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UIL Realignment around the Metroplex
Widely discussed and highly anticipated, the UIL realignment rang through Texas on February 1, 2024. With changes and shifts, plenty of teams were left dodging tough placements while others faced a fate not as generous. VYPE DFW takes a look at the shake-up around Dallas-Fort Worth area teams:
Dodging one of the toughest districts in the state (District 11-6A), often referred to as the "District of Doom" is Mansfield ISD. Instead, the Mansfield ISD teams join District 3-6A alongside Crowley, Fort Worth Boswell, North Crowley, and Weatherford.
Additionally, Dallas ISD made out well with their goal of entering a two-district DISD-only schedule. In District 8-4AI is Dallas Carter, Dallas Conrad, Dallas Hutchins, Dallas Kimball, Dallas Lincoln, Dallas Pinkston, Dallas Roosevelt, and North Dallas while District 5-5AII hosts Adamson, Hillcrest, Thomas Jefferson, Samuell, Seagoville, South Oak Cliff, Spruce, and Woodrow Wilson. With Conrad and Kimball moving to 4A, fans should expect South Oak Cliff to overpower their schedule for the next two seasons.
Kennedale and Lake Worth are headed for new competition as they head to a significantly smaller district for the next couple of years. Leaving a Fort Worth-heavy district, the two teams join District 6-4AI alongside Carrollton Ranchview, Lake Worth, River Oaks Castleberry, and Waxahachie Life.
The newest team in the state joins District 4-5AII against a reigning state champion, a reigning state semifinalist, and a reigning regional finalist. With a booming start to the season last year, the Wildcats join some of the toughest teams in the state with other 5A newcomers like Anna and Melissa. These teams look at playing against the likes of Denison, Frisco Emerson, Frisco Independence, Frisco Liberty, Frisco Memorial, and Lucas Lovejoy.
In what could be considered the most competitive 5A division, Grapevine and Colleyville Heritage join Division 3-5AII where they will face off against Mansfield Timberview, Mansfield Summit, Everman, and two-time state champion Argyle.
Forney and Longview move up from 5A to 6A as they join District 10-6A. The 2023 state semifinalist (Forney) will join a district in which they face off against other powerhouses in their area like Rockwall (who went 6-0 in district play last season) and Rockwall-Heath (who went 5-1 in district play) as well as North Forney, Royse City, and Tyler Legacy.
With plenty more shifts in districts left to discuss, there will be a lot of discussion as schedules fill. Fans can expect high competition throughout the next two seasons. Keep your eyes peeled for huge plays and high-stakes moments!
TICKET PUNCHED: South Oak Cliff continues to seek history
With the chance to continue making history, South Oak Cliff has punched their ticket to the UIL Class 5A Division 2 state title game against Port Neches Groves on Saturday. Looking for a three-peat, the team is as ready as ever to seal the deal with another crown this season. VYPE DFW takes a look at how the team has gotten this far.
Dropping only two games this season in non-district play-- a hard-fought season opener against Duncanville (who is playing in their own state final on Saturday) and DeSoto (also playing in a state final on Saturday)-- the team has been able to post competitive stats against their opponents all season long. With an 87% winning percentage, the Bears have made a name for themselves in high school football and look to continue adding to their legacy. Through district play, South Oak Cliff went undefeated (6-0) to finish at the top of their district standings with victories over the likes of Dallas Wilson, Seagoville, Dallas Kimball, Dallas Spruce, and more.
As the team worked their way into the playoffs, there wasn't a single moment where they waivered from being their typical, dominant selves. Opening playoffs with a huge victory over Everman followed by another over Melissa, fans knew that they were getting the Bears they have watched win titles in the previous season. Continuing strong, South Oak Cliff defeated Midlothian Heritage followed by a shut-out victory over Lucas Lovejoy before putting Frisco Emerson's efforts to a stop last week in a 36-24 semifinal victory. During last week's game, Danny Green Jr. ran for 162 yards and scored two touchdowns on 11 carries. Green, on his second-straight 1,000-yard season, has recorded nearly 1,300 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns this season.
Tested week by week, the Bears have finely tuned their abilities on the field. Green, joined by athletes like Khalil Ewell, Rickey Evans, Daveon Ennis, Damond Williams, Trey Jackson, and others help power the offense to make big plays happen for South Oak Cliff. Jayden Shelton (averaging eight tackles a game), Jamarion Phillips (averaging 6.2 tackles a game with 14 sacks this season), Dewalon Butler (with eight sacks this season), help lead the defense in strength with a wall that opponents have a tough time getting through.
The team faces off against Port Neches Groves on Saturday, December 16th at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. Looking to make more history by becoming the first DFW-area team in a multi-high school district to win three consecutive titles, fans can expect this team to pull out all the stops and hush any naysayers from the minute they step onto the field.