Legacy falls to Desoto in lopsided game

By Bob Kowalski

Mansfield Record

Legacy welcomed defending state champion Desoto to Vernon Newsom Stadium on Friday night, and the visiting Eagles proved why they're one of the top teams in Texas with a 76-0 victory.

Fifth-ranked Desoto (7-2, 6-0 8-5A Division I) opened with a flourish, with SaRod Baker returning the game-opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown and 8-0 lead only 15 seconds into the game. The Eagles scored three more touchdowns in the first quarter, and added four before taking a 56-0 halftime lead.

Legacy (1-8, 1-5) struggled against the speedier Eagles, unable to obtain a first down until the second quarter. The Broncos were stalled on their own side of the field until Kobe Nelms rushed for 16 yards, and a 15-yard facemask penalty was tacked on, to put the Broncos at Desoto's 34-yard line shortly before halftime. That was the deepest Legacy's offense was able to penetrate all game.

Late in the second quarter, several skirmishes occurred intermittently between the teams, with game officials and coaching staffs forced to separate the players continuously. Three players were ejected, all in the first half. With the score at 56-0 entering the third quarter, officials instituted a running clock for the second half.

On Thursday, Mansfield (3-6, 1-5 District 11-6A) lost to top-ranked North Crowley, 72-10. In Friday's other games, Timberview (9-0, 6-0 7-5A DII) routed Everman, 81-7; Lake Ridge (4-5, 2-4 District 11-6A) fell to Duncanville, 35-8; and Summit (5-4, 4-2 8-5A DI) beat Burleson Centennial, 40-23.