DALLAS — Two years ago, South Oak Cliff made history.
The Golden Bears became the first Dallas ISD school to win a state championship since 1958. They coupled that history with another title, becoming the first ever DISD school to win back-to-back titles. The SOC Golden Bears are now in the midst of continuing a dynastic run.
For the third year in a row, the Golden Bears have advanced to the state championship. Eyeing a three-peat, SOC will have to defeat a familiar foe: Port Neches Groves. The two will have a rematch of the 2022 5A-DII state championship game, which SOC won by a score of 34-24.
The Golden Bears advanced to the state championship game after defeating Frisco Emerson in the semifinal round, 36-24. They had just posted a shutout in the regional final against Lovejoy, and it didn't take long for the defense to deliver again only 15 seconds into the semifinal.
Jayden Shelton intercepted a pass on a tip drill and took it back to the house for a 23-yard touchdown. Emerson responded, however, with a four-yard touchdown by quarterback Michael Hawkins to tie it up, 10-10, at halftime.
The Golden Bears pulled away in the second half, outscoring Emerson in the second half by 12.
This rematch between SOC and Port Neches Groves will be their second all-time matchup. Golden Bears head coach Clifton Todd could also become the first Black head coach in UIL football history to win three state titles at the same school.
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