Keeping The Pace: Argyle vs South Oak Cliff

Argyle faces South Oak Cliff to decide who makes a trip to state next week. Photo Cred: DRCSports

Written By: Jay Pace @therealjaypace

SOC (12-2) vs. Argyle (13-1)

South Oak Cliff is one win away from its fourth straight 5A Division II Championship game.

And while the Bears don’t exactly have problems scoring points, this team's identity lies with its punishing defense.

Statistically speaking, it's the best unit SOC head coach Jason Todd has ever fielded.

This bunch is all-time good.

The very definition of dominant, check this stat line out.  SOC has allowed just 49 points since Sept. 20th. They've played 11 games since then.

Six of those 11 were shutouts. None scored more than 14 points. 

Offensively, the Bears have scored 536 points during this same span. 

In case you're bad at math, allow me to break that down for you. Over the last 11 games, SOC average margin of victory is 44+

Winners of back-to-back Class 5A Division II state titles in 2021 & 2022, SOC fell painfully short last year, dropping a 20-17 decision to Port Neches Groves in the 5A D II championship game.

Last week, the two squared off again in Round 4. This time it wasn't even close as the Bears bludgeoned PNG 56-14.

This is one of the most physical teams you'll ever see on this level. All gas and no brakes for a unit that seems to play with a chip on its shoulder.

Standing between the Bears and their 4th consecutive trip to AT&T Stadium is Region 3 5A D II champion Argyle (13-1).

The Eagles have won 13 straight after losing their season opener vs. Panther Creek. 

While SOC is a prohibitive favorite, don’t expect Argyle to roll over and play dead. Led by QB Maquire Gasperson, the Eagles present plenty of their own problems offensively. Gasperson has rolled up more than 3,000 yards of total offense to go along with 34 total TDs in a stellar 2024 campaign. He can beat you with his arm. He can beat you with his legs. As Gasperson goes, so does this Eagles offense. Watson Bell, a workhorse at RB, leads a formidable ground attack, rushing for nearly 1,300 yards and 20 TDs in 2024.

If you like old school, big boy football this is the game for you.