Dayton Defeated Santa Fe 42-28 on Friday
Dayton improved to 3-0 in district play after a strong offensive performance at Indians Stadium.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Football
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Dayton defeated Santa Fe 42-28 on Friday night, anchored by a multi-touchdown performance from quarterback Jerry Prieto Jr. The win moves Dayton to a perfect 3-0 record within district play.
Why it matters
The victory keeps Dayton firmly in the hunt for a postseason appearance this year. The team now needs only one more win to formally guarantee their spot in the playoffs.
Jerry Prieto Jr. led the offense with 189 rushing yards, four rushing touchdowns, 218 passing yards, and two passing touchdowns. Key receiving contributors included James Cook Jr. with 118 yards, Braylen Marshall with 68 yards, and Aiden Espree with 33 yards.
The players
Jerry Prieto Jr.
He is a multi-threat quarterback who recorded significant rushing and passing yardage in the victory.
James Cook Jr.
He is a wide receiver who led the team with 118 receiving yards during the matchup.
Dayton
The football team is currently undefeated in district play with a 3-0 record.
Santa Fe
The football team hosted the game at Indians Stadium.
The details
After holding a 21-14 lead at halftime, Dayton pulled away to secure the win at Indians Stadium. Key scoring plays included a 71-yard touchdown pass from Prieto Jr. to James Cook Jr. in the second quarter and a 22-yard touchdown run by Prieto Jr. in the final minutes.
Timeline
Friday night marked the game between Dayton and Santa Fe.
Next Friday night Dayton will play Port Neches-Groves.
Season Trajectory
This win cements Dayton as a top contender for a district playoff berth, putting them in an elite group within their conference. The result significantly boosts their postseason positioning while leaving Santa Fe to reassess their standing as district play reaches its conclusion.
Dayton needs exactly one more win in their remaining schedule to secure a postseason spot. The offensive production from Prieto Jr. provides a clear indicator of the team's reliance on his dual-threat capability heading into the next matchup against Port Neches-Groves.
The takeaway
Maintaining offensive versatility remains the key factor for teams looking to secure playoff eligibility late in the season. Fans and players should monitor the final district games closely to see if Dayton can clinch their postseason berth next week.
What happens next
Dayton is scheduled to face Port Neches-Groves next Friday night.
Further reading
For more updates on local standings, check out the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Liberty Vindicator.
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