The Oakwood Panthers were possibly the biggest Cinderella story to make it to AT&T Stadium this year. Much like 2023, the Panthers got off to a slow start, opening up the season and losing five of their first seven games before heading into district play. But JJ Johnson knew his ball club would fight after starting 2-4 in 2023 and rattling off four wins in their next five games to finish 6-6 with an area round playoff appearance. They then went 3-0 in the district, taking down Mount Calm 54-7, Bynum 68-42, and Trinidad 68-18. That would move their record to an even 5-5 and give them the District 12-1A-DII crown. Senior Gavin Wilbanks led the way, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 16 touchdowns on the year. 
That seemed to ignite a run for the Oakwood ball club, as the Panthers marched through the playoffs, dominating Three Way 74-36 in bi-district, dominating Gold-Burg 63-24 in the area round, and taking care of Iredell 64-50 in the regional final. That set up a rematch with the team that knocked them out of the playoffs last year in the area round, the Oglesby Tigers. The Panthers would get revenge, and extend their winning streak to seven games, as they won a thriller over Oglesby 54-51 to punch their ticket to Arlington, their first state title appearance since 1991.
Trying to claim their first-ever state title, Oakwood would fall to Jayton 54-8, but the Panthers have a lot to look forward to as three of their top four rushers will be back next year. Sophomore quarterback Dayden Velasquez showed when the lights are brightest, he performs, as he scored 35 total touchdowns this season. Flanking Velasquez are juniors Darrien Thomas and Micah Reed, who combined for over 1000 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns this season.
A loss is not how Oakwood wanted their season to end, but for the Panthers to be back at state for the first time in 33 years is an accomplishment that the kids and community should be proud of. JJ Johnson is definitely building a foundation for the future of the Oakwood Panthers.
