DeSoto avoids upset, beats Waxahachie in shootout between Texas football unbeatens

Nationally ranked Eagles avoid upset scare; 4-star 2025 RB Riden returns

DeSoto remained unscathed on the young Texas high school football season by fending off a pesky, high-scoring Waxahachie on Friday night. 

The 56-35 Eagles win pushed the No. 2 ranked team in Texas and No. 11 team in the nation to 4-0 on the season. Waxahachie gave them a proper scare, tying the game as late as 7:27 left in the third quarter.

Waxahachie found the endzone and stuck around late, but DeSoto always had an answer.

The Eagles struck back within a minute when the game was tied in the thrid, then DJ Bailey hit Antonio Pride Jr. over the middle for a 47-yard touchdown pass to give DeSoto a two-touchdown lead late in the third quarter. 

DeSoto welcomed back 4-star 2025 running back/linebacker Deondre Riden, who dislocated his elbow in Week 1

Ramon McKinney Jr. found Michael Esparza Jr. for a 31-yard  connection in the endzone to pull Waxahachie within a touchdown (42-35) in the fourth quarter. 

Kingstin McAdams' 16-yard scamper after Waxahachie coughed up a punt return gave DeSoto its winning margin late. 

Waxahachie's 35 points are the most scored on DeSoto in more than a year – not since Duncanville put up 41 on it Oct. 28, 2022.

The gauntlet continues for Waxahachie (4-1), which has a bye before a showdown with top-ranked Duncanville on Oct. 5.

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-- Andy Buhler | andy@scorebooklive.com | @sblivetx