South Oak Cliff overcame early turnovers and fast-improving Carter to hold on for a 21-14 victory at Kincaide Stadium. Junior receiver Fonzale Davis caught two touchdown passes, and Michael Blanco and Jalen Goss had interceptions to stop Carter drives in the final three minutes.
Ranked No. 6 in the SportsDayHS Class 4A poll, SOC (7-0, 4-0 in District 11-4A) relied heavily on making big plays with its defense, led by senior defensive end Mckendric McKenzie, Blanco and Goss, a sophomore tackle. SOC’s Davis had a 43-yard catch and run from quarterback Kenneth Arthur II to tie the score, 7-7, in the second quarter.
Senior receiver Anthony Smith broke free on a 73-yard scoring pass for a 14-7 lead in the third quarter. Davis’ 13-yard scoring catch gave SOC a 21-7 lead in the fourth quarter.
“Carter came out like this was for a district championship,” SOC coach Emmett Jones said. “We were lucky to be tied at half. We could have been behind by 20 points. But we have what we call the ‘measurement of a man’ to see how well you respond when things aren’t going your way. And they responded.”
SOC lost three of its four turnovers in the first half. The rushing of senior back Devin Williams helped control the second half. Williams ended with 132 yards rushing on 24 carries. Arthur passed for 216 yards and three touchdowns. Davis had four catches for 107 yards and two touchdowns.
Ranked No. 17, Carter (5-2, 3-1) has been a long-time perennial playoff qualifier but missed the state playoffs last season. Carter is rejuvenated with a speedy defense led by senior defensive back Jaylon Scott, junior linebacker Malik Marshall and linebackers Cameron Hampton and Cameron Reagor.
Carter junior receiver Jordan Ingram, the son of former Oklahoma State sprinter Ron Ingram, had eight catches for 125 to spark several drives. Senior running back Kenneth Gray scored on a 56-yard run while elusive running back Corey Avery (also a starting safety) scored on a 1-yard run to pull Carter within 21-14 with 7:40 remaining.