Texas high school football doesn’t just hit differently—it redefines drama every week, especially when the playoffs roll around. This Saturday, the former champions Duncanville (14-0) and North Crowley (13-0) square off in a massive playoff clash. The 2024 UIL Texas Football State Championships are on the line, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. The game already had fans buzzing, but leave it to North Shore’s Devin Sanchez to amplify the hype with a classic comical twist.

Devin Sanchez, the five-star cornerback who just signed with Ohio State, took to his Instagram story to stoke the flames in hilarious fashion. Sanchez posted a TikTok clip featuring a scene from a famous comedy film, repurposed to fit the moment. The video, cheekily titled “North Crowley vs Duncanville about to be the game of the year. Noth Shore gets the winner,” showed three characters—representing North Shore, Duncanville, and North Crowley—in a chaotic yet humorous confrontation. Sanchez added a simple“👌” emoji for flair, leaving fans howling. It wasn’t just a meme—it was a declaration: North Shore’s undefeated Mustangs will be waiting for the winner.

North Shore, led by Devin Sanchez, has lived up to their billing this season. With a 14-0 record, they steamrolled Humble Atascocita 49-21 just two days ago, looking every bit the juggernaut that Texas football lore demands. At 6-foot-2, with elite speed and instincts, Sanchez is the crown jewel of their defense and arguably the best cornerback in the nation. His signing with Ohio State was a foregone conclusion. Yet the Buckeyes snagging him in a ‘post-Ryan Day’s loss to Michigan period’ has been the cherry on top of a contentious recruiting year.

While fans continue to debate Ryan Day’s job security after four straight losses to Michigan, the elite 5-Star has made his stance crystal clear. “You pick that side, stay on that side,” he posted on X, accompanied by a picture of him standing confidently next to Ohio State defensive backs coach, Tim Walton. Buckeyes fans might be spiraling over Day’s Michigan woes, but at least they can count on Sanchez’s loyalty—a significant win in an otherwise tumultuous season.

Back in Texas, the Duncanville-North Crowley showdown has all the makings of a classic. Duncanville, with Bama-bound quarterback Keelon Russell at the helm, is set to face a serious challenge from North Crowley. These two teams are evenly matched, promising an intense and exciting matchup. Sanchez’s Instagram antics aren’t new, though. The victor doesn’t just advance; they get a shot at dethroning North Shore. With Sanchez anchoring their defense, the Mustangs are a mountain waiting to be climbed.

So, while fans gear up for Saturday’s fireworks, the Houston native will probably be somewhere, arms folded, watching with the same calm confidence he exudes on the field. Meanwhile, his future coach had few words for his prized recruit.

WR Smith guides Devin Sanchez with the torch

Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith has been nothing short of a revelation in his freshman campaign. With 934 yards, 10 touchdowns, and 57 receptions (second on the team), Smith has set the standard for what it means to make an instant impact. His meteoric rise has Buckeye fans dreaming big—not just for him but for future stars like five-star cornerback Devin Sanchez.

Coach Ryan Day kept it simple when addressing Smith’s standout performance and its implications for incoming talent. “I think it depends on the position and the individual. What Jeremiah has done is extraordinary,” Day said Wednesday. “But I also think there are guys in this class that can step in and play. And a big part of that is coming in mid-year, having spring practice, having the summer and being able to go in August. I think there are some guys here who can do that.”

Ryan Day believes the 2024 class has plenty of players capable of replicating Smith’s immediate success, Sanchez included. The elite cornerback prospect isn’t just arriving with high expectations; he’s bringing the drive to compete from day one. “Every guy coming in wants to play as a freshman,” the Buckeyes coach noted, emphasizing the readiness of early enrollees.