Desoto Soars to Fourth State Championship

By Steve Thomas
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Updated: December 21, 2025

Eagles Stay Perfect in State Championship Games

For the grand finale of championship weekend, the Desoto Eagles put on an offensive fireworks show. The Eagles soared to the 6A-D2 title Saturday night with a 55-27 rout of the Houston CE King Panthers. Desoto amassed 444 total yards of offense and scored eight touchdowns. The championship is Desoto's fourth, and the Eagles are now 4-0 in state title games.

Despite cruising to victory Saturday night, the road to the championship was a long and arduous one for Head Coach Claude Mathis and his team. "It was a long year," Mathis said, "They counted us out when we started 0-2." Desoto dropped its first two games in road contests against nationally ranked Creekside(GA) and defending 6A-D1 champion North Crowley. The Panthers also fell on the road against district rival and fellow 6A stalwart Duncanville.

Ultimately, the Eagles used these trials to their benefit. Senior receiver Ethan Feaster said that winning this season's championship really helped him build character because of the team's early struggles. Feaster recorded ten catches for 167 yards and two touchdowns. Feaster eclipsed 1500 career yards with his performance. Senior running back Sarod Baker, who had already eclipsed 3000 career rush yards prior to the game, added to his stellar numbers with 24 carries for 125 yards and two touchdowns. Safety Damarion Ross was named defensive MVP with four total and two solo tackles along with a 94-yard pick-six.

For CE King, the season was still historic despite Saturday's result. The Panthers' state title berth was the school's first in its 71-year history. King recorded double-digit wins for the first time since 2021 and achieved the most wins in school history. Head Coach Cory Laxen praised his team for their accomplishments and said that the state championship loss just make the chip on their shoulders that much bigger. Additionally, Laxen praised his senior leadership including running back Dionne Sims for building the culture of success.