Southlake Carroll’s Season Ends in Stunning 57-44 Upset by DeSoto

BREAKING: In a shocking turn of events, the top-ranked Southlake Carroll football team saw its season come to an abrupt end on November 25, 2023, as they fell to DeSoto in the 6A Division II state semifinals with a final score of 57-44. This dramatic clash at Vernon Newsom Stadium showcased a breathtaking comeback that left fans and players reeling.

Carroll, a powerhouse in Texas high school football, appeared on track for victory, leading by 16 points midway through the third quarter. However, a pivotal play shifted the momentum when DeSoto’s Jordan Stevens intercepted a pass and returned it for an 85-yard touchdown, leveling the score at 37-37 early in the fourth quarter.

Despite a quick response from Carroll’s Davis Penn, who rushed for a 59-yard touchdown, the team could not regain control. In a nail-biting finish, Carroll was stopped just inches from the end zone on a fourth-and-goal situation with only four seconds remaining. After a controversial call regarding quarterback Angelo Renda, who was ruled down at the 1-yard line, DeSoto’s SaRod Baker sealed the game with a stunning 99-yard touchdown run as time expired.

Baker was a standout performer, amassing 336 rushing yards and scoring three touchdowns, while also contributing two catches for 66 yards and another touchdown. DeSoto’s offensive onslaught totaled an impressive 758 yards, overshadowing Carroll’s own strong offensive showing of 544 yards and five touchdowns from Renda, who connected with Blake Gunter for four scores.

After the game, Carroll head coach Riley Dodge expressed pride in his team’s effort, stating, “The kids laid it on the line. I couldn’t have asked for anything else against a really good football team.” However, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to a season filled with high expectations, especially after falling to DeSoto in the previous year’s semifinals as well.

The emotional aftermath was palpable as Dodge addressed his tearful players and consoled his young children, reflecting on the sacrifices made throughout the season. “It’s 28-30 weeks we’ve been going at it. A lot of long hours. Obviously, when you get this close, you want to get to the final one. So it’s disappointing,” he said.

As the 2023 season concludes for Southlake Carroll, which has made three consecutive appearances in the state semifinals, attention now turns to whether Coach Dodge can finally secure the elusive state title in the future. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as the offseason unfolds.

Stay tuned for more updates on Texas high school football and the latest developments in upcoming games.