House Resolution 118

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JEFFERSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH RODERICK HOLMES FOR COMPLETING AN OUTSTANDING NINE-WIN SEASON AND CAPTURING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION REGION 7 CLASS 3A DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County High School Tigers Football Team persevered through a remarkably ferocious season, and with motivation and audacity, they successfully finished the 2023-2024 season with a historic season that finished 9-4 and won the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Region 7 Class 3A District Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County High School Tigers Football Team achieved excellence on November 24, 2023, when they hosted the first ever Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A South State Championship at Tiger Den Stadium in Fayette, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in a season that will be remembered as one of the most exciting seasons in recent years, the Jefferson County High School Tigers cemented the team's place in the football history books with the most wins in a season with nine, the most points scored in a game at 83, the most points scored in a season at 457, most points both teams in a game at 113, and back-to-back MHSAA Region 7 Class 3A District Championships; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Tigers faced off with some of the state's best contenders on the gridiron but persevered to make their presence and talent known as gladiators of football under the Friday night lights; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers were led by quarterback Jabari Watson, athlete Royale Shelvy, linebacker Jamarion Claiborne, linebacker Jermall Williams, and defensive back De'Anthony Miller; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers' offense would have been grounded without the speed and agility of the wide receivers; the running backs, who left it all on the field to dominate their hostile foes; the offensive linemen that held off each rival's defense with their potency and concentration and allowed the Tigers to set new school records in scoring; the tight ends, whose versatility made the nine victories possible; the fullbacks, constantly playing with clear eyes, full hearts, and unimaginable amounts of strength; and the quarterback, who handled the ball with accuracy, consistency and vivacity; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers were unparalleled on defense, which was commanded by the fierce and powerful defensive backs, the linebackers, overflowing with strength and tenacity, the defensive linemen, whose grind, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of Jefferson County's nine victories, the defensive ends, whose tackles and sacks were fierce and will not soon be forgotten by the opponents they met, and the safeties and cornerbacks, while bursting with wit and athleticism, duped more than one quarterback this season and defended long passes with ease; and

WHEREAS, the kickers and long snappers and others on special teams were a huge asset to the Tigers' excellent season, as they brought more than one game out of the clutches of defeat and into the hands of victory; and

WHEREAS, the Jefferson County High School Football Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Roderick Holmes, who has broadened the Tigers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the team's success would not have been possible without the talented coaching staff, including Kiwaski Tenner, Bouvier Ellis, Zackery Berry, Stacey Murphy, Joshua Lutch, Anthony Williams and Rah'Kendrick Reynolds as well as the administrative personnel, including Dr. Larondrial Barnes, Kimberly Walker-King and Marcus Walton; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Jefferson County High School Tigers Football Team who have brought honor to their school, their 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 Jefferson County High School Tigers Football Team and Head Coach Roderick Holmes for completing an outstanding nine-win season and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association Region 7 Class 3A District Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Roderick Holmes and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.