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DeSoto's Handshake Snub Fuels St. Thomas Aquinas Rout
31 Aug
Summary
- DeSoto captains refused to shake hands before the game.
- St. Thomas Aquinas secured a dominant 38-14 victory.
- DeSoto entered the contest ranked No. 22 nationally.

On a recent Saturday night in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a highly anticipated matchup between Texas's DeSoto High School and Florida's St. Thomas Aquinas lived up to its billing, though not in the way DeSoto might have hoped. DeSoto, a four-time UIL state champion, entered the game ranked No. 22 nationally, while St. Thomas Aquinas stood as the No. 6 team in the nation.
The contest was marred by controversy even before kickoff when DeSoto's captains refused to shake hands with their St. Thomas Aquinas counterparts during the coin toss. This gesture drew immediate backlash on social media, with critics calling it a poor representation of Texas. The Eagles' leadership faced significant criticism for their actions.
However, the on-field performance told a different story. St. Thomas Aquinas wasted no time asserting their dominance, scoring on their first offensive play. They went on to build an insurmountable 38-0 lead, ultimately securing a 38-14 victory. The Florida powerhouse's defense also contributed significantly, scoring two touchdowns during the game.
While DeSoto's pregame snub did not directly cause the loss, it became a focal point for social media commentary, with many relishing the team's swift humbling. DeSoto has since returned to Texas and is preparing for their next challenge against another nationally-ranked opponent, Allen High School, on Friday night.