DESOTO, Texas — After demolishing Summer Creek in the UIL 6A Division II state championship by 60 points, it's hard to see any team in the country better than undefeated DeSoto (16-0).
The Eagles cruised to their second straight state championship in Texas, where high school football reigns supreme. They also improved to 3-0 all-time in state championship games (2016, 2022, 2023).
The 6A Division II state title game was the most lopsided of all 12, and still provided even more viral moments, such as the Internet's awe at the size of junior offensive lineman Byron Washington. He's listed at 6 feet, 8 inches and 380 pounds. The defender he's blocking -- and towering over -- is listed at 6 feet, 4 inches, and 215 pounds. Summer Creek's Kaleb Walker, however, made sure to note he got the best of Washington on a few plays.
DeSoto's dominant season included a win over the 6A Division I state champion, nearby Duncanville, which lies less than 10 miles away. So, the Eagles are definitely the best team in Texas this year. But what about in the nation?
Well, Sports Illustrated ranked its top high school football teams in the country, and DeSoto isn't their top choice, believe it or not. The Eagles came in at No. 2 in their rankings, behind California's Mater Dei (13-1), who beat Serra 35-0 in the CIF Open Division championship game.
Sports Illustrated said it chose Mater Dei as the nation's best team due to their schedule. Sports Illustrated asked its readers who they believe was the nation's top team, and 66% said DeSoto (because they're right).
Mater Dei's only loss of the year came to fellow California powerhouse St. John Bosco, a loss they avenged in the CIF playoffs. Then, the publication gave a large amount of credit to Mater Dei for shutting out Northern California’s top team, Serra, in the state final.
The Duncanville Panthers (14-1) came in at No. 7 on Sports Illustrated's list. The North Shore Mustangs (15-1) were ranked No. 13. Aledo (16-0) appeared on the list at the No. 19 spot.
Here is a look at their complete top 10:
- Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.) (13-1)
- DeSoto (Texas) (16-0)
- Chaminade-Madonna (Hollywood, Fla.) (14-0)
- Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas) (12-0)
- IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.) (10-0)
- St. Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia) (13-1)
- Duncanville (Texas) (14-1)
- St. Edward (Lakewood, Ohio) (15-1)
- Bergen Catholic (Oradell, N.J.) (11-1)
- St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) (13-1)
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