After a difficult 2024 campaign, the DeSana Dragons have shown clear signs of growth and resilience in 2025. Last fall, the Dragons endured a tough divisional stretch, dropping all four games while managing just 14 total points — including two shutouts. Despite those struggles, there were glimpses of potential. DeSana went a perfect 3-0 in non-divisional play, highlighted by a county-rival win over Piney Grove in a rematch and a thrilling overtime upset of playoff-bound Little Mill.

The 2025 season couldn’t have started under more unusual circumstances for the DeSana Dragons, as all Week 1 games across the county — including their opener against Otwell — were canceled due to inclement weather. Once play resumed, DeSana jumped straight into divisional competition, and the early results set the tone for a breakout campaign.

In back-to-back weeks against Piney Grove and Riverwatch, the Dragons came out firing. Both times, they built commanding 14-point halftime leads and maintained control throughout, cruising to comfortable double-digit wins. Those early statement victories gave DeSana a major boost of confidence heading into a well-timed Week 4 bye.

That momentum carried into the most pivotal matchup of the season — a road test against the reigning East Division champions, Lakeside. The Lions had stumbled early in 2025, and DeSana was ready to capitalize. The Dragons once again raced to a two-touchdown lead before the half, this time holding a 16-point advantage. They didn’t let up after the break, extending their lead in a dominant second-half performance that secured a playoff berth.

DeSana followed that up with a non-divisional matchup against Little Mill, a team surely seeking revenge after the Dragons’ shocking overtime upset in 2024. But DeSana quickly erased any thoughts of redemption — storming out to a 36-0 halftime lead and rolling to a commanding 42-14 win.

After a week off for fall break, the Dragons returned for their annual county rivalry rematch with Piney Grove. The Grizzlies entered determined to snap their losing streak against DeSana, but even a schedule change couldn’t disrupt the Dragons’ rhythm. DeSana dominated from start to finish, notching a convincing 24-point victory.

That set up the highly anticipated regular-season finale — a showdown with South Forsyth for the East Division crown and top playoff seed. It was a tense, hard-fought first half as both teams traded big plays and battled nerves. South took a narrow touchdown lead into halftime, marking the first time all season that DeSana had trailed at the break. From there, the Eagles’ experience and depth took over, as they controlled the second half and pulled away for a 44-14 win to claim the East Division championship.

Even with that loss, DeSana’s turnaround season has been a clear statement. From last year’s struggles to this year’s playoff berth, the Dragons have proven they belong among the county’s elite programs — and they’ll now look to carry that momentum into the postseason.