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5A D2 STATE SEMIFINALS: Frisco Emerson and South Oak Cliff both set off to make history
History will be made on Friday in the UIL Class 5A Division II State Semifinal match between Frisco Emerson and South Oak Cliff regardless of who wins. As these teams kick things into high gear before the game, VYPE DFW dives into exactly what fans can expect as they prepare to watch these two programs chase a storybook ending to their 2023-24 football season.
Frisco Emerson Mavericks (12-2, 4-2)
The Mavericks are in just their second season of varsity competition. Opening in 2021, Frisco Emerson's team started competing in junior varsity competitions where they posted an undefeated (10-0) season with only underclassmen on the team. Now, those underclassmen make up the juniors and seniors of this varsity program as they enter the program's first semifinal appearance. Last season, the team posted a 9-2 overall record (5-1 in district play) and finished second in their district standings before falling in the first round of playoffs to a talented Colleyville Heritage squad.
This season, Frisco Emerson finished third in their district standings with a 4-2 district record and continued showcasing their tremendous resiliency through the playoffs. Led by the likes of Izzy Bills, Kameron Lockhart, Kylen Evans, Kelton Wafer, and more, the team has a steady and focused offense that shows up every single play. Lockhart has accounted for 24 touchdowns this season while Evans has accounted for 16. Dual-threat quarterback, Mike Hawkins, has also been a force to be reckoned with as he has recorded 72% pass completion rating with 2,878 passing yards and 40 passing touchdowns this season. Hawkins has also shined on the run where he has scored 13 rushing touchdowns on 107 carries for 1,108 rushing yards.
The defense, powered by Kennedy Breedlove, Nate Leal, Keiton Blanton, Agape Lawrence, AJ Johnson, and others, has been quick on their feet while focusing on eliminating targets for their opponents. Sending Grapevine, Canutillo, Wichita Falls Rider, and, last week, Colleyville Heritage packing in the playoffs this season, the Mavericks will continue to strive to be the best as they enter the field on Friday night.
South Oak Cliff Bears (12-2, 6-0)
After becoming Dallas ISD's first high school to win a state title in football in 63 years back in 2021, South Oak Cliff has made it their standard to play great football year in and year out. As they chase more history-- a three-peat in which only 19 other schools have done in UIL history-- they don't focus on what others are saying and, instead, march to the beat of their own drum. Should the team punch its ticket to state and win their third consecutive title, it will become the first Dallas-Fort Worth area team in a multiple high school district to win three titles in a row... and they aren't at all distracted by that notion or possibility.
This season, the Bears dropped only two matches-- a season-opening game against Duncanville (who is playing in their own respective state semifinal match this weekend) and another non-district showdown against DeSoto (another team also playing to punch their ticket to state). Despite their losses, the team has remained focused on the end game... heading back to the playoffs and securing another crown. Outscoring their opponents 579-232 this season, the team has posted incredible victories over TAPPS Fifth consecutive state champions Parish Episcopal, Dallas Adamson, Dallas Kimball, Dallas Wilson, and more as they went undefeated in district play to finish at the top of their district standings.
Led by senior running back Khalil Ewell (who has averaged nearly 94 rushing yards per game and has 19 touchdowns to his name this season), senior running back Danny Green Jr. (who averages roughly 85 yards per game and has 14 of his own scores this season), senior wide receiver Trey Jackson, junior quarterback Carter Kopecky and senior quarterback William Little (who have combined for 29 passing touchdowns on the season), and other talented offensive players, the Bears offense has never had trouble setting the tone through each other their games. The defense-- one of the best in the state-- is led by sophomore Jamarion Phillips (who has recorded 11 sacks this season while averaging nearly 7 tackles a game), Jayden Shelton, Brandon Jackson, Dewalon Butler, Brandon Jones, and others. This defense has only gotten better the closer they inch to the state finals. The team has already eliminated Everman, Melissa, Midlothian Heritage, and-- for the third consecutive season to head to the state semifinals-- Lucas Lovejoy.
What To Expect
High energy. Fans, coaches, and athletes alike all know what sort of implications ride on this game and the kind of history that could be made for both programs. Both teams are explosive out of the tunnel on a Friday night and can be expected to amp up their level of play for the state semifinals. With their own weapons and top-rated athletes, this game can truly go either way.
Prepare for both teams to leave it all on the field on Friday night. Kick-off is slated for 7 p.m. in Frisco, Texas at Ford Center at The Star.
STATE SEMIFINALS PREVIEW: South Oak Cliff and Argyle go head-to-head
Plenty of Dallas-Fort Worth area teams are vying for their chance at playing in the UIL State Championship game. Some of those teams are facing off against each other in the semifinals. Reigning state champion Dallas South Oak Cliff and Argyle are going head-to-head in the UIL State Semifinals on Friday. VYPE DFW lays out what fans can expect from these two programs!
South Oak Cliff Bears (11-3, 6-0)
After winning the state championship last season, the Bears had a rocky start to their 2022 campaign. Posting three-straight losses against Duncanville, Lancaster, and DeSoto to open their season, many people were wondering where the confident and determined team was that just won a state championship. Without hesitation, the Bears took on the rest of their schedule and proceeded to defeat the rest of their opponents with big victories over the likes of Dallas Spruce, Dallas Kimball, Seagoville, and more. South Oak Cliff allowed only one team to score against them in district play while shutting out five others.
Led by the likes of Danny Green Jr, Jamyri Cauley, Tedrick Williams, Joshua Manley, Corinthean Coleman, Brandon Jones, Billy Walton, William Little, David Spruiells, and a plethora of other really talented athletes, the Bears have plowed over their opponents for an 11 game win-streak. In playoffs so far, South Oak Cliff has defeated Mansfield Summit, Lucas Lovejoy, Midlothian Heritage, and Melissa.
Argyle (14-0, 6-0)
In their first season as a 5A team, the Argyle Eagles are having no trouble adjusting. On a 14 game win-streak, the Eagles have been able to post incredible victories from the very start of the season including wins over the likes of Melissa, Lovejoy, Lake Dallas, Frisco Emerson, Denton, and more. The team finished at the top of their district standings with an unblemished record before heading into playoffs where they continue to shut down opponent after opponent.
Led by RJ Bunnell, Will Hodson, Landon Farris, Will Krzysiak, Grant Mirabal, Dax Horany, Riley Van Poppel, Jaaqwan Felton, John Gailey, and more, the Eagles have ended the seasons of Fort Worth Wyatt, Wichita Falls Rider, Grapevine, and Abilene Wylie. With one of the strongest defenses in the area, Argyle is looking to continue acclimating to 5A with a state title game appearance.
What To Expect:
Both teams have incredible offenses and incredible defenses. This game is likely going to be one of the best matchups in the area if not the entire state this week. Fans can expect to see South Oak Cliff play a strong run game and look to shut down Argyle in their attempts to continue advancing. However, Argyle isn't looking to slow down. With the ability to set the tone, both teams will be heavy hitters in this matchup. This game is going to come down to the wire! Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. at Crowley ISD's stadium.