Randle Stuns South Oak Cliff, Claims First-Ever Title in Thriller
ARLINGTON — Richmond Randle capped a perfect season in the most dramatic way possible. With the game — and a state championship — hanging in the balance, the Lions held on for a 38–35 victory over South Oak Cliff in the Class 5A Division II final Friday night at AT&T Stadium.
It was the first football state title in school history, sealing a flawless 16–0 campaign. And it came only after South Oak Cliff’s last-second field goal attempt sailed wide, sending the Randle sideline into chaos.
Sweeny Steers the Ship
Quarterback Keilan Sweeny was steady when it mattered most. He fired an 11-yard touchdown strike to Mason Mixon in the second quarter, then used his legs in the third, breaking free for a 21-yard scoring dash. His poise kept the Lions in rhythm during a game that swung wildly all night.
Meanwhile, Landen Williams-Callis churned out 101 hard-fought yards and punched in a touchdown, giving Randle the balance it needed against South Oak Cliff’s relentless ground game.
Golden Bears Run Wild
If not for the Lions’ big-play answers, South Oak Cliff’s rushing attack might have stolen the show. Running back Mikail Trotter gashed Randle for 170 yards, sprinting for touchdowns of 2 and 75 yards. His teammate Damond Williams added 138 yards of his own plus a score, giving the Golden Bears two 100-yard rushers on the biggest stage.
But each time SOC threatened, Randle had a counterpunch.
The Deciding Blow
The biggest spark came on special teams. With 8:51 left, Sean Smith fielded a kickoff and streaked 72 yards untouched, giving the Lions a 38–35 edge that proved decisive. From there, Randle’s defense bent but refused to break, forcing SOC into the desperate late kick that went wide.
A Night for the History Books
For Randle, the win wasn’t just about hoisting a trophy — it was about making history. The Lions became state champions in just their third varsity season, announcing themselves as a new power in Texas high school football.
“We’ve believed all year this was possible,” Sweeny said. “Now everyone else knows it too.”
