It is official — Dallas ISD has formally filed a complaint about the officiating in its championship loss by South Oak Cliff.
The complaint stems from a possible blown call on December 16 that saw South Oak Cliff lose to Port Neches-Grove. Port Neches-Grove defeated South Oak Cliff by a score of 20-17 to capture the Division 2A state championship.
The call in question came on a third-and-goal try by Port Neches-Grove. A pass by quarterback Connor Bailey was broken up by South Oak Cliff corner Kerry Williams. Officials threw a flag for pass interference on the play, giving Port Neches-Grove three opportunities to score. After a “stuff” on third-down and offsides penalty against the defense, Port Neches-Grove wide receiver Shea Adams scored the decisive two-yard touchdown.
The controversial call was widely derided by South Oak Cliff, who were looking for a three-peat as state champions. A video review of the penalty shows that contact was made between the defender and the receiver before the pass, which adds legitimacy to the call, according to WFAA broadcaster Mike Leslie.
After initially believing the call was “horrible,” Leslie said the video evidence has changed his opinion.
Dallas ISD has officially followed through with threats to file a complaint. The text of the complaint has not been made public, but it is expected the district is filing a grievance about the game-changing call.
Officials for the game were approved by coaches from both teams ahead of the game. Regardless of the outcome of the decision, the result of the game will not change. Port Neches-Grove won its first State championship since 1975. The team trailed until the final call that went in their favor and saw a masterful effort by the defense to prevent South Oak Cliff from having an opportunity to come back at the end of the game.
