improved Cedar Hill and the Eagles walked out of Longhorn Stadium with a 35-13 win. Marvin Duffey ran for 177 yards and three touchdowns and WR T.J. Pride had 166 receiving yards.

The key in this showdown is very simple: can DeSoto compete with Duncanville in the trenches? If DeSoto can do that, the Eagles have a shot to knock off the giants in 6A. But up front is where Duncanville has dominated in this winning streak and up front is where Duncanville appears to have the big edge once again.

Duncanville’s secondary is a bit untested and DeSoto is capable to test them with QB DJ Bailey and a talented cast of receivers, but if Bailey is running for his life while the likes of Colin Simmons is chasing him, he won’t be very effective.

Stepp’s Pick: Duncanville by 13