(Arlington, Texas)-LSU commit, RB Caden Durham scored three touchdowns and rushed for 213 yards after three quarters, showing his speed as District 11-6A Duncanville (14-1) defeated District 21-6A Galena North Shore 49-33 in the University Interscholastic League State 6A Division I Championships at AT&T Stadium. With more than 50,000 fans in attendance, Durham needed only 11 carries to score on runs of 26, 74, and 92 yards. He also eclipsed the 2,000 yard rushing mark this season.
The Panthers jumped out to a 21-7 lead in the first quarter with Durham scoring his first touchdown from 26-yards to make it 7-0 over the Mustangs. North Shore would answer right back with a touchdown run by junior RB D’Andre Hardeman to tie the game at 7-7. On the Panthers next possession, still in the first quarter, Durham showed his speed on a 72-yard touchdown run to make it 14-7. North Shore was forced to punt on their next series and Duncanville junior QB Russell went to work. He would find WR Dak Moore for a 37-yard touchdown pass to put the Panthers up 21-7.
At the start of second quarter, Panther head coach Reginald Samples called on his LSU commit and once again, Durham took off on a 92-yard touchdown run, untouched. Panthers led 28-7. The Panthers ended the half leading 35-10 after Russell spotted TE Zach Turner for 29-yard score. In the second half, junior quarterback, 6’4 210lbs, Russell scored his final touchdown. He had a spectacular day completing 10-of-14 passes for 159 yards and two touchdowns. For the year, Russell passed for 3,154 yards. Duncanville head football Reginald Samples said it best, “this win was special.” Galena North Shore HS (15-1) head football coach, Willie Gaston, former NFL Baltimore Ravens player, watched the Panthers defeat his Mustangs for the second year in a row.
Duncanville’s only loss in 2023 was to District 11-6A rivals, DeSoto (15-0). DeSoto will play in tonight’s State 6A Division II Championship game against District 21-6A runner-ups, Summer Creek. Yes, Galena North Shore won the district title in 21-6A. (HSSMImages/Gabe DeLeon)
