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Duncanville Panthers set to face off against Houston MacArthur
Duncanville is known for having elite athletics. After a heartbreaking 1-0 loss to Rockwall-Heath in the playoffs last year, the Duncanville Panthers are back to their regular dominance in the Texas high school soccer playoffs. This week, the team heads into a Regional Semifinals matchup against Houston MacArthur. VYPE DFW dives into the Panthers' season so far.
Duncanville finished at the top of their district this season with an undefeated district record (12-0-2). With 14 shut-out victories in the regular season, the Panthers outscored their opponents by a combined 84 goals. The team has had no problem playing smart defense- ready to control the tempo from the start of the game to the end of the game. Not only do they have a smart defense, but they have an offense that takes advantage of scoring at all times- they have used that ability this season.
During playoffs, Duncanville has defeated Killeen (4-0), Rockwall (4-3), and most recently Rockwall-Heath (1-0) in a revenge match. The team has shown resiliency on the pitch as well as a drive to finish the job this season. As they head into the game against Houston MacArthur (16-4-5, 9-3-2) fans should expect the same heart going into the battle. Fans can expect the Panthers' defense to put a quick stop to MacArthur, giving the Duncanville offense the right-of-way to outshoot and outscore their regional semifinals opponent.
The game is set to begin at 4 p.m. at Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex in Austin, Texas.
Recruit of the Week: Parish Episcopal's Aidan Gilmore
Parish Episcopal football's sophomore offensive guard Aidan Gilmore has posted a great season so far as he continues to be a driving force for the Panthers' offensive line. Gilmore has done a great job as the team has posted a 5-1 overall record so far (3-0 in district play)- including a big win last week over Prestonwood Christian Academy. VYPE DFW caught up with Gilmore in regards to the season so far as well as his plans for the future.
Eyes on the Prize
Staying focused can prove to be difficult for many young athletes, but for Gilmore there are many factors that keep him at the top of his performance and allow him to stay focused every off-season and regular season. "Staying in contact and training with Donald Hawkins and other D1/NFL athletes [keeps me focused]," Gilmore told VYPE. Last season, part of what kept Gilmore successful was his focus and continual training, but there was more to it: "I think the main thing is staying as close and personable with the team and sticking together like a family."
The team was obviously extremely successful last season as they posted their second-straight TAPPS state championship. "We worked 100% of the time," Gilmore noted as he recognized the hard work that the entire team put into last season's championship run. This season, Gilmore says the team has the same goal as last season: "Win state... again." Gilmore says he is looking forward to continuing to work and win together with his team.
While playing for Parish, Gilmore has been making regular college visits with the most recent visits being at Texas as well as Kansas State. One of Gilmore's goals this season- among playing the best he can in order to win state again- is bringing in college offers. Gilmore has posted some of his visits on social media to include a trip to the Red River Rivalry game last week and a campus visit to Kansas State a couple of weeks ago where the Wildcats' fans treated Gilmore as though he was already part of the team:
Amazing atmosphere 💜 @hayden_wall @CoachCRiles pic.twitter.com/PvecmcPD0q
— Aidan Gilmore ☠︎︎ (@AIDANGILMORE5) October 5, 2021
What's Ahead?
Although Gilmore has not yet committed to a program, he hopes to receive offers soon as he continues to play for Parish Episcopal. Gilmore has expressed interest in wanting to major in sports management or business and marketing when he is in college. As far as what he's looking for in a school? It's simple, says Gilmore. "I look for the vibe of the coaching staff- how the connection is and how they would be if they were coaching me. I also look at the feel of community and the school."
Fun Questions:
What is your favorite professional sports team?
"The Dolphins because of my friend, Greg Little, who plays for them, but I will cheer on my home team (Dallas Cowboys) sometimes."
Who do you look up to as an athlete?
"I look up to Greg Little, Austin Uke, Donald Hawkins, and others."