SOC makes history with fifth straight season to state championship

South Oak Cliff High School is headed back to the UIL state championship for the fifth straight season, making the Golden Bears one of only eight schools in Texas UIL history to accomplish this rare feat. 

But for SOC, the milestone is only part of the story.

“They’re a lot more focused,” he said. “When you lose a big playoff game, and that ends your season, you go back to the drawing board. Even in earlier games this season, they celebrated, but they stayed focused on the end goal. Their behavior shows they understand every win is just a step in the process.”

SOC’s run began with back-to-back state championships in 2021 and 2022, breaking a 60-year drought for Dallas ISD football. Their continued dominance has made them a statewide powerhouse and a source of pride for South Dallas.

But more than anything, Todd said he’s most proud that his team once again made it this far. 

“A lot of people don’t get a redo in life,” he said. “The fact that these kids stayed dedicated and went through hell to get to this point shows what commitment looks like.”

For Ward, the focus this week comes down to identity.

“At the end of the day, it is just playing South Oak Cliff football and handling business,” he said.

And for this team, the mission is clear.

“We want to finish what we started,” Todd said. “It’s time.”

South Oak Cliff will take on Richmond Randle in the Texas 5A Division II State Championship at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, at AT&T Stadium.