Texas high school football is providing plenty of surprises early in the 2026 season.
One of the biggest surprises early on has been the struggles of usual powerhouse Duncanville. Following a 21-20 loss to DeSoto on Saturday, Sept. 12, the Panthers fell to 1-2 on the season. They have a win over Cedar Hill (34-7) sandwiched between the losses to Allen (26-7) and DeSoto.
Now on Friday, Sept. 18, Duncanville is in for another tough test against undefeated North Crowley (3-0). The last time the Panthers started a season 1-3 came over a decade ago, in 2015. Duncanville finished the season 3-7 that year, but will look to get back on track this week to avoid a similar fate.
Watch Duncanville vs North Crowley LIVE
This marks the first meeting between the programs
since 2024 and just the third ever between the schools that share the Panther mascot. Both previous matchups were split in the 2023 and 2024 Texas UIL Class 6A Division I state semifinal games.
If you can't make it to Duncanville on Friday evening, here's everything you need to know about both teams and how you can watch the showdown from home.
When is Duncanville vs North Crowley high school football game?
The matchup between Duncanville and North Crowley kicks off on Friday, Sept. 18, 2026.
What time does Duncanville vs North Crowley high school football game start?
The game is slated to begin at 7:00 p.m. CT.
Watch Duncanville vs North Crowley high school football game live
Duncanville and North Crowley fans can watch the game live on the NFHS Network.
Duncanville football: What to know
- Duncanville defeated North Crowley 52-10 on Dec. 9, 2023. Duncanville went on to win the state title that season. Running back Caden Durham accounted for 226 rushing yards against North Crowley.
- A blocked field goal ended the hopes of a major victory last weekend against rival DeSoto. The block came on an extra point attempt after Duncanville scored a touchdown after the special teams forced a turnover on a punt.
- Four-star defensive ends Landon Burns (Ole Miss commit) and K.J. Ford (Florida commit) anchor a dangerous Duncanville defensive line that keeps them competitive in any game.
North Crowley football: What to know
- At Allen Stadium on Dec. 14, 2024, the Panthers of North Crowley got their revenge for the previous year's semifinal with a 36-34 win over Duncanville. North Crowley ended Duncanville's historic three-peat, despite a big game from current Alabama starting QB Keelon Russell.
- North Crowley has outscored its opponents 107-30 on the season, which includes a shutout victory over Aledo, the first time Aledo was shut out since 2003.
- Four-star cornerback Jerry Outhouse, linebacker Brock Lacy and safety Eliajuan Houston are the big-name stars that lead the North Crowley defense.
Watch Duncanville vs North Crowley LIVE
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Duncanville vs North Crowley: How to watch Texas high school football clash
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