DeSoto Eagle Football Shines on National Stage with Strong Presence at 2026 Navy All-American Bowl
Fresh off a dominant 2025 UIL Class 6A, Division II State Championship, the DeSoto High School Eagle Football program will take its championship pedigree to the national spotlight with a strong presence at the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl, one of the most prestigious showcases in high school football.
The Navy All-American Bowl will be held January 10, 2026, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, featuring the nation’s top high school football talent competing in an East vs. West format and broadcast nationally on NBC. The event attracts elite recruits, college coaches, and NFL scouts and has produced more than 500 alumni who have gone on to play in the NFL.
Championship Momentum Carries Forward
DeSoto enters the national spotlight following a commanding 55–27 victory over C.E. King on December 20, 2025, at AT&T Stadium, securing the program’s fourth state championship and third title in four years—firmly establishing the Eagles as a Texas high school football dynasty.
Led by Head Coach Claude Mathis, the Eagles delivered an unforgettable championship performance highlighted by:
- Legend Howell (QB): 19-of-25 passing for 280 yards and four touchdowns (Offensive MVP)
- Ethan “Boobie” Feaster (WR): 10 receptions, 167 yards, two touchdowns
- SaRod Baker (RB): 125 rushing yards, two touchdowns, plus an interception returned for a touchdown
- Damarion Ross (DB): Defensive MVP, sealing the game with a decisive 94-yard pick-six
- Special Teams Excellence: A blocked punt by Aiden Marshall, recovered for a touchdown by Bryson Briscoe
National Individual Honors: Ethan "Boobie" Feaster
In addition to the program's collective success, individual Eagles continue to garner national acclaim. University of Southern California (USC) commit Ethan "Boobie" Feaster recently represented DeSoto at the Under Armour (UA) Game in Florida. Competing alongside the nation’s best, Feaster’s leadership was recognized on the grandest stage as he was selected as Team Captain on ESPN.
Feaster’s national tour continues next week as he travels to Honolulu, Hawaii, to compete in the Polynesian Bowl. The game is scheduled for Friday, January 16, 2026, and will be broadcast on the NFL Network at 9:00 PM ET (6:00 PM PT).
DeSoto Representation at the Navy All-American Bowl
Reflecting the program’s excellence on and off the field, multiple members of the DeSoto Eagle Football family will play key roles in the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl:
- Claude Mathis, DeSoto High School Head Football Coach, will serve as Head Coach of the West Team
- Kerry Sweeney will participate as Passing Game Coordinator and Wide Receivers/Quarterbacks Coach
- Robert Bowen will serve as Run Game Coordinator and Offensive Line Coach
- SaRod Baker, standout DeSoto running back, has been selected as a player participant in the nationally televised exhibition
A National Platform for Eagle Excellence
The Navy All-American Bowl is widely regarded as one of the premier stages in high school football, featuring weeklong practices, combine-style drills, and the nationally televised game itself. The event often includes live college commitment announcements and highlights future college and professional stars.
DeSoto’s representation underscores the program’s reputation for developing elite talent, strong leadership, and championship-caliber preparation.
A Dynasty with Eyes on the Future
Despite early-season challenges, the Eagles’ championship run silenced all doubts and reaffirmed DeSoto’s standing among the nation’s elite programs. With three state titles in four years under Coach Mathis and continued national recognition, DeSoto Eagle Football remains a standard-bearer for excellence in Texas high school athletics.
As the Eagles take the field in San Antonio, DeSoto ISD, Eagle Nation, and the entire community will be watching proudly as the program continues to soar—this time on a national stage.