Hawks upset #8 SOC 28-21

A year ago, the Hawks gave South Oak Cliff its only real challenge in District 6-5A Division II, and although both the Golden Bears and Hawks made it into the playoffs, the Hawks season ended in the first round, leaving a bitter taste.

Fast forward a year, and the Hawks stumbled badly out of the gate, losing to Denton Braswell in week one.

However since then, the Hawks have been on a mission. They’ve put up video game type numbers over Princeton and Frisco Heritage in the previous two weeks, and rolled into DISD John Kincaide Stadium last Friday night with something to prove.

Head Coach Chris Ross would be the first to say this was not a revenge game, but just the next game on the schedule – his Hawks were confident and focused on this game.

If you’ve followed the Hawks last season and now this season, it was no surprise the Hawks defensive unit would need a good game. Not only did they have a good game, they had a great game. They relentlessly attacked the SOC offensive, forcing four turnovers. They gave up several big plays, but also forced SOC into several long drives without points. However, when they needed a stop, they got it. They seemed to smell victory in the 4th quarter and turned on the pressure, forcing SOC into 3rd and long and 4th and long downs. A couple of late game penalties kept SOC on the field with a chance, but again, the defense kept the SOC QB scrambling and eventually after two near interceptions, the Hawks Elijah Shaw intercepted a fourth down pass in the final minute to preserve the Hawks victory.

The Hawks offense, which had been averaging over 60 points a game, was slowed down by the Golden Bears. However the defense and special teams stepped up with scores of their own. C.J. Palmer rushed for 117 yards and two touchdowns. Palmer’s longest run came on his first touchdown, which he bulldozed through nearly every defender on the field. Each time SOC scored, the Hawks answered back, including a kickoff return in the 3rd quarter.

This was just not a win, but a great win. Despite the adversities the Hawks faced in this game – some self-inflicted – they were able to make the plays when needed.

The Hawks have a bye-week coming up, and will continue district play on Friday, Oct. 4. This is also their homecoming game, so be sure to get there early and catch all the pre-game excitement, plus the crowning of the 2019 Homecoming King and Queen.