Overview:
Three high school football programs from Southern Dallas, Texas, showcased their talent at the Class 5A Division II and Class 6A state championships at AT&T Stadium. South Oak Cliff Golden Bears won their third state title in five years, while DeSoto Eagles claimed their fourth state title in the same period. Duncanville Panthers lost a defensive battle against Galena Park North Shore, but their performance reinforced why the program remains a benchmark in Class 6A. The games highlighted the depth, discipline, and expectation that define the region.
Championship Saturday at AT&T Stadium unfolded like a carefully written script for Southern Dallas football: rooted in physicality, resilience, and dominance. From the opening kickoff in the afternoon to the final whistle under the lights, three programs from the same region stepped onto Texas high school football’s biggest stage. Two walked away as state champions. One left without a trophy but with its standard firmly intact.
Together, South Oak Cliff Golden Bears, Duncanville Panthers, and DeSoto Eagles turned Arlington into a Southern Dallas showcase— one that reflected the depth, discipline, and expectation that define the region.
South Oak Cliff Sets the Tone Early
The day began with South Oak Cliff doing what it has become known for: controlling the game from the ground up.
In the Class 5A Division II state championship, the Golden Bears defeated Richmond Randle 35–19, leaning on a relentless rushing attack and a defense that refused to bend when it mattered most. Running back Mikail Trotter was the engine behind it all, grinding out 143 rushing yards and three touchdowns. His runs weren’t just productive, they were demoralizing, steadily wearing down Randle’s front and shortening the game with every carry.
Defensively, South Oak Cliff dictated terms. The Golden Bears limited Randle to 271 total yards, forced two interceptions, and repeatedly shut down scoring threats before they could gain momentum. Randle briefly energized the stadium with a 100-yard kickoff return touchdown, but SOC responded the way champions do: slowing the game, leaning on its offensive line, and closing possessions with points.
This victory marked South Oak Cliff’s third state title in the past five years, building on championships in 2021 and 2022. It also positioned head coach Jason Todd as the first Black head coach in UIL history to win three football state championships, a historic milestone in Texas high school sports.
Duncanville Falls Short in a Defensive Classic
Next came Duncanville, locked into a familiar postseason battle with Galena Park North Shore in a rivalry that has defined Texas high school football at the highest level.
In the Class 6A Division I state championship, Duncanville came up just short, falling 10–7 in a defensive grind. The Panthers’ defense kept the game tight throughout, matching North Shore’s physicality and holding firm through a scoreless opening stretch that underscored how evenly matched the teams were.
North Shore broke through first with a long touchdown pass and later added a field goal, creating a narrow margin. Duncanville responded with a late touchdown, cutting the deficit to three and putting real pressure on the final possessions, but the Panthers couldn’t find the final breakthrough.
Even in defeat, Duncanville’s performance reinforced why the program remains a benchmark in Class 6A. Reaching AT&T Stadium is the expectation, not the exception — and the Panthers again showed the defensive toughness and composure that define championship-level football.
DeSoto Delivers the Nightcap Statement
If the earlier games were about control and resilience, DeSoto’s performance was about explosion.
In the Class 6A Division II championship, the Eagles overwhelmed Houston C.E. King 55–27, effectively ending the contest with a 27–0 first-quarter surge that flipped the game instantly. Quarterback Legend Howell was in command from the opening drive, finishing with 280 passing yards and four touchdowns, slicing through coverage and keeping King’s defense in constant conflict.
Wide receiver Ethan “Boobie” Feaster was nearly unstoppable, hauling in 10 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns, repeatedly stretching the field and creating separation in critical moments. On the ground, SaRod Baker provided balance and physicality, rushing for 125 yards and two touchdowns, including early runs that set the tone for DeSoto’s night.
DeSoto’s dominance extended beyond offense. A 94-yard interception return highlighted a defense that capitalized on every mistake, while the Eagles finished with over 440 total yards and zero turnovers— a complete performance across all three phases.
This championship marked DeSoto’s fourth state title in the past five years, defining a remarkable run that underscores the Eagles’ position as one of the most dominant programs in Texas high school football. It also made head coach Claude Mathis the second Black head coach in UIL history to win three UIL football state championships, joining Jason Todd in a historic coaching achievement.
A Southern Dallas Statement
When the lights dimmed at AT&T Stadium, the message was unmistakable. South Oak Cliff’s disciplined, physical championship win, Duncanville’s narrow loss in a defensive heavyweight bout, and DeSoto’s explosive title performance together captured the full spectrum of what Southern Dallas football represents.
South Oak Cliff’s three championships in five years and DeSoto’s four in that same span tell a larger story of consistency, culture, and expectation. On the sport’s biggest high school stage, Southern Dallas didn’t simply show up, it shaped the day from start to finish.