The Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic Comes to the Cotton Bowl
Dallas is getting ready for a major high school football showcase.
On Saturday, September 12, 2026, the Parrish Charitable Foundation will host the Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic at the historic Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas, Texas. This exciting two-game event will bring together some of the most respected and competitive high school football programs in the state.
The Roland Parrish Classic will feature a powerful lineup of championship-level talent, including:
South Oak Cliff High School State Champions vs. North Shore High School State Champions from Houston, Texas
DeSoto High School State Champions vs. Duncanville High School, the 2025 State Runner-Up
This is more than just a football event. It is a celebration of student athletes, school pride, community, education, opportunity, and Texas football at its highest level.
A Big Stage for Championship Programs
The Cotton Bowl has hosted some of the most iconic sporting events in Texas history, and now it will serve as the stage for an unforgettable day of high school football.
Fans can expect a high-energy atmosphere, passionate alumni, proud families, marching bands, community leaders, and football programs with championship tradition. With South Oak Cliff, North Shore, DeSoto, and Duncanville all represented, this event is expected to draw major attention from across North Texas and beyond.
More than 30,000 spectators are anticipated to attend, making the Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic one of the most talked-about high school football events of the year.
More Than a Game: College, Career, Health, and S.T.E.M. Expo
In addition to the two featured football matchups, the Parrish Charitable Foundation will also host a college, career, health, and S.T.E.M. expo during both games.
The expo is designed to promote enrollment at local colleges and H.B.C.U.s while connecting students, families, and the community with valuable educational and career resources.
This event is about building the future, both on and off the field.
Students will have the opportunity to explore college pathways, career opportunities, health resources, and S.T.E.M. programs while enjoying one of the biggest high school football showcases in Texas.
Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band Joins the Celebration
The excitement does not stop between games.
The world-famous Texas Southern University “Ocean of Soul” Marching Band has been added to the event lineup and will perform between games. Known for their energy, precision, sound, and showmanship, the Ocean of Soul will bring another level of entertainment to an already unforgettable day at the Cotton Bowl.
For fans of high school football, marching band culture, H.B.C.U. excellence, and Texas community pride, this is an event you will not want to miss.
Calling All Alumni and the North Texas Community
Hot Rod Connects is proud to help bring attention to this highly anticipated event.
Rodney Baker of Hot Rod Connects is serving as the Event Manager for the Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic, helping coordinate an experience that brings together football, education, entertainment, and community impact.
Calling all alumni, students, families, fans, and supporters of:
- South Oak Cliff
- Duncanville
- DeSoto
- North Shore
- Texas Southern University
- The entire North Texas community
This is your invitation to be part of history.
The Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic is more than a football game. It is a community event created to inspire students, celebrate excellence, and bring people together at one of the most legendary stadiums in Texas.
Do Not Miss This Event
Mark your calendar for Saturday, September 12, 2026, and make plans to be at the Cotton Bowl Stadium in Dallas for the Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic.
Come for the football.
Stay for the bands, the expo, the community, and the experience.
This is Texas High School Football on a bigger stage.
This is the Inaugural Roland Parrish Classic.
Would you like help raising funds for your event? If so, then use the button below to contact Rodney Baker for more information.
