Overview:
The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears celebrated their third national championship win in the high school football class 5A Division II at a parade hosted by Next Generation Action Network. The team's head coach, Jason Todd, and community leaders emphasized the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that led to the victory. The school has won three titles in the past five years, with the latest win against Thomas E. Randall High School, 35-19. The weekend's celebration included remarks from coaches, staff, and community leaders, and was attended by various dignitaries.
The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears celebrated a third national championship win in the high school football class 5A Division II this past Saturday at a parade hosted by Next Generation Action Network. Golden Bears head Coach Jason Todd and community leaders emphasized the hard work, dedication, and teamwork that led to the victory.
“It is a lot of hard work, a lot of arguing, a lot of fighting, a lot of no jokes, you know, but what I can say is the kids are the true testament of dedication and hard work, because we don’t make it easy,” Coach Todd reiterated.
The school has won three titles in the past five years, with the latest win against Thomas E. Randall High School, 35-19. This marks the fifth consecutive state championship game appearance for South Oak Cliff, a feat only eight other Texas schools have achieved.
While the Golden Bears won their third state title in Arlington last month, the DeSoto Eagles claimed their fourth state title in the same period.
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The Desoto High School Eagles, which bested Houston C.E. King in the 6A Division Championship, will be lauded at their own parade on Jan 24, 2026.
The weekend’s celebration included remarks from coaches, staff, and community leaders, and was attended by various dignitaries, including Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, who proclaimed January 10 as Coach Jason Todd Day.
Coach Day went on to recognize the significant contributions of the staff who didn’t play a down on the field, but were instrumental in keeping an eye on the players and ensuring their well-being.
Though this third victory is clearly a great feat for the team, Coach Day reminded the young men that their lives are much bigger than a football championship:
“To the kids, I tell them all the time, this is just a small step in their life. You don’t want this to be the biggest moment of joy you ever have in your life.”
There was a palpable air of community within the crowd, as many residents were reminded of the genuine spirit of the Oak Cliff they “grew up with,” rather than a community unrightfully characterized by crime and violence.
Locals will agree the parade and subsequent festivities amounted to more than a mere display of congratulations. It was a day to see what SOC is all about: hard work, dedication and the power of investing in our community’s youth.
The South Oak Cliff Golden Bears will be acknowledged at City Hall on January 14, 2026 at 9 a.m. DW will be on the scene for the official city celebration.
DW sports editor Rashad Miller contributed to this story’s reporting.