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Greatness Loading: Dallas Kimball Knights Ready for Competition
Winning the whole thing last season, Dallas Kimball is as determined as ever to secure another state title. Before they can do that, though, they must take on the rest of their regular season schedule. VYPE DFW dives into the team:
Last season, Dallas Kimball lost only two games while outscoring their opponents by nearly 1,000 points combined on the season. Prepared for excellence, the team went 32-2 overall while also going undefeated in district play (16-0) to finish at the top of their district standings. With victories over the likes of Fort Bend Marshall, Brennan, South Oak Cliff, Dallas Hillcrest, Dallas Adamson, Dallas Wilson, and more, the Knights made their road to the playoffs look like a cakewalk. Once in the playoffs, the team took out Mesquite Poteet, Frisco Heritage, W.T. White, Red Oak, Lancaster, Veterans Memorial, and eventually Ellison to secure the program's first state title in 14 tournament appearances.
Led by Jaylon Dean-Vines, Marri Wickware, Lance Carr, Kayden Gray, Jonah Brandon, Tra'vion Rhinehart, and others, this Knights squad is back in action and ready to secure more victories this season. Having been to the state tournament in back-to-back seasons (2021, '22) and winning last season, it's safe to say that one of the team's goals is getting right back to where they were. On track to do just that, the team has already posted a 3-1 record in district play. With an intense showdown against DeSoto on 12/27 in tournament play, the team doesn't return to district action until after the new year. Be sure to catch them on the court this season as they look down the road to playoffs.
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.