Could a Third Championship be in their Future?

Rewind the clock back to December 18, 2021. The scene is AT&T stadium hosting the Texas UIL state championship Class 5A Division II game between two-time champion Liberty Hill and the South Oak Cliff Golden Bears. In the final moments of a tied game, SOC scores on a 17-yard rush, improving the score to 23-14, and securing Dallas ISD’s first football state championship since 1958.

Ending Dallas ISD’s 63-year high school football championship drought prompted buzz and celebrations across the city, including two parades; one by the local community organization For Oak Cliff, and the other by the City of Dallas.

The City of Dallas’ parade on January 22, 2022, featured guest speakers who were SOC alumni, members of the DISD administration, city council members, U.S. House Representative Eddie Bernice Johnson, and Mayor Eric Johnson.

“The City of Dallas actually declared today South Oak Cliff Day throughout the entire city.”, Mayor Johnson said just before awarding Head Coach Jason Todd the key to the city.

Fast forward almost a year later to the date, December 16, 2022, we are back at AT&T stadium and the Golden Bears are yet again hoisting the championship trophy after defeating Port Neches-Grove 34-24. This time boasting a new historical moment for DISD—a Back-to-Back state football championship.

Once again SOC’s accomplishment sparks praises and celebration from the community.

On January 7, 2023, For Oak Cliff coordinated what now is starting to become an annual parade for the championship team.

Leaders from public office and the community jointly expressed their pride and adoration of the team, but more pointedly about what is possible for students in underserved communities when they receive the proper investment and resources.

“This is the first time that Dallas has had back-to-back champions in the history of this state.” Reverend Dr. Frederick D. Haynes said. “And it’s all because you finally got the sense to recognize you can’t trash us on this side of town. You can’t give us toxic facilities on this side of town. We deserve the best because we are the best. The South got something to say!”

With the support of the school district and the community behind them, the Mecca, as SOC is alternatively referred to, is poised to strike for a third time.

Fast forward to this time next year, once the game clock strikes zero at AT&T stadium, we’ll see where they stand.