Defensive Effort Propels Duncanville to Win Over South Oak Cliff

Duncanville Coach Reginald Samples leads his team to victory against South Oak Cliff.

© 2022 Miss Ari Photography

Dallas - In a highly-anticipated matchup between two of the area’s top teams, the Duncanville Panthers defeated the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears 23-10 in front of a sold out Kincaide Stadium Saturday evening.

South Oak Cliff (SOC) began the game on defense and quickly excited fans with an interception. SOC would miss a field goal attempt after a seven play, 74 yard offensive possession. Duncanville couldn’t get much going on offense, beginning its second possession deep in their own territory. After five plays for negative yardage, the Panthers were forced to punt the ball away to SOC.

SOC would eventually score the game’s first points on a five yard run from Danny Green. The home team and favorite in the season opener would not score again until a late game field goal.

© 2022 Miss Ari Photography

With about six minutes remaining in the first half - Duncanville began a drive on their own one yard line. Much to the delight of the Duncanville faithful - running back Caden Durham saw a slight opening in the defense and burst through for a 99-yard run and score.

The half would end with a tie score of 7 - 7.

The second half of this nationally televised contest shifted in Duncanville’s favor, as the team appeared more energized and soon put the defensive clamps on the reigning state champions. Despite committing a total of three turnovers, including two interceptions - Duncanville would not be defeated.

Duncanville took its first lead on the first offensive play of the second half. Elijah Wilson and Jabreohn Peters would collectively tackle the SOC ball carrier in the end zone for a safety. The Panthers would never relinquish their lead.

Understandable first game angst was apparent on both sidelines, as both teams entered the game with expectations of notching a win.

For the first play of the fourth quarter, junior quarterback, Jameir Willis zipped a 10 yard touchdown pass to freshman tight end Zachery Turner in the back of the end zone.

South Oak Cliff would complete the game with just 49 rushing yards to Duncanville’s 201 total rushing yards. Neither team reached 100 passing yards in Saturday’s contest.

Perhaps first game jitters, expectations and the large stage all played a role in Saturday’s performances by both teams. Few will forget, however, that last season also began with South Oak Cliff losing to Duncanville before winning 15 consecutive games and the state title.

Duncanville will travel to Orlando, Florida for a non-district game against Jones High School next Saturday. South Oak Cliff will look to rebound against Lancaster on Friday.