Senate Resolution 9

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST POINT "GREEN WAVE" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH CHRIS CHAMBLESS FOR WINNING ITS STATE RECORD 12TH MHSAA CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, West Point football coach Chris Chambliss says his team has gone by one motto the whole year: "Refuse to lose and be a pro." In the MHSAA 5A State Final on November 29, 2023, his team fulfilled that goal and more; and

WHEREAS, the West Point "Green Wave" football team (11-3) defeated Laurel 35-7 on a wet and cold night at Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. This was the "Green Wave's" fifth state title in the past nine years and 12th overall, the most in the MHSAA history; and

WHEREAS, the "Green Wave's" relentness running game quickly swamped the "Golden Tornadoes'" title hopes. "Most Valuable Player" Kahnen Daniels rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, the "Green Wave" had been tied with South Panola and Louisville high schools for the most high school football titles in Mississippi, with each school sporting 11 crowns since the modern playoff system was introduced in the 1908 playoff. The "Green Wave" (11-3) used long runs to set up short touchdowns, rolling up 447 yards total offense, all on the ground, while Laurel (8-7), had come into Oxford on a late-season surge; and

WHEREAS, West Point triggerman Quinterion Tillman-Evans ran for another 1129 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. West Point attempted just three passes on the night. Daniels' second 4-yard scoring run of the game tacked on the final tally for the "Green Wave"; and

WHEREAS, the 2023-2024 Championship West Point Roster: Kyair Parker, Shun Crawford, Marcus Murphy, Kahnen Daniels, Keimon Ewing, Kaleb Dyson, Quantaze Powell, Quinterion Tillman-Evans, A.J. Lee, Colt Whitacre, Coledan Carter, Jykeon Cunningham, Kobe Hammond, Dantariyus Cannon, Walker Moore, Louis Facella, Eric Blanchard, Quentin Thompson, Jemarquez Melton, Tyler Robertson, Iaquavis Cunningham, Jorden Rush, Cameron Walker, Jakobe Pate, Devin Jones, Justin White, Branson Rainey, Brentston Edwards, Jamarquez Petty, Jermarion Edwards, Jaylen Cungious, Jermaine Elliott, Alex Harper, Quantarrius Dawson, Ladavious Harris, Tristen Eggerson, Joseph Vance, Davieon Rice, D.J. Moseley, Jamichael Forest, Cameron Donald, Jamarcus Shumpert, Tysean Darden, Isaiah Cunningham, Rasheed Harris, Maurice Hall, Denarrion Tallie, Kylan Cox, D'monte Jefferson, Kontarion Avant, Lajarvis Ewing, Kasavion Shelton, Blake Tillman, Jermari Rush, Jaylin Rush, Tyrin Ewing, Vashawn Ross, Josh Lairy, Jordan Chandler, Xavier Moody, Jaylon Moore, McKinvein McKinney, Bryson Gandy, Dakorian Raines, Markel Walker, Jylis Penson, Drake Stafford, Deandre Young, Taurus Gunn, Keandre Young, Zay Lowery, Tytus Davidson, Bryson Thomas, Marquez Randle, Felix Blair, Jalon Sanders, Emmanuel Davidson, Tyran Cox, Curtyrion Bilbo, Justin Collins, Elijah Lowery, Jervon Davenport, Jose Lemus, Ronald Odneal, Jabari Cunningham, KeAris Smith, Tyjai Matthews, Tychreshon Orr, Makeal Box, Quent Rupert, Thaddeus Evans, Jacobe Scott, Shaun Blair, Jamarion Bell, Wesley Blanchard, Tyren Warren, Jaquez Davis, Tray Bell, Josh Gray, Tyzarious Townsend, Wade Hamby, Javon Randle and Rashaud Greenlee; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the state of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the West Point "Green Wave" football team and Coach Chris Chambless for winning its state record 12th MHSAA Class 5A Championship, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Chris Chambless for the team and West Point Principal Tameka Shannon, forwarded to the West Point School Board of Trustees and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.