High school football rankings can often feel like a game of musical chairs—teams rise and fall as the season unfolds, creating a symphony of competition and suspense. But as the UIL Texas playoffs approach, two Lone Star State powerhouses have refused to budge, staking their claim among the nation’s elite. The national rankings released by High School On SI this week offer a clear message: Texas isn’t just holding its ground—it’s thriving.

The coveted football magazine revealed it on Instagram: “It’s a week of thanks and giving, so we give you the 🔝 5️⃣ teams in the country out of our latest national 🏈 rankings.” At No. 2, the defending state champion Duncanville Panthers (10-0) look as dominant as ever. Led by Five-Star Plus+ talents Keelon Russell, an Alabama commit, and Dakorien Moore, an Oregon pledge. Duncanville has steamrolled through a flawless season. Their signature win? A statement-making rout over rival DeSoto in early October. The Panthers aren’t just contenders; they’re favorites to secure back-to-back titles and prove why Texas football commands respect nationwide.

Joining them in the top five is North Crowley, sitting pretty at No. 5 with an impressive 12-0 record. The Panthers are the Cinderella story of the season, emerging as one of the biggest surprises not only in Texas but across the country. Their stunning early-season upset of DeSoto set the tone for a campaign defined by grit and resilience. Now, with a massive playoff showdown against Coppell looming, North Crowley has the opportunity to solidify its place among the giants of high school football.

While Mater Dei of California rightfully claimed the top spot in the rankings, Texas’s representation in the top five underscores the state’s unmatched depth of talent. The UIL Texas playoffs will feature Central Texas teams vying for glory, adding even more drama to a state already steeped in football tradition. Duncanville’s battle-tested dominance contrasts sharply with North Crowley’s underdog narrative, but both teams embody the relentless spirit of Texas high school football.

We’ve already seen the NoCrow fans’ passion on social media, but this time they will need real backing this time around when they take on No. 12 Bergen Catholic. As for Duncanville, they kept it clean at home last Friday.

Duncanville Panthers stay hunting at home

Duncanville kept their momentum rolling in the playoffs, delivering another dominating performance with a 56-14 win over Rockwall. The Panthers continued their powerhouse season, extending their streak of victories by 22 points or more, now up to ten. Their ground game was relentless, racking up 248 rushing yards—their highest total since December 2023.

While the Yellowjackets couldn’t keep up, wide receiver Camron Marsh still made a statement, catching 93 yards and a touchdown. His biggest play came when he grabbed a 74-yard pass, showing his ability to make big plays even in a tough matchup. Duncanville dominated on the ground, racking up 248 rushing yards—their highest total since December 2023. And they will take on the Woodlands at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday.

The significance of two Texas teams in the top five is more than just a talking point—it’s a testament to the state’s football culture. For Duncanville, it’s about legacy and expectations. For North Crowley, it’s about proving doubters wrong.