Defense Carries DeSoto Past Cibolo Steele
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Senior Analyst, TheOldCoach.com
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WACO - Through the first three weeks of the season the DeSoto Eagles (4-0) hadn't really been tested blowing away Arlington Martin, Eastern Christian and South Oak Cliff. After Thursday night considered the Eagles "tested" as they survived a short week, injuries and an outstanding opponent as they beat Cibolo Steele (3-1) 29-24 at McLane Stadium.
After seeing their offense throw up 29 points in the first half the Eagles relied on a defense buoyed by the return of UCLA commit Bryce English (missed the last two games with a concussion) to hold Steele to just six second half points to hang on for the win.
The Eagles opened the game quickly marching right down the field in eight plays to take an eight plays as sophomore QB Jaylin Nelson scored from a yard out to give the Eagles an 8-0 lead. Steele would fumble on their first series but DeSoto was unable to cash in on the turnover and after a short punt, the Knights struck quickly on the first play of their second series as Bryson Denley scored on a 31 yard run to cut the lead to 8-6 as the Steele PAT was missed.
DeSoto was quick to answer as this time Nelson, who accounted for four touchdowns hooked up with Kevin Thomas for a six yard touchdown putting the Eagles back up 15-6 in the first quarter. The Knights would answer later in the first marching right back down the field to cut the lead to 15-12 as Denley was wide open on a short five yard scoring toss from L.G. Williams.
DeSoto's offense, which clicked big time in the first half struck right back marching 79 yards in ten plays as Nelson and Thomas hooked up, this time on a 20 yard touchdown pass to put the Eagles up 22-12. After a quick three and out, DeSoto would need just four plays to move forty yards and take a 29-12 lead on Steele as Nelson hooked up with RB Larry Nixon who tip-toed down the sideline for the score and what looked to be a possible knockout punch.
Steele showed plenty of resolve however and they answered before halftime as Denley scored his third touchdown of the night right before halftime to cut the lead to 29-18.
The second half would prove to be much different as both defenses, led by playmakers on the defensive line took over, (English for DeSoto and Steele DE Mark Jackson). After an exchange of punts, Steele marched all the way to the DeSoto 1, but the Knights were stuffed on fourth and goal on a charge led by English who was unblockable at times. The Knights would strike on the first play of the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 29-24 as Williams hooked up with junior WR Antoine Wesley who made a tremendous leaping catch over a DeSoto DB. DeSoto would control play for the remainder of the fourth for the most part, but the Eagles were unable to cash in to get the clinching score. The Eagles moved to the Steele 34 before throwing an interception and then they drove all the way to the Steele six before seeing QB Nelson stopped on a leaping attempt at the one yard line on fourth and goal. Steele had one last shot with two minutes left and two timeouts but facing 99 yards. The Knights nearly got it done as they moved all the way to the DeSoto before the Eagles defense finally forced the Knights out on downs.
DeSoto will open up district play next week with a game against Grand Prairie, while Steele will open up their portion of district play at Smithson Valley.