North DeSoto High School’s football program entered the 2026 season with a notable change: freshman Mason Smith has been named the starting quarterback, the first new starter at the position in four years. Smith, who arrived from the middle school ranks earlier this spring, said he immediately felt welcomed by the team’s tight‑knit locker‑room culture.
“Ever since I walked in, I’ve felt like a brother in this brotherhood,” Smith said. “The guys have surrounded me with love, and I’m confident in my ability to lead them.” His confidence reflects the support of seasoned seniors who have spent years playing together on both the football and baseball fields.
Veteran leadership backs the newcomer
Senior linebacker and running back Hayden Bell described the team’s bond as more than just on‑field chemistry. “We’ve grown up together, we’re at each other’s houses, and that brotherhood can’t be broken,” Bell explained.
Senior tight end Miller Warren echoed the sentiment, noting that the players have shared experiences across multiple sports and community events. “Everyone here has grown up together, and we’re always doing things together,” Warren said. “It’s a bond that nobody can tear apart.”
Coach Dennis Dunn sees the new challenge as motivation
Head coach Dennis Dunn acknowledged that the team’s recent trips to the Superdome for playoff games have raised expectations, but new competition in their division adds pressure. “There’s a lot of talk about other schools moving up to Division II, but not much about North DeSoto,” Dunn said. “That gives our young men a chip on their shoulder, and it fuels their fire.”
Dunn’s comments highlight the broader context of the DeSoto Parish football landscape, where several neighboring schools are transitioning to higher divisions. The Griffins will need to rely on their internal cohesion and the fresh energy Smith brings to succeed against tougher opponents.
Looking ahead
The season’s schedule includes matchups against newly promoted Division II teams such as Neville, Sterlington, Westgate, and Northwood. While the Griffins have a history of postseason appearances, the added competition means the team must prove itself early.
For the community of North DeSoto, football remains a central gathering point, bringing families and local supporters together each Friday night. The blend of youthful ambition and seasoned experience aims to keep that tradition alive, with hopes of another deep playoff run.
As the first snap of the season approaches, all eyes will be on Mason Smith and the senior leaders who have pledged to guide him. Their shared commitment to teamwork, faith, and family values underscores the spirit of North DeSoto football.
Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.
