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PREVIEW: Duncanville Football Hungry for More
A powerhouse in Texas high school football, Duncanville, is coming off of an undefeated, state championship season in which they posted an incredible 28-21 victory in a State Championship revenge match over Houston’s dominant North Shore squad. Looking for another state title and continued revenge against those who have taken them down in the past, the Panthers are ready to hit the turf rolling in the 2023-24 Texas High School Football season. Sitting at the top of the VYPE DFW 6A Football Preseason Rankings, Duncanville is a favorite to repeat this season.
REWIND
Year after year, Duncanville had a chip on its shoulder against North Shore after being defeated multiple times in the state championship game. Led by head coach Reginald Samples, the Panthers were finally victorious last season as they left no stone unturned en route to their championship victory.
Through non-district play, fans knew Duncanville was a special squad as they took down 2021-22 state champion South Oak Cliff in convincing fashion during a season-opening 23-10 victory on SOC’s turf. Without second-guessing, the team continued to roll as they took down Mansfield Lake Ridge (44-6), Mansfield (38-3), Dallas Skyline (63-0), and more through non-district play. In district play, Duncanville posted a 7-0 undefeated record to finish at the top of their standings. Outscoring their opponents by a combined 625-156, Duncanville secured a title ready to look ahead to the 2023-24 season.
LOOKING FORWARD
Highly recruited and star-studded, the Duncanville Panthers look like an incredible option to repeat this season. From athletes like Dakorien Moore, Brandon Edwards, EJ McKinney, Quinard Choice, RJ Williams, Armani Franklin, and Jeremiah Page to newcomers like Justin Jones Jr., Dereon Hudson, Isaiah Beal, Ceylon Bradley, and more, the team is ready to poke holes in everyone’s plans.
As the team looks to dominate through non-district play, they open their season again against South Oak Cliff— this time at home. Proceeding through their schedule, fans can expect the Panthers to plow their way into playoffs. Catch them in action as their schedule opens on August, 25th at 7 p.m. A favorite to repeat this season, fans can expect another state title in the works for this squad.
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."