DeSoto vs. Allen preview: DeSoto prepares for Round 3 versus Kyler Murray, Allen

No. 3 Allen vs. No. 17 DeSoto
Time: 11 a.m., CT
Location: AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys
2013 result: Allen, 42-35 (Photos)
2012 result: Allen, 51-36 (Photos)
MaxPreps Computer Projection: Allen, 41-31
Follow live scoring updates on Qwixcore

With arguably the most anticipated game of the season set to take place against arguably the country's most well-known high school football player, DeSoto (Texas) head coach Claude Mathis is focusing on what's within his control: his own team.

The groundswell of anticipation has begun for Saturday's showdown between DeSoto and Allen (Texas) at At&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys. Amidst the hype, Mathis is concerning himself only with his team's execution against a program that has had DeSoto's number over the last two seasons.

"We're so focused on us right now — that's what our guys are really really locked in to," Mathis told MaxPreps. "We have to play well. We have to continue to protect the football. We can't make stupid penalties. We have to get rest, go to bed at a proper time, eat right. Everything needs to be in place in order to beat them."

DeSoto received a bit of good news recently when starting quarterback Tristen Wallace returned against Coppell and rushed for three touchdowns.

His replacement, Jaylin Nelson, was outstanding in his absence. Both could see action on Saturday.

Combined, the duo has been responsible for 23 touchdown passes and 21 rushing touchdowns, numbers not all that unlike the production of DeSoto's highly-acclaimed quarterback last season, Desmon White.

Just having Wallace as an option has given DeSoto a spark heading into the showdown.

"When he came back (last) Thursday, it was an awesome, uplifting feeling," Mathis said. "Guys are having a little extra pep in their step."

The biggest challenge for Mathis' squad is containing the opposing quarterback, who was the country's best high school football player — as a junior.

Despite the fact that DeSoto has played Mansfield, Cedar Hill, Cibolo Steele and others, nothing can quite prepare a team for taking on Kyler Murray.

Murray, the reigning MaxPreps National Player of the Year, led Allen to victories over DeSoto both as a sophomore and in particularly thrilling fashion as a junior, helping Allen overcome a 15-point deficit in the second half.

In his final season before heading to Texas A&M, Murray has operated with deadly precision, helping the Eagles post an average of nearly 52 points per game.

Unsurprisingly, Mathis said his team needed to contain Murray, and that the DeSoto defense needed to make plays to get Allen's offense off the field.

The third installment of the Allen vs. DeSoto trilogy will get underway at 11 a.m. CT. Follow the Qwixcore game log for live updates, and check back after the game for photos and video highlights of the game.