What should have been a night of pure joy turned into heartbreak for the South Oak Cliff High School football team. Hours after clinching the UIL Class 5A Division II state championship with a commanding 35-19 victory over Richmond Randle at AT&T Stadium, tragedy struck during a private celebration.
An 18-year-old player, Xavier Mayfield, was arrested and charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon after allegedly accidentally shooting a teammate in the neck with a rifle. The incident occurred around 9:30 p.m. on Saturday at a home in southwest Dallas.
According to police reports, Mayfield was handling an AR-15-style rifle in an upstairs bathroom when the victim called his name from a nearby bedroom. As Mayfield turned, the weapon discharged, firing a single shot that struck the teammate. The victim was rushed to a hospital and is reported to be in stable condition after surgery.
Both Mayfield and the injured player are members of the Golden Bears football team, which captured its third state title in five years earlier that day. Sources confirmed Mayfield participated in the championship game, recording an interception.
Dallas police responded quickly to the shooting call, and Mayfield admitted to the accidental discharge. Community leaders, including the Next Generation Action Network, described the event as a tragic accident amid celebrations.
The shooting has shocked the tight-knit South Oak Cliff community, known for overcoming challenges on and off the field. School officials and coaches have yet to comment publicly, but counseling resources are being made available to students and players.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of mishandling firearms, especially during emotional highs like championship victories. As investigations continue, the focus remains on the victim’s recovery and supporting the young athletes involved.
