Dallas County Commission honors Southside Panthers football team for historic season

The Dallas County Commission paused its regular business on Dec. 8 to celebrate the Southside High School Panthers’ football team for their historic 2025 football season. 

Commissioners honored the Panthers team for their first undefeated regular season in school history, a 13-1 overall record and the title of Class 3A Area 3 champions. The achievement marked a milestone for Southside High, which also earned back-to-back South Regional runner-up finishes. 

Commissioner Curtis Williams told the team how much pride the team has brought to Dallas County. “Y’all have made us proud. You’ve shown Southside High School up in the best way, and we thank God for you.”  

Coach Charles Moody Jr. credited the Panthers’ success to “a lot of hard work and dedication from these kids” and emphasized that the community should follow the example set by the players’ commitment. “The kids are bought in,” he said. “Now the adults need to follow the lead of the kids.” 

The spotlight also shone on quarterback Kole Moody, who stunned commissioners with his statistics. Moody, who is son of the head coach, has racked up more than 5,000 passing yards and over 60 touchdowns this season. Just an eighth grader, Moody’s performance has already drawn national attention, with his name appearing on ESPN News. Commissioners joked that they could one day say they “knew him when” if he makes it to the NFL. 

The meeting concluded with a group photo and a formal proclamation recognizing the Panthers’ achievements.  

Most of the football players also play basketball. After the team left the commission meeting, they went back to the school for a basketball game against Central High School of Hayneville. Southside won 56-48.