UIL Football State Semifinal Week: Stars, Stops, and Statements (5A–6A)

Dec 13

State semifinal week didn’t just decide championship matchups — it revealed the players and programs built for the biggest moments. Across Classes 5A–6A, a handful of performances stood above the rest and reshaped the postseason.

Class 6A

6A Division II

DeSoto 57, Southlake Carroll 44

Standout: SaRod Baker (DeSoto RB)
Baker delivered one of the most dominant playoff performances in Texas history, rushing for 300+ yards and multiple touchdowns, while adding a long receiving score. DeSoto trailed late before Baker’s relentless second-half surge flipped the game entirely. The Eagles outscored Carroll 36–7 down the stretch, turning a deficit into a statement.

Also Notable:

DeSoto defensive unit — forced key second-half turnovers
Southlake Carroll passing attack — explosive early, kept pressure on throughout

6A Division I

North Crowley 42, Duncanville 34

Standout Unit: North Crowley Offense
North Crowley controlled tempo early, leaned on physical line play, and finished drives consistently. A fourth-quarter touchdown drive that burned significant clock proved decisive.

Game-Changer:

Late third-down conversion inside Duncanville territory that extended the final scoring drive

Class 5A

5A Division I

Frisco Lone Star 56, Aledo 52

Standout: Trey Wright (Lone Star QB)
Wright authored one of the most electrifying performances of the postseason, accounting for eight total touchdowns and leading a 21-point rally in the final minutes. His composure under pressure defined the comeback.

Standout: Davian Groce (Lone Star WR)
Groce was uncoverable, hauling in multiple long touchdowns and recovering a critical onside kick that kept Lone Star’s comeback alive.

Aledo Standout: