Duncanville Ends Season with Unbelievable Heartbreak

Arlington - Tonight we were reminded just how emotionally painful sports can be. Of course physical injuries are expected in football. And then there is frustration from mental lapses in play. But there is nothing quite like an emotional defeat after maintaining a perfect record throughout a season.

In front of a packed AT&T Stadium audience, the Duncanville Panthers were poised to defeat the North Shore Mustangs of Galena Park, Houston.

Duncanville quarterback Ja’Quinden Jackson scored on a 5-yard rush with 1:02 remaining. His team failed on the two-point conversion attempt, but still led 36 points to 35 points. The Duncanville sideline and Duncanville fans throughout the stadium could smell victory. Even Jackson, as he was helped off of the field appeared ready to celebrate with his team within the next game minute.

North Shore wasn’t done.

North Shore, a very successful passing team moved the ball 72 yards in 57 seconds. They never appeared to make it into field goal range, but an attempt would prove unnecessary. With only three seconds remaining North Shore quarterback Dematrius Davis scrambled for what seemed like an eternity. He launched the ball 45 yards to the corner of the end zone. With three Duncanville defenders surrounding him, North Shore receiver AJ Carter somehow came down with the ball, got both feet down, maintained possession and fell inbounds. It was his first reception of the night.

North Shore won the state championship 41 - 36 as time expired.

To say the audience was stunned would be an understatement.

For Duncanville Coach Reginald Samples, this feeling of heartbreak isn’t unfamiliar. In 2004, Samples’ Lincoln High School team lost in the Class 4A championship in double overtime. His tenure with both Lincoln and Skyline High School proved to not result in state championship victories either.

As Samples exited the field at AT&T Stadium, he embraced his daughters and shared an emotional moment with his son - holding his head high. “They gave it their all,” he said.