Red Oak had an incredible moment, clinching the District 4-5A Division I title and completing a perfect 10-0 regular season by defeating Midlothian 21-7. Despite the victory, it came at a cost with an injury to their senior quarterback, Reggie Moody, in the third quarter. While Moody had been performing remarkably, going 13-for-13 with 149 yards and two touchdowns before his injury, the team is awaiting further evaluation on what seems to be a high ankle sprain.
Star sophomore wide receiver Brayden Robinson, who returned from a high ankle sprain himself, made an immediate impact with a touchdown catch in the opening drive. Red Oak showcased their strength and determination throughout, especially considering their history — overcoming seasons of struggle, marked by back-to-back 0-10 records and a period with just five wins in four years. Coach Melvin Robinson’s leadership has been instrumental in this remarkable turnaround.
This victory is historic for Red Oak, marking their first district title since 2019 and their third time securing at least 10 wins in a season. They’re now poised for the playoffs, aiming for a significant performance. Brayden Robinson’s return to the field has added depth to their already potent lineup, pairing him with four-star junior Taz Williams Jr. to create one of the state’s top wide receiver duos.
In their game against Midlothian, both Robinson and Williams made an impact, contributing to Red Oak’s first-half lead of 14-7. Robinson’s track record, including his participation in the state championship 4×100-meter relay team, speaks volumes about his speed and agility on the field. Moreover, the team’s defense effectively contained Midlothian’s top wide receiver, Bryant Wesco, limiting his impact despite his national recognition.
For Midlothian, quarterback Drew Wendel’s absence due to injury impacted their performance. Colin Shannon, previously on the junior varsity squad, stepped up to lead the offense, but they faced challenges against Red Oak’s defense, managing only 89 yards in the first half.
Red Oak will be looking ahead to the playoffs, while Midlothian, despite the loss, is set to face Justin Northwest in the bi-district round. Both teams have shown resilience and promise, with Red Oak’s turnaround being particularly remarkable.
