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PREVIEW: Decatur Football prepares for greatness
Decatur football is on track to be one of the best teams in the state, if not the country, soon. With the team's ability to focus, train, and succeed, there's no question as to how they ended up near the top of the VYPE DFW 1A-4A Preseason Football Rankings. VYPE DFW takes a look at the team and what fans can expect this fall:
REWIND
Last season, the Decatur Eagles opened their schedule with a tough three losses against Anna, Wichita Falls Rider, and Stephenville. After the initial losses, the Eagles refocused and faced the rest of their non-district opponents with dominance. Defeating Pampa (42-13), Alvarado (59-29), and Wichita Falls Hirschi (35-19), the team was able to trot into district play with a 3-3 record and an intention to get the job done.
With a fast-paced style of play, Decatur finished at the top of their district standings remaining undefeated against district opponents like Burkburnett (55-21), Wichita Falls (31-27 in overtime play), Springtown (47-6), and Mineral Wells (28-7). With a fantastic entry into playoffs, the team defeated Pampa (55-0), Andrews (42-15), Amarillo Randall (41-0), and Wichita Falls (35-21) before eventually falling to China Spring in a hard-fought 33-27 battle.
LOOKING AHEAD
Fans can expect big plays from the likes of Nate Palmer, Landon Felts, Cade Braziel, Abram Graham, Cole Mihecoby, Rhion Jimenez, Lane Hesteande, and more as Decatur enters the 2023-24 season. Looking to secure another playoff spot will start from the beginning-- as soon as the Eagles leave the tunnel in their first non-district game against Anna on Friday, August 25th.
The team can be expected to play strong against their non-district opponents after learning from last season. Taking account for every moment on and off the field, the Eagles are able to focus on the plays as they come while keeping their goals in mind. District play begins on the road against Burkburnett on October 6th where the fans will watch the team attempt to take control of their district for a second season in a row.
STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: Decatur Eagles continue to soar
Decatur continues to soar through playoffs doing whatever they can to keep naysayers quiet. The Eagles are looking to continue on their path in the UIL State Semifinals Friday evening when they take on China Spring. VYPE DFW takes a dive into what fans can expect out of this semifinal matchup!
Decatur Eagles (11-3, 4-0)
Decatur is on a hot streak as they continue to post win after win. Entering the semifinals on an 11-game win streak, the team is led by Nate Palmer, Landon Felts, Devin James, Preston Escobar, Hunter Smith, Brody McClure, Antwan Gilbreath, Wyatt Vinzant, and more. After finishing at the top of their district standings, the team has been able to secure incredible victories in post season play, including their most recent 35-21 victory over Wichita Falls.
Blanking two playoffs opponents, the Eagles have allowed only 36 points against them in postseason play while scoring 173 of their own. The team has been playing stronger and better than ever and will look to continue doing so on Friday against China Spring.
China Spring Cougars (13-1, 4-0)
China Spring has posted only one loss this season- a 24-16 intense matchup against Parish Episcopal who has won their division's TAPPS State Title four seasons in a row. The team posted victories over former state champion Stephenville, Waco La Vega, Alvarado, and more to finish their regular season at the top of their district. In playoffs, the team has ended the seasons of Fort Worth Western Hills, Kaufman, Lake Worth, and Anna.
Led by incredible athletes, the Cougars are no stranger to defeating Dallas-Fort Worth area teams. They will be looking to play smart defense against a tough Decatur team.
What To Expect:
China Spring is a team that hasn't given up in any situation they have ever been in. Looking to continue their streak of taking down DFW opponents, they will be alert on the field- ready to get the job done. Decatur has to remain focused from start to finish in order to continue advancing. In a win and go to state or lose and go home situation, fans can expect both teams to have one of the best games of their season. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Mansfield Newsom Stadium.