aka THE 2025 STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS AT AT&T STADIUM
For the better part of three decades, The Parrish Charitable Foundation has supported and served many schools in the Southern Sector of the metroplex. Of that grouping, three have stood out becoming powerhouse football programs. Since 2021, South Oak Cliff, Duncanville and DeSoto have won a combined eight state championships and appeared in a combined twelve title games. Jason Todd, Reginald Samples and Claude Mathis, the leaders of those respective programs, again had their teams playing for titles in 2025. Every title game has been played at AT&T Stadium, and for the second time, all three programs would play for trophies on the same day.
Roland Parrish, Business owner, and philanthropist has provided resources for each of the three schools, including financial contributions for each of those eight championship rings.
Ro Parrish, DeSoto Alum, and morning sports anchor on the DFW CBS Affiliate, dubbed this gathering ‘The Annual Southern Sector Family Reunion in Arlington‘ – seeing the frequency in which these three programs play for titles – and the closeness in proximity of the three schools, all located within a nine-mile radius.
The Parrish’s arrived with intention – both in custom attire made specifically to represent for all three schools.
A who’s-who of business owners, dignitaries, political figures, notable alums, hall-of-famers, and leaders of congregations were all in attendance. The likes of Jasmine Crockett, Royce West, Fredderick D. Haynes III, Rachel Proctor, Ed ‘TooTall’ Jones, and Maxie Johnson all showed up to support the Southern Sector.
The Golden Bears of South Oak Cliff kicked things off properly – winning convincingly over Richmond Randel 35-19.
DeSoto Alum, NFL Veteran, and current SOC assistant coach Jimmy Wyrick pauses for a moment during the celebration to pose with his former teammate, Ro Parrish.
Duncanville played their hearts out, but the Panthers fell short, losing by three to Galena Park North Shore in a contest dominated by defense.
The DeSoto Eagles answered the bell of having the primetime slot. The Eagles closed out the lengthy day of football making easy work of Houston C.E. King, leading 27-0 in the first quarter – before convincingly capturing another championship 55-27. Ro Parrish literally had a ‘Front Ro Seat’ and shared his behind-the-scenes footage to the masses in the morning.
It was full day of football, while not all teams captured championships – the entire Southern Sector were all winners on this day.
See ya next year! Same Bat time, Same Bat Channel.
