It has been thirty-eight years in the making, but the Duncanville Panthers have punched their ticket to the UIL State Tournament for the first time since 1986 where they won the title. VYPE DFW takes a look at their season and lays out just what fans can expect this week:
This Season So Far
Under head coach Nuno Passos, athletes like Jesus Diaz, Adrian Beltran, Donovan Puente, Isaiah Guerra, Nathanael Zozaya, Edueardo Alaniz, and others have made this a season to remember not only for themselves, but for the Panthers' fans as well. Losing only two matches the entire season, the team started the year with a bang as they took on their non-district opponents and defeated Wichita Falls (2-0), Bossier (2-1), Lancaster (11-0), and more en route to district play.
Once in district play, the team remained focused despite several challenges and overcame moments that others said were impossible. With a 9-2-3 district record and a third-place finish in their district standings, the team was able to showcase their dedication and resiliency as they recorded victories over the likes of Waxahachie (3-1), DeSoto (6-0), Mansfield Legacy (6-1), Cedar Hill (5-0), and more as they hunted for a playoff spot.
Once in the playoffs, this squad kicked things into high-gear as they prepared to face-off against some of the state's toughest competitors. Allowing only one goal to be scored against them so far in playoffs this season, the team sent home Rockwall, Garland, The Woodlands, and Cypress Woods before punching their ticket to the state tournament.
What to Expect
Ready to show every naysayer that their squad is meant to be there, the Duncanville Panthers can be expected to bring a fire to the field in the state semifinals. Taking on defending state champions Katy Seven Lakes who boasts a 23-1-2 overall record this season, the Panthers have what it takes to force their opponent to slow down. Ready to get the job done and punch their ticket to the state title match for the first time in nearly four decades, Duncanville refuses to allow their fire to be snuffed out without a fight.
The game is slated to begin at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 12th in Georgetown, Texas.