South Oak Cliff Golden Bears Preview: Built For Another Title Run

The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears enter the 2025 season with high expectations and a championship mindset. After establishing themselves as one of Texas high school football's premier programs with back-to-back state titles in 2021 and 2022 and deep playoff runs in the years since, the Golden Bears are hungry to return to the top. With a strong core of returning talent, dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball, and a culture built on toughness and discipline, South Oak Cliff looks poised to make another serious run in Class 5A Division II.    A dynamic playmaker with elite burst and top-tier acceleration, Trotter is a home run threat every time he touches the ball. Trotter runs with a rare blend of power and speed, capable of running through defenders or blowing past them in the open field. His vision, balance, and explosiveness make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Expect Trotter to be a key weapon for SOC's offense, with the ability to take over games and deliver big plays on the ground.       One of the premier offensive linemen in the nation, Swanson returns in 2025 to anchor the trenches for the Golden Bears. He has elite footwork, quickness, and agility, Swanson combines rare athleticism with outstanding length and physicality. He's a dominant presence on the line, consistently neutralizing top defenders with advanced technique and raw power. As a leader up front, Swanson is the cornerstone of an offensive unit poised for a big year.     A lockdown corner and Clemson commit, Gipson brings length, technique, and elite instincts to the secondary. Now entering his third year as a starter, he combines physicality with polish, using his hips and footwork to stay tight in coverage. Gipson's ability to neutralize top receivers makes him one of the most trusted defenders on the field. His ability contain and be a sure tackler in the run game are traits in his game that compliment his elite cover skills.     A Syracuse commit, Houston is a force up front who consistently dominates the line of scrimmage. With a quick first step and exceptional strength, he's stout against the run and can collapse the pocket from the interior. Houston's presence allows the Golden Bears to control the trenches and free up their linebackers to make plays.     The heartbeat of the defense, Phillips is a relentless linebacker who covers sideline to sideline with speed and aggression. His instincts, discipline, and ability to time blitzes make him a disruptive force both in coverage and against the run. A natural leader, Phillips will be the tone-setter for a hard-nosed SOC defensive unit.     Morton is a dynamic backfield threat with elite speed and vision. He's a slippery runner with the ability to make defenders miss in the open field, but also runs with power between the tackles. His pass-catching skills add versatility to the offense, making him a true home run threat every time he touches the ball.     Arizona State commit [player_tooltip player_id='1647417' first='Cortavious' last='Tisaby'] has a rare blend of size, length, and athleticism. He's powerful at the point of attack, moves well in space, and brings a nasty streak to the trenches. Tisaby's presence up front will be crucial to both the run game and pass protection this season.     The future is bright with junior [player_tooltip player_id='1718098' first='Jayden' last='Williams'] under center. With a strong arm, crisp footwork, and excellent field vision, Williams has the tools to lead SOC's offense with confidence. His ability to accurately deliver passes across the entire route tree was on full display this offseason during standout performances at the Ron Murray 7v7 Tournament and Texas 7v7 in College Station, where he helped guide SOC to the finals. As he continues to grow, Williams could become one of the top young quarterbacks in Texas.     A lightning-fast playmaker with reliable hands, Cook Jr. will be a go-to weapon in South Oak Cliff's offense this fall. His quickness and ability to create separation make him a nightmare for defensive backs, while his big-play potential adds a dangerous dimension to the Golden Bears' passing attack. Expect Cook to be a key piece in stretching the field and moving the chains.

The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears enter the 2025 season with high expectations and a championship mindset. After establishing themselves as one of Texas high school football's premier programs with back-to-back state titles in 2021 and 2022 and deep playoff runs in the years since, the Golden Bears are hungry to return to the top. With a strong core of returning talent, dynamic playmakers on both sides of the ball, and a culture built on toughness and discipline, South Oak Cliff looks poised to make another serious run in Class 5A Division II.