South Oak Cliff celebrates back to back state titles.
© 2022 Miss Ari Photography
Arlington - It was a tale of two halves Friday night, as the Golden Bears of South Oak Cliff (SOC) High School completely dominated the Indians of Port Neches-Groves in the second half of the 5A Division II State Championship showdown.
While the final score read 34 - 24 in favor of the Golden Bears, the first half was highlighted by Port Neches-Groves’ ability to move the ball against the SOC defense.
Composure was the unspoken, yet very much felt narrative of the South Oak Cliff sideline to begin the game. Down early to Port Neches-Groves and facing their solid offensive line which created space for an impressive run game - the South Oak Cliff defense had to dig deep to keep the score manageable.
An early field goal and a safety were the only SOC points for most of the first half, until SOC Quarterback William Little completed a 15 yard touchdown pass to Trey Jackson with the second quarter winding down.
Port Neches-Groves confidently headed to the locker room with a 17-12 lead.
South Oak Cliff turned up the intensity on offense in the second half against Port Neches-Groves.
© 2022 Miss Ari Photography
SOC returned to the field in the third quarter with a tone of determination. After an early field goal to bring them within two points, the SOC defense then forced a second safety to tie the game at 17. A three yard rushing touchdown by Little would continue the onslaught of scoring.
“We settled down and made some slight adjustments on both sides of the ball,” said SOC Coach Jason Todd on the second half turnaround. “Our defense stepped it up like they always do and we found a way.”
SOC cornerback Manny Muhammad returned an interception 41 yards for a touchdown late in the third quarter and the momentum completely shifted in favor of the reigning State Champions.
Despite the slow start, SOC played its methodical style on both offense and defense. While Port Neches-Groves was expected to be the pass-dominant offense, it was SOC that netted 235 passing yards to only 107 by the Indians. The Golden Bears also completed the game with no turnovers.
Port Neches-Groves was held scoreless in the second half until a late touchdown pass to Brock Hebert.
Coach Jason Todd celebrates the State Title after South Oak Cliff defeats Port Neches-Groves 34-24.
© 2022 Miss Ari Photography
South Oak Cliff proudly boasts its second State Championship in as many years. After an 0-3 start to the season, the Golden Bears won 13 straight games. Head Coach Jason Todd is now the First Black Coach in state history to win two titles at the same school.
