DeSoto leaned on 2027 RB Sarod Baker (5'11, 195) in one of the best playoff performances in program history.

Baker carried the ball 38 times for 384 yards and seven touchdowns, powering the Eagles to a 60-41 regional final win over Willis.

"I just trust my O-line," Baker said. "Be patient and hit the hole when I see it. Sometimes you've gotta make people miss, but that's the name of the game, make somebody miss and go score."

Baker broke tackles at every level, including multiple highlight-reel runs that left defenders on the turf. It was the type of performance that head coach Claude Mathis called "unbelievable."

"That was the top performance by a running back I've coached here," Mathis said. "I'm still thinking about those extra 16 yards he could've had. Look at the moves he made. That kid is special."

DeSoto entered the playoffs facing doubts after a 70-28 loss to open the 2025 season, but Baker and the Eagles have used that doubt as fuel for a playoff run that has seen them score 63, 60, 56, and 60 points.

Through that stretch, Baker has racked up 1,047 yards and 15 TDs.

"At the beginning of the season, nobody thought we'd be here," Baker explained. "People thought that loss was the downfall of DeSoto. But we got on track, listened to our coaches (and) stayed coachable."

Mathis says Baker's competitiveness is what sets him apart.

"He hates to lose. Doesn't want to lose at all," Mathis said. "He holds everyone to a high standard. That's what I love about him."

Early in the season, DeSoto called on Baker to fill in and play quarterback when starter Legend Howell was forced to the sideline with an injury. Mathis believes his early-season stint at QB helped accelerate his development.

"He's a smart kid," Mathis pointed out. "He studies the game, going over everything, and he gets it. He knows exactly where the ball should go. When the blocks are set, he knows where the run should hit. That's what you need to play this sport, and he has it."

Baker said he simply did what was asked.

"If they need me to play a position, I'm gonna play it and give it the best I've got," Baker said.

College programs have taken notice. Baker now holds 21 offers, mentioning Texas Tech, TCU, SMU and UCF as early needle movers.

"I'm a dog," he said. "I'll do whatever I need to do to win the game. I can play any position. I try my best to be coachable."

Baker isn't campaigning for more attention.

"If they don't want me, it's cool," Baker stated. "I'm not begging anybody to offer me."

What he is doing is carrying DeSoto deeper into December with a semifinal matchup versus No. 1 Southlake Carroll looming.