The Port Neches-Groves Indians pulled off a thrilling 20-17 victory over South Oak Cliff to win the Class 5A-II state championship Saturday at AT&T Stadium in Arlington. A pivotal onside kick and clutch plays down the stretch gave PN-G its first state title in nearly five decades, dethroning the two-time defending champions.

A Gamble That Paid Off

Trailing late in the fourth quarter, PN-G head coach Jeff Joseph made the call that changed the game. After a 23-yard field goal by kicker Gio Oceguera narrowed the deficit to 17-12, Joseph dialed up an onside kick. The perfectly executed play caught South Oak Cliff off guard, and PN-G recovered, setting up a game-winning drive.

Senior Shea Adams capped the ensuing possession with a direct-snap touchdown run, giving PN-G its first lead of the second half with just three minutes remaining. Isaiah Nguyen’s two-point conversion extended the lead to 20-17.

Oceguera’s MVP Performance

Oceguera was a steady presence throughout the game, converting all four of his field goal attempts and executing the critical onside kick. His performance earned him Offensive Most Valuable Player honors.

Defense Delivers in the Clutch

South Oak Cliff had one last chance to respond, but PN-G’s defense stepped up when it mattered most. Multiple sacks and a fourth-down stop sealed the victory, capping off a second-half shutout that proved crucial.

Early Struggles and a Strong Finish

PN-G’s offense struggled in the red zone early, settling for three field goals and trailing 10-9 at halftime. South Oak Cliff extended its lead to 17-9 in the third quarter with a 44-yard touchdown run by Danny Green. However, the Indians rallied with 11 unanswered points in the fourth quarter, aided by key defensive stands and penalties against South Oak Cliff.

As the final seconds ticked away, the Indians celebrated their long-awaited state championship—a testament to resilience, strategy, and a season of hard work.