Senate Concurrent Resolution 504

(As Adopted by Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL "WILDCATS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH CHIP BILDERBACK FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP SINCE 1982.

WHEREAS, on December 1, 2021, the Columbia High School "Wildcats" Football Team coached by Chip Bilderback won the MHSAA Class 4A State Championship at the USM M.M. Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg by defeating Senatobia 22-21 in a thrilling match; and

WHEREAS, less than 30 seconds separated Jaheim Oatis from his ultimate goal at Columbia. The Wildcats led Senatobia by a point in the MHSAA 4A State Championship Game and the Warriors lined up for a 20-yard potential game-winning field goal, which would decide if Columbia would win its first State Championship since 1982. "We knew we had to step up big time and stop that kick," said Oatis, a four-star Alabama defensive line commit. The kick curved, spinning past the left upright and missed with 21 seconds remaining, and Columbia prevailed 22-21 at Southern Miss; and

WHEREAS, the 6-foot-4, 370-pound Jaheim Oatis was selected as the 2021 MHSAA 4A Mr. Football Award Winner after recording 55 tackles, 22 for loss and five sacks in the regular season. Oatis headlined a Wildcats defense that ended the season on a 12-game winning streak and held opponents to nearly 10 points per game during that stretch. The senior had two quarterback hurries, two tackles and a pass breakup in the Championship victory. Columbia held Senatobia scoreless in the second half after giving up 21 points in the first half; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Wildcats Championship Roster is: Joshua Brown, WR, CB; CJ Magee, CB, WR; Omar Johnson, RB, OLB; Miguel Cook, RB; Cedric Watts, WR, CB; Jonathan Wiltz, OLB, MLB; Colin Hancy, QB, RB, ATH; Kentrell Jackson, WR, DB; Isaiah Bolton, SS, WR; Carter Smith, QB, P, ATH; Deshawn White, WR, OLB; Jeremiah Foxworth, SS, WR; DJ Cloyd, WR, OLB; Will McLendon, FB, NG, MLB; Peyton Anderson, OLB, TE; Amarion Fortenberry, CB, RB, WR; Kendale Johnson, RB, FS, OLB; Jalon Smith, RB; Jalon Anderson, MLB, SS, OLB; Caymen Watts, CB, RB; Justin Bryant; Luke Stogner, K; Myles Clark, K; Kentavion Bullock; Jashawn Barnes, MLB; Donald Vivierito; Donivan Reed, DE; Amarion Hopkins; Tecorrio Shoemo, G, NG; Sam Carney, C, G, LS; Eli Lowery, C, DE; Ethan Morris, T, DE; Isiah Foxworth, DE, NG; Javon Barnes, DE; Koruan Ruffin; Nic Riley, DE, G; Landon Fillingame, G; Roydale Barnes, T; Jason Townsend, T, NG; Landon Wilks, TE; Jehiem Oatis, TE, DE; Hyman Pace, T; Javon Barnes, DE; and Jaceon James, CB, WR; and Head Coach Chip Bilderback; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we join the students, faculty, parents and sponsors of Wildcat football in honoring this group of student athletes who have brought recognition to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Columbia High School "Wildcats" Football Team and Coach Chip Bilderback for winning their first MHSAA Class 4A State Championship since 1982, and extend to the team, parents, coaches and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Chip Bilderback for the team and Columbia Principal Robert Craig Washington, forwarded to the Marion County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.