The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears’ bid for a third UIL Class 5A Division II Football State Championship fell just short Friday night, as they were defeated by the Dr. Thomas E. Randle High School Lions 38-35 at AT&T Stadium.
In a game that pitted one of Texas high school football’s most storied programs against a rising force, SOC (14-3) battled until the final whistle, but the undefeated Lions claimed their first state title.
The Golden Bears, who entered the game averaging 37.4 points per contest, were stymied at key moments by a relentless Randle defense. Senior quarterback Carter K., who passed for 1,931 yards and 22 touchdowns this season, led a spirited effort, but the Lions’ ultimately prevailed.
SOC’s playoff run this year was their fourth consecutive trip to the state championship game, a stretch that includes back-to-back titles in 2021 and 2022. The team has gone 23-2 in postseason play since 2021, establishing itself as a Dallas ISD powerhouse and a force in Texas high school football.
“It is something to brag on, to be able to say that your class has been to state four years in a row,” he said. “We have never not known the championship game.”
Despite the loss, the Golden Bears’ season was filled with milestones. Senior running backs Mikail T. and Damond W. combined for 32 rushing touchdowns, while senior linebacker Jayden S. anchored the defense with 118 tackles.
The loss doesn’t diminish SOC’s historic run over the past four seasons. The 2021 title broke a decades-long drought for Dallas ISD, and the program’s three championship appearances since then have solidified the Golden Bears as a model of success and perseverance.
As the seniors look ahead to their next chapters, the underclassmen and coaching staff remain focused on building upon this year’s accomplishments.
“My biggest thing is to show these young men that nothing is impossible,” said Jason Tood, head coach. “You can be from South Oak Cliff or similar areas that pull you in different directions, but if you stay locked in and have blind faith at times, you can get to heights you never thought you could achieve.”
