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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.
GAME PREVIEW: South Oak Cliff vs. Dallas Spruce
In their second week of district play, the South Oak Cliff Bears are headed into a matchup against the Dallas Spruce Timberwolves. With both teams fighting for another victory to add to their record, VYPE DFW takes a look at their seasons and what fans can expect heading into this Friday night battle!
South Oak Cliff Bears (3-2, 1-0)
Focused on their season, the Bears haven't had the start that they expected. Opening play in a 34-13 loss on the road to Duncanville, South Oak Cliff immediately bounced back for a 42-21 home opening victory against Lancaster. Week three saw a disappointing loss to DeSoto (54-14), the Bears pulled themselves back up for a final non-district victory over Parish Episcopal (49-14).
Last week, South Oak Cliff opened district play against Dallas Adamson in a 55-0 victory. Carter Kopecy tallied over 300 passing yards (340) and six passing touchdowns in the victory. Daveon Ennis led the team in receiving with 87 yards and one touchdown while Trey Jackson wasn't far behind with 73 receiving yards and two touchdowns. Others at the end of Kopecy's touchdown passes included Rickey Evans (who recorded 53 receiving yards, one touchdown), Jaylen Moore (33 receiving yards, one touchdown), and Eli Baesa (20 receiving yards, one touchdown). The team will look to showcase offensive power over Spruce on Friday night.
Dallas Spruce Timberwolves (3-2, 0-1)
A little bit different of a start to the season than the Bears, Dallas Spruce opened up their schedule with three consecutive victories. A home-opening 44-0 shut-out victory over Fort Worth Polytechnic followed by a convincing 46-6 victory on the road against Dallas Roosevelt left the Timberwolves feeling confident early in the season. Week three saw another non-district win for the Timberwolves as they outlasted North Dallas in a 21-17 battle. During their final non-district matchup, the team fell in a tough loss to Seagoville (44-7).
Last week, the team opened district play against Dallas Kimball. Fighting hard through tough moments, the Timberwolves eventually fell in a 38-15 loss. Led by Jaylon Warren, Kelvin Jones, Evan Fairley, Xzavion Beard, Vinyuan Coehn, and others, the team will look to improve against South Oak Cliff on Friday.
What To Expect
Last season, South Oak Cliff hosted Dallas Spruce in a 48-0 shut-out victory over the Timberwolves. Looking to remain dominant in their district and seeking another state title, fans can expect the Bears to enter the game ready to set the tone, take charge, and pull away. Fired up and ready to showcase their ability to hang with the big dogs, Dallas Spruce just might have a few tricks up their sleeve. Looking to post their first victory in a couple of weeks (and their first in district play), the team will fight hard against South Oak Cliff.
Kick-off is slated for 7:30 p.m. on Friday, September 29 at Pleasant Grove High School.