DALLAS — South Oak Cliff High School’s football team will play for a state championship for the fourth year in a row.
Among the 65 students on the roster, a group of eight plays a pivotal role in the team’s daily success.
These students, known as the "Goon Squad," are the team managers, ensuring everything runs smoothly behind the scenes. Erick Morgan and Akenction Randle are seniors among the group and take pride in their responsibilities.
“We help wash the clothes, and we set up the practice stuff,” Morgan said.
Their day starts with academics.
“We do our schoolwork first and then we go downstairs to help out Coach,“ Randle said.
The students are part of the FLS, Functional Living Skills program, a class led by Coach Domenic Spencer.
Spencer said they first allowed the students to be team managers about nine years ago.
The program teaches essential life skills like cooking, cleaning and navigating public transportation. While these students have disabilities that prevent them from playing on the field, their contributions are no less valued.
“People call it special education but they’re kids, regular kids just like everyone else,” Spencer said. “Our football players love them. To see our kids interact with them, it’s just a beautiful thing to see.”
If SOC were to win on Friday, the Goon Squad would get rings as well.
“It makes us feel good; it makes us feel like we’re a part of the football team. It makes us feel like we’re sitting up and playing, Randle said.
The Golden Bears play at 7 p.m. Friday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington against the Richmond Randle Lions.