DeSoto and St. Thomas Aquinas to Face Off in 2026 High School Football Matchup

The highly anticipated interstate clash will feature two of the nation's top high school football programs.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and DeSoto High School in DeSoto, Texas have scheduled a football matchup for the 2026 season. The game will be part of the Broward County High School Football Showcase and will pit two nationally ranked programs against each other. St. Thomas Aquinas, an 17-time state champion, will host DeSoto, the reigning Texas 6A Division II state champion.

Why it matters

This interstate matchup between two of the country's premier high school football programs is a rare occurrence and will generate significant national interest. The game will showcase elite talent on both sides and provide an early season test for the two powerhouse teams as they pursue state and national championships.

The details

DeSoto is coming off a 2025 state championship season and returns several key players, including 2027 four-star defensive lineman K'Adrian Redmond and three-star running back SaRod Baker, who rushed for over 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns last year. St. Thomas Aquinas, ranked No. 2 in Florida and No. 8 nationally in 2025, will counter with 2027 five-star offensive lineman Mark Matthews, four-star wide receiver Julius Jones, and four-star safety Zayden Gamble.

  • The game is scheduled to take place in 2026 as part of the Broward County High School Football Showcase.

The players

DeSoto High School

A prominent public high school in DeSoto, Texas, known for its strong academics, athletics, and extracurricular activities. The school's football team is a frequent state contender.

St. Thomas Aquinas High School

A prestigious Catholic college preparatory school in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, renowned for its rigorous academics, exceptional athletics, and emphasis on spiritual growth. The school's football team is a 17-time state champion.

K'Adrian Redmond

A 2027 four-star defensive lineman who is committed to Texas Tech.

SaRod Baker

A three-star running back for DeSoto High School who rushed for over 3,000 yards and 41 touchdowns in 2025.

Mark Matthews

A 2027 five-star offensive lineman for St. Thomas Aquinas High School.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The highly anticipated matchup between DeSoto and St. Thomas Aquinas is scheduled to take place in 2026 as part of the Broward County High School Football Showcase.

The takeaway

This interstate clash between two of the nation's top high school football programs will generate significant national interest and provide an early season test for both teams as they pursue state and national championships.