Palo Duro captures district title, sets sights on playoff run

Sometimes football games are won by the numbers, and sometimes they’re won by the moments. On Thursday night at Dick Bivins Stadium, Palo Duro proved that moments matter more. Despite running only 40 plays to Abilene Cooper’s 80 and being outgained by 124 total yards, the Dons walked away with a convincing 52-28 victory and something they haven’t held outright in 20 years — a district championship.

For Palo Duro (9-1, 6-0), this win wasn’t just another score in the win column. It marked the end of two decades of waiting, rebuilding, and believing. It also signaled that this team isn't satisfied with just winning district. The playoffs are coming, and the Dons are still hungry.

The tone was set early — and loudly. On the very first play from scrimmage, quarterback Julian Reese II connected with Daniel Moses for a 65-yard touchdown strike. It wasn’t luck. It wasn’t improvisation. It was a statement. Reese continued his early dominance with another touchdown pass to Moses and a 7-yard touchdown run, all part of an explosive first half that helped Palo Duro take a 21-14 lead into the break.

But big offensive plays weren’t the only difference. The Dons won because they created — and capitalized on — turnovers. Two of their first-half touchdowns came directly off takeaways deep in Cooper territory. In a game where Cooper controlled possession, Palo Duro controlled the momentum.

The biggest turning point came early in the third quarter. Cooper marched inside the Palo Duro 10-yard line with a chance to tie the game — but the Dons defense stiffened and forced a field goal attempt that sailed wide. Immediately after, Darien Lewis sprinted 42 yards for a touchdown, flipping the energy of the stadium and restoring Palo Duro’s confidence.

From there, the Dons played like a team that understood the moment. Reese's touchdown pass to Lewis sparked a 24-0 run that put the game out of reach. By the time Raymond Johnson V scored on a 34-yard grab to make it 42-21, the trophy might as well have been handed over.

Reese finished 11-of-15 for 211 yards and four touchdown passes, spreading the ball around and staying poised. No individual offensive stat jumps off the page — but that’s kind of the point. Palo Duro didn’t win off volume. They won by making each play count.

Cooper had strong individual performances — especially from running back Peyton Ewing — but the Cougars couldn’t overcome five turnovers or keep pace with Palo Duro’s explosive scoring punches.

Now the Dons return to Bivins next week to host a bi-district playoff game. Seniors like Lewis will get one more home-field moment — and maybe more after that.

If there’s one thing head coach Eric Mims made clear after the game, it’s this: Palo Duro isn’t done. They’re still eating.

And for the first time since 2004, they’re eating as district champions.