Story by Vernon Stokes and Photos by Byron Watters
For the last two years, the Skyline Red Raiders came out on top in their area round playoff meetings against DeSoto High School. On Friday, DeSoto exacted revenge for those losses in swift and dominating fashion.
DeSoto scored on its first four possessions en route to a 38-0 victory over Skyline. They set the tone early and surprised many of those in attendance at John E. Kincaide Stadium by making such easy work of the highly touted Red Raiders.
DeSoto quarterback Ryan Polite got his team on the scoreboard early connecting on a touchdown pass with senior wide receiver Sam Ajala and scoring himself on a quarterback keeper in the first quarter. It was a balanced attack showcasing a DeSoto offensive line that opened large holes for running backs Dontre Wilson and Antoinne Jimmerson who ran by, over, and around Skyline defenders all night.
DeSoto’s defense stifled the Skyline running game and had quarterback Devante Kincade scrambling almost every time he dropped back to pass. Skyline managed only 41 yards of total offense by the end of the first half all of which was accounted for on one long pass play from Thomas Johnson to Travondre Rabon. The second half was more of the same with Skyline finding it difficult to make first downs much less score against a stingy DeSoto defense.
Skyline finished the season 9-3 while DeSoto moves to 10-2. The Eagles match up with Austin Bowie next week in the Regional semifinals at Round Rock. If they can continue that trend throughout the playoffs, they will certainly be one of the teams to watch this post season.
/