Red Oak’s playoff run ends against defending 5A Division I State Champion Aledo, 59-35

The Red Oak Hawks historic 2023 season and playoff run came to an end at Choctaw Stadium on Friday, Nov. 25, when they fell to the defending 5A Division I State Champions Aledo Bearcats, 59-35 in the Regional Playoff round.

The Bearcats offense scored seven touchdowns on their first eight possessions, leaving the Hawks trailing by two or more scores the entire game.

Even though the Bearcats controlled the entire game, the Hawks had their highlight moments. Both wide receivers Brayden Robinson and Taz Williams Jr. were able to beat the Aledo defense multiple times on passes from quarterback Chris Martinez. Robinson also had an 89 yard kickoff return for a touchdown in the first half. After that, Aledo never kicked towards Robinson the rest of the game.

Red Oak quarterback Chris Martinez accounted for 202 total yards and two touchdown passes in the first half, one to Taz Williams Jr., who had five receptions for 95 yards. Martinez finished with 306 total yards and three touchdown passes while Williams had 105 yards receiving, his sixth 100-yard game of this season.

Red Oak defensive lineman Cameron Winston had an 85-yard fumble return for a touchdown for Red Oak’s final touchdown of the season with 1:43 remaining.

Head Football Coach Melvin Robinson’s postgame message was upbeat, reminding his team of their accomplishment of the winningest season in program history.

With a peek at the future and a smile, Robinson said, “We will be back here again.”