FRISCO, Texas – Friday night’s 5A DII state semifinal contest had a lot of story lines surrounding it with Frisco Emerson hosting Dallas South Oak Cliff at The Star in Frisco. One of the key on-field stories included the matchup between Emerson’s offense led by Michael Hawkins Jr. (DCTF’s No. 3 QB in 2024) stacking up against SOC’s 2023 installment of its Death Row defense coached by famed defensive coordinator Kyle Ward. 

Perhaps a storyline that didn’t get as much publicity but that tied the two programs together is the résumé of Emerson head coach Kendall Miller. The THSCA president opened Frisco Emerson in 2021, but he started his head coaching career at South Oak Cliff back in 2009. In three seasons he accumulated a 29-6 record, taking the Golden Bears to the playoffs in all three years at the helm.

It didn’t take long for things to get rolling Friday with SOC’s defense forcing an early turnover and score. On the second play from scrimmage Hawkins felt pressure forcing an errant shovel pass right into the hands of SOC 2025 LB Jayden Shelton. The highly touted linebacker proceeded to take the ball 23-yards to the house to give the Golden Bears early momentum in front of a pro Emerson crowd.

Despite the early fireworks the game fell into a cycle of punts as neither offense could gain any traction. The Mavericks and Golden Bears combined for five total offensive penalties that put their offenses behind the chains in the first quarter.

Emerson was able to find success throughout the night with a salty run game that designed a lot of its runs to the outside boundaries of the field. Complemented by Hawkins ability to extend plays with his legs. This led to several lengthy drives that kept SOC’s defense on the field for 54plays in the first half alone. 85 in total for the game.

The Maverick ground game finished the night with 273 yards on 49 attempts. Leading the way was 2024 RB Ishaqq “Izzy” Bills with 129 yards and a score. 

A combination of SOC offensive woes along with Emerson showcasing a stingy defense led to the Mavericks continuing to get short field opportunities. That eventually led to a successful 12-play, 44-yard drive to tie the game at 10 with 2:21 left in the first half highlighted by two huge fourth down conversions and a Hawkins 4-yard touchdown run. 

Hawkins struggled to find consistency through the air finishing 11 of 24 passing with 150 yards, one touchdown and one interception. The Oklahoma commit also ran for 45 yards on 20 rushing attempts and two fumbles.

A 10-10 halftime score could not have been more lopsided from a statistical standpoint. Emerson dominated SOC in every major category. Of note, Emerson gained 10 first downs while not allowing South Oak Cliff to gain a single first down through the first two quarters. In total, Emerson accumulated 244 offensive yards while SOC only managed 17 yards at the halftime break. Mind boggling numbers and a huge credit to the Maverick defense.

Starting the third quarter South Oak Cliff was able to strike quickly on yet another timely splash play. This time 2024 RB Danny Green broke loose on the first play from scrimmage with a 62-yard run to pay dirt. 

Following Green’s touchdown, South Oak Cliff forced another defensive stop but would quickly give the ball right back with a muffed punt. Setting up Emerson once again in advantageous field position. Trailing 16-10, Emerson squandered this golden opportunity with a fumble of their own giving the ball right back to South Oak Cliff and Danny Green.

Lining up an almost identical play with Green striking again with a 70-yard touchdown run. Two plays and 132 yards later the two-time reigning state champions found control with a 22-10 lead. Accounting for half of their total offensive output for the night.

Defense and a lethal running game have been a winning formula the last three years for the Golden Bears. When other aspects of their game have stalled or struggled to come together those two qualities have continually showed up. Friday night’s effort was no different in a tight ballgame against an Emerson group looking to play spoiler. 

Emerson strung together another lengthy drive that led to a touchdown in the third quarter. The 12-yard touchdown run by Izzy Bills cut the score to 22-17. However, when SOC needed a statement drive of their own, they were able to find one. 

In answering fashion, the Golden Bears swung right back with a drive of six minutes and twelve seconds. Ending in a William Little 14-yard touchdown pass to Daveon Ennis in the early portions of the fourth quarter. The 2x champs would never look back after landing this blow.

South Oak Cliff in a 36-24 win over Emerson was only able to muster nine first downs and 264 yards of offense. In spite of that, key offensive stars like 2024 QB William Little and Danny Green still found ways to leave their mark. Little throwing for two touchdowns and Green running for two scores along with 162 yards on the ground.

South Oak Cliff punches their third straight ticket to the 5A DII State Championship. They will now try to become the first multi-school district program to win three-straight titles from the DFW area. A familiar foe stands in their way of such history as Port Neches Grove will meet up with them again for a second straight year in Arlington. 

In passing after the game, South Oak Cliff head coach Jason Todd jokingly mentioned to me, “I’m trying to win three straight and join the Randy Allen Club.” His Golden Bears will have their chance to join rare company next Saturday at 11 AM in the 5A DII State Championship.