In a thrilling Saturday night matchup, No. 4 Duncanville (TX) rallied late to defeat No. 22 St. Frances Academy (MD) 28-24 at Panther Stadium. Duncanville quarterback Keelon Russell led the comeback, throwing three touchdown passes and running for another, overcoming a two-score deficit in the final minutes. Russell’s game-winning 22-yard touchdown pass to tight end Zach Turner with 1:57 left sealed the victory, marking the last of five lead changes in a dramatic contest.
St. Frances initially grabbed a late lead after a 75-yard interception return by four-star Auburn commit Blake Woodby set up a touchdown, putting the Maryland squad ahead 24-21 with just over four minutes left. But Duncanville responded with a six-play, 87-yard drive, capped off by Russell’s clutch pass to a wide-open Turner.
Duncanville’s defense then took over, with senior linebacker Nehemiah Borner delivering three consecutive sacks on St. Frances’ final drive, forcing a turnover on downs that allowed the Panthers to run out the clock and secure the win. Borner’s defensive heroics, especially in the game’s final moments, proved crucial in preserving Duncanville’s unbeaten start to the season.
Russell, an Alabama commit, was outstanding, completing 20-of-26 passes for 265 yards and three touchdowns, while adding 40 rushing yards and another score. Junior receiver Ayson Theus also made an impact, hauling in two of Russell’s touchdown passes, including a 60-yard strike in the third quarter that gave Duncanville a brief lead. Turner led the team with 11 catches for 131 yards.
Despite costly mistakes throughout the game—like a fumble returned for a touchdown and a missed field goal—Duncanville maintained its composure. Head coach Reginald Samples encouraged his players to “go get it,” and they responded with grit and determination. Running back JaQualon Armstrong added 88 yards on 21 carries, including key runs during the game-winning drive.
The win extends Duncanville’s record to 2-0 and further solidifies their position as one of the top teams in the country. Meanwhile, St. Frances Academy showed their competitiveness but fell short in the closing minutes. Both teams put on a display of resilience, making this matchup a testament to the unpredictability and excitement of high school football.
