The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears’ bid for a third UIL Class 5A Division II Football State Championship fell short Friday night, as they were defeated by the Dr. Thomas E. Randle High School Lions 38-35 at AT&T Stadium.
In a game that pitted one of Texas high school football’s most storied programs against a rising force, SOC (14-3) battled until the final whistle, but the undefeated Lions claimed their first state title.
The Golden Bears, who entered the game averaging 37.4 points per contest, were stymied at key moments by a relentless Randle defense. Senior quarterback Carter K., who passed for 1,931 yards and 22 touchdowns this season, led a spirited effort, but the Lions’ ultimately prevailed.