Playoff Preview: Coppell vs. DeSoto

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Coppell vs. DeSoto

1 pm, Saturday, Allen’s Eagle Stadium

The area’s two remaining, top-25 nationally ranked teams bring contrasting styles into their Division I Region I area playoff game.

DeSoto, ranked No. 4 in the latest VYPE National Top 25 High School Football Rankings, will throw its high-octane offense at No. 12 Coppell’s formidable defense and see what breaks first.

In starting 11-0, DeSoto has featured an offense that has drawn comparisons to Oregon’s breathtaking, fast system. It’s no surprise that running back Dontre Wilson, No. 2 on VYPE’s latest list of 2013 recruits, has committed to the Ducks, rushing for 1,455 yards and 30 touchdowns, as well as,  25 catches for 509 yards and five receiving TDs. Wilson has also returned two kicks for TDs.

Desmon White has proven himself as a dual-threat quarterback capable of making big plays, helping to keep defenses from keying on Wilson. White has completed 63 percent of his passes for 2,459 yards and 24 touchdowns, with just four interceptions. White has also rushed for 912 yards and nine TDs.

DeSoto features six players with 20 or more receptions including Brandon McDowell (46 rec., 669 yards, 6 TDs) and Kyle Collins (26 rec. 429 yards, 4 TDs).

The Eagles got to 11-0 by playing one of the nation’s toughest non-district schedules including dominating wins over Arlington Martin, Tulsa Jenks and Euless Trinity, plus District 7-5A rival Cedar Hill.

Coppell is 11-0 and back in the playoffs after bouncing back from a disappointing 6-4 finish in 2011.

The Cowboys are one of the state’s top defensive units, ranking first among area 5A teams in allowing an average of 215 yards per game, and ranking third and second in rushing and passing defense.

The heart of the Coppell defense is a front line anchored by junior DE Solomon Thomas (6-4, 260), whose college offers include Notre Dame, Oklahoma, Texas and Baylor, and senior DE William Udeh (6-1, 235), a New Mexico commit.

The defense helped Coppell limit then-nationally ranked Allen to less than 300 yards of offense and 21 regulation points in their overtime upset. The Cowboys have limited held opponents without a touchdown in five wins this season and only one touchdown in three others games – that’s eight points or less in 8 of 11 games.

Bridgeport transfer Colby Mahon has filled a void at quarterback, complementing Coppell’s ball-control, defensive style with great game management. Mahon has completed 65 percent of his passes for 1,734 yards and 23 touchdowns, while throwing only one interception.

Gavin McDaniel leads the Cowboys in rushing with 927 yards and five touchdowns. Charles West is averaging more than six yards per carry, with 598 yards and seven TDs. Both runners can be counted on to eat up clock when the Cowboys get a lead.

Coppell’s go-to receiver is Cameron Smith (52 rec., 990 yards, 19.0 avg. yards per catch and 14 TDs.

Coppell’s intangibles include a continuing emotional tribute to former teammate Logan Jacob who drowned in October. The team’s tribute includes wearing Logan’s No. 21 on one side of their helmets.