The legendary Lincoln Tigers face off against the James Madison Trojans in the annual South Dallas Classic, highlighting a historic rivalry turned into unity.
DALLAS — In South Dallas, a rivalry was born — and 68 years later, its legacy still burns bright.
This Saturday, the legendary Lincoln Tigers face off against the formidable James Madison Trojans in the annual South Dallas Classic.
“The excitement even transcends the game,” said Lance Williams, Lincoln High School Principal.
While bragging rights are on the line, Williams said the real prize is something more tangible: the trophy.
“The trophy right now is at its rightful place at the Legendary Lincoln High School,” said Williams.
However, James Madison Principal Lonnie Russell has his own perspective. “That trophy is in storage. We’re storing it over there at legendary Lincoln,” said Russell.
In a rivalry so deep, players Jarmon Trotter and DeKeyvon Brown grew up in families caught in the middle of it.
“I came to Lincoln because of the people around me, my friends, family,” said Trotter, a Lincoln HS football player. “When you come to Lincoln, you bleed purple.”
“Every time we see each other, you know, oh, is Lincoln, Lincoln this, Madison that,” said Brown, James Madison HS football player.
In recent years, the dynamic between the schools has evolved.
“Principal Russell is what we like to call a brother from another mother,” said Lincoln Principal Lance Williams. Together, he and James Madison Principal Lonnie Russell have transformed the historic rivalry into a symbol of unity.
“It’s bringing everyone together for a common cause, and that cause is to make sure that our students are displayed in a mighty way,” said Russell.
And that unity extends beyond the football field. Both schools have dramatically improved their Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings, rising from D’s and F’s in past years to solid B’s. Together, they proudly call themselves “The Beehive.”
“We are developing some great students here and legendary students here in sunny South Dallas. For the great James Madison, we’re two years of consecutive B’s, so we’re super excited about that,” said Russell.
“The legendary Lincoln High School is firing on all cylinders right now, academically, culturally and athletically,” said Williams. “We’re just proud of the transformation and proud to be able to be right down the street from our brothers.”
The students share that brotherhood, too. “We will be able to pass it on to the ones that come on after us. Let them know that this is more than what it seems,” said Trotter.
“We both grew up in South Dallas. We both love South Dallas. So, to me, it’s us against the world,” said Brown.
There’s also a small deal in the game. The losing team’s principal has to wear the winning team’s jersey and pose for a picture on their turf.
Saturday’s match-up will be streamed live on WFAA+. Here’s how you can catch all the action.