Duncanville beats Rockwall-Heath: Texas high school area round live update recap (11/17/2023)

Nationally ranked Panthers blasted Rockwall-Heath in Class 6A Division I UIL area round

Duncanville's quest for a repeat Texas high school championship has reached the second round. And it's a high-scoring affair.

The nationally ranked Panthers (9-1) blasted Rockwall Heath in the area round of the UIL state playoffs on Friday night, clearing the way for a regional semifinal showdown with the winner of Klein Collins and The Woodlands.

Panthers quarterback Keelon Russell, a 4-star SMU commit, threw for 308 passing yards and four touchdowns on 15 of 20 attempts completed. 

LSU commit Caden Durham bullied his way to 220 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 15 carries — mostly in the first half.

Duncanville, SBLive's No. 3 ranked team in Texas, is led by five-stars Collin Simmons (Texas), Dakorien Moore (LSU) and four-stars Keelon Russel (SMU), Caden Durham (LSU), Kevin Ford Jr. (uncommitted). 

Duncanville walloped Hutto and Rockwall-Heath escaped a high-scoring thriller with Sachse in the Class 6A Division I bi-district round.

Scroll down for a game thread with highlights and notable moments: 

FINAL: DUNCANVILLE 62, ROCKWALL-HEATH 24

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SECOND QUARTER

-- Russell keeps dishing. The SMU pledge finds Zach Turner, who hauls in a 45-yard TD reception to add to the Panthers' lead before the break. (48-17, Duncanville | 3:34)

-- Rockwall-Heath cuts into the deficit. Kicker Bronson Mueller boots a 43-yard field goal. (41-17, Duncanville | 3:34) 

-- Durham once more, this time a 43-yard touchdown run to pad the Panthers' lead. (41-14, Duncanville | 6:39)

-- Have a day, Durham. The 4-star LSU commit rushes for his third touchdown of the night, this time a 37-yard TD haul. (34-14, Duncanville | 10:40)

FIRST QUARTER

-- Sure doesn't take long for one of the nation's most prolific offenses to score. Panthers sneak in another touchdown before the end of the first, a 49-yard Durham TD run. (28-14, Duncanville | 1:19)

-- The Hawks aren't just going to mail it in. Caleb Hoover finds Fletcher Fierro for a 17-yard touchdown connection. Rockwall-Heath draws back within a score. (21-14, Duncanville | 2:09)

-- Panthers' star-studded combo connects. Dakorien Moore, 5-star LSU commit, catches a 43-yard touchdown pass from SMU-bound Keelon Russell. (21-7, Duncanville | 5:13)

-- Duncanville once more. Caden Durham puts the Panthers ahead with a two-yard scamper. (14-7, Duncanville | 7:16)

-- Panthers strike back. Ayson Theus catches a 23-yard Keelon Russell pass on the ensuing drive. (7-7 | 9:31)

-- Rockwall-Heath strikes first! Duncanville in rare form — trailing — early after Drew Smith returns a fumble recovery 51 yards for the game's first points. (7-0, Rockwall-Heath | 9:52)

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

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