A Texas high school football celebration took a devastating turn when a player was arrested for allegedly shooting a teammate just hours after the team won a state championship.
Xavier Mayfield, 18, was charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and booked into the Dallas County jail on Saturday, December 20. Jail records show he is being held on a $50,000 bond. It is not clear whether he has retained an attorney.
The shooting happened around 9:30 p.m. at a home in Dallas, only hours after Mayfield and South Oak Cliff High School captured the 2025 UIL Class 5A Division II state title. The team secured the championship earlier that day with a win over Dr. Thomas E. Randle High School at AT&T Stadium, the home of the Dallas Cowboys.
According to an arrest warrant affidavit obtained by Fox 4, Mayfield was inside a bedroom with the victim and another teammate reviewing photos taken during the championship game earlier in the day. As one teammate was leaving the room, he reportedly saw Mayfield swinging a rifle before hearing a single gunshot.
The affidavit states the victim was struck in the neck by an AR-style rifle Mayfield was holding.
Authorities say Mayfield admitted to shooting his teammate. He told investigators he initially attempted to drive the injured teen to the hospital himself but realized the victim was bleeding too heavily and called 911 instead.
The victim was rushed to a hospital. His identity and current condition have not been released.
Dallas City Councilman Maxie Johnson addressed the incident, saying he had been told the shooting was accidental. “There was nothing malicious going on,” Johnson said. “Unfortunately, this happened, but this does not take away from the work that has gone on and the work that we will continue to do together.”
Johnson added that South Oak Cliff students have strong futures ahead of them and said the community is praying for everyone involved.
The arrest came on the same day South Oak Cliff celebrated its third state championship in five years. Head coach Jason Todd also made history by becoming the first Black coach to win three UIL state football titles.
After the victory, Todd reflected on the team’s journey, crediting hard work, perseverance, and unity for the program’s success. He emphasized that the culture at South Oak Cliff is built on effort and family, acknowledging that while challenges arise, the bond among players remains strong.
The investigation into the shooting is ongoing.
I hope it’s just a bad accident, although I see no reason that a teenager was able to be carrying a rifle. Prayers for the teen that was shot and hopefully it works out best for the two of them.
The piece said they were hanging in the bedroom.
No “carrying” involved. The rifle was in the bedroom. Good place for one.
There goes that scholarship. On second thought, if he’s any good, he’ll get a free ride somewhere. Criminal record be damned! “Winning is the only thing,” to completely misquote Vince Lombardi.