South Oak Cliff Loses Heartbreaker to Port Neches-Groves

The SOC Golden Bears fall short of three-peat.

© 2023 Miss Ari Photography

Arlington - Dallas’ South Oak Cliff Golden Bears entered Saturday’s Division 5A - Division II championship game favored to win their third consecutive title.

Instead of leaving the AT&T field with the hardware, the Golden Bears watched the Port Neches-Groves Indians celebrate the 20-17 victory.

For most of the Saturday morning competition, the Golden Bears appeared to be in prime position to defeat the Indians just as they did in 2022. Port Neches-Groves made it to the red zone three times in the first half and South Oak Cliff held them to three field goals. The teams entered the locker room with South Oak Cliff in front 10-9.

The second half included a surge of energy by the Indians and several favorable calls. South Oak Cliff was flagged for a controversial defensive pass interference call late in the fourth quarter on a drive that included a few questionable calls. Port Neches-Groves would take the 20-17 lead on the drive that changed the trajectory of the game.

The Golden Bears still had just over three minutes to attempt a winning drive, but their efforts fell short after they failed to convert on downs.

Despite the disappointing loss, the Golden Bears and Coach Jason Todd are still the team to beat in Dallas ISD and a top program in the state.