House Resolution 37

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PICAYUNE HIGH SCHOOL "MAROON TIDE" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CODY STOGNER FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION 5A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Picayune High School "Maroon Tide" Football Team reigned supreme at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Football Championship on December 4, 2021, in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, when they upset West Point High School 40-21; and

WHEREAS, the Maroon Tide, who had a superior season and a 14-1 record entering the championship game, were driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, and they intensely amplified all of their hard work and motivation, which were so apparent throughout the entire season, for the championship game; and

WHEREAS, despite trailing by one point with 8:47 left in the third quarter, Picayune took control of the game in the second half when Darrell Smith, the freshman running back, broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run and finished the game with 10 carries for 88 yards; and

WHEREAS, Dante Dowdell and Darrel Smith were joined by Chris Davis as Picayune's three-headed rushing attack, and Davis finished with eight carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns while junior running back Dante Dowdell led the way with 25 carries, 149 yards and two touchdowns and capped off a 12-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 11:10 remaining; and

WHEREAS, Dante Dowdell's score gave Picayune a 34-21 lead, and sophomore defensive end Jamonta Waller sealed the victory with a 35-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown on the following drive, not only cementing their championship dreams but also avenging their 2019 state championship game defeat at the hands of West Point; and

WHEREAS, the second-half defensive performance was truly unparalleled, as the Maroon Tide held the Green Wave to just seven points after only allowing 16 points per game during their 11-game winning streak; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Picayune MHSAA Class 5A Football Championship Team is comprised of the following talented athletes: Dante Dowdell, Justin Martz, Darrell Smith, Dorian Robinson, Chris Davis, Dawson Underwood, Jessiah Contee, Dylan Martz, Kyler King, Jamonta Waller, Brady Robertson, Noah Carter, Tamauz Oatis, Terance Wilson, Niquis Ratcliff, Terijh Newton, Nathan Hickman, Josh Tatum, Christian Nixon, Chris Nixon, Karson Lauga, Tyran Warren, Tyrel McGill, Robert Williams, Amarion Tyson, Cristian James, Jabari McWilliams, Nick Woodson, Cameron Wade, Morgan Craft, Darnell Smith, Tanner Busby, Dekevyion Jones, Zavion Coleman, Jeremiah Contee, Kendall Jones, Quinton Haynes, Gage Thibodeaux, Roman Galvez, Peyton Wells, Isaiah Evans, Karsen Robbins, Donell Lewis, Ryan Pascal, Kaanan Williams, Ian Herring, Scotty Adam, George Croncich, Hooty Adam, and Carey Meitzler; Head Coach Cody Stogner; and Assistant Coaches Adam Feely, Seth Hayden and Mark Summers; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Cody Stogner has superbly coached and inspired the Maroon Tide and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Picayune High School Maroon Tide Football Team, who have brought honor to their school, the Picayune community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Picayune High School "Maroon Tide" Football Team and Head Coach Cody Stogner for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association 5A State Football Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Cody Stogner, Picayune Principal Kristi Mitchell, the Picayune School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.