Senate Resolution 33

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

WHEREAS, Picayune High School Football Coach Cody Stogner knew his "Maroon Tide" Football Team were underdogs against West Point in the MHSAA Class 5A State Football Championship. However, that did not matter on December 4, 2021, in Hattiesburg, when Picayune (14-1) upset West Point High School 40-21, after falling behind 21-20, holding the Green Wave to seven points in the second half to win the championship. It was Coach Stogner's first championship as Head Coach; and

WHEREAS, Junior running back Dante Dowdell led the way with 25 carries, 149 yards and two touchdowns as the Maroon Tide avenged their 2019 State Championship Game loss to West Point; and

WHEREAS, Picayune took control in the second half. The Maroon Tide trailed 21-20 with 8:47 left in the third quarter before Darrell Smith broke free for a 59-yard touchdown run. The freshman running back finished with 10 carries for 88 yards. Dowdell and Smith were jointed by Chris Davis as Picayune's three-headed rushing attack. Davis finished with eight carries for 139 yards and two touchdowns. Dowdell capped off a 12-play, 80-yard drive with a 2-yard touchdown run with 11:10 remaining. The score gave Picayune a 34-21 lead. Sophomore defensive end Jamonta Waller sealed the victory with a 35-yard fumble recovery for a touchdown on the following drive; and

WHEREAS, the second-half defensive performance was a culmination of what Stogner believed for most of the season. The Maroon Tide allowed 16 points per game during their 11-game winning streak. "I believe we got the best defense in the state," Stogner stated; and

WHEREAS, the 2021 Picayune MHSAA Class 5A Football Championship Roster is: 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, we join the Picayune community in celebrating this State Championship which brings honor to the team, coaches, students, faculty and sponsors of the Maroon Tide Football Team and extend our best wishes for future success:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Picayune High School "Maroon Tide" Football Team and Coach Cody Stogner for winning the MHSAA 5A State Football Championship.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Cody Stogner and Picayune Principal Kristi Mitchell for the team, forwarded to the Picayune School Board and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.