Senate Resolution 31

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SHARKEY-ISSAQUENA ACADEMY "VOLUNTEERS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH MATT HOMAN FOR AN EMOTIONAL VICTORY FOR THE TORNADO-DAMAGED COMMUNITY IN THE MAIS CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, there was only one way for Sharkey-Issaquena Academy to finish its storybook 2023 football season — with an improbable movie script ending that included a huge comeback, a walk-off touchdown and a State Championship celebration. SIA overcame a 20-point deficit, capped by Gary Jackson's wild, weaving 35-yard touchdown run as time expired, to beat Calhoun Academy 32-26 in the MAIS Class 1A State Championship Game on November 16, 2023; and

WHEREAS, raising the championship trophy was the final chapter in a story fit for a sports movie. The Volunteers had a 2-8 record last season and forfeited their playoff game vs. Riverdale because they did not have enough healthy players. In March of 2023, an EF-4 tornado devastated their hometown of Rolling Fork. For several months afterward, SIA's gym was transformed into a distribution center for relief supplies; and

WHEREAS, at the Championship Game, hundreds of supporters came to Sharkey-Issaquena Academy and watched their friends, family and neighbors reach the pinnacle of the sport. "My hat is off to the kids, and the community for backing us and how great they are," Coach Matt Homan said, pointing to dozens of SIA fans who came on the field after the game to take pictures with his players. "It's a Cinderella story, fairy book ending, you can't write stories like that. It's a great thing for the whole state. It's a great thing for our area, our family, our friends, people at SIA, all the small towns, this is for them"; and

WHEREAS, SIA won its third MAIS championship overall, and the first since going back-to-back in 2014. The 2023 squad put the program back on top and provided a bright moment in a very difficult year for both the school and the community; and

WHEREAS, the Championship Game itself echoed the team's journey. Calhoun Academy (10-2) dominated the first half and led 20-0 at halftime. In the second half, Gary Jackson got the Volunteers going and never stopped. Normally a running back or receiver, he was moved to quarterback and ran 52 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the third quarter; and

WHEREAS, SIA had 40 total yards in the first half, and Jackson had one carry for one yard. He had two for 149 yards in the third quarter. He finished the game with 211 rushing yards and three touchdowns on six carries. On the last play of the game, Jackson broke out of the pocket and headed up the left sideline. The defense closed in when he got inside the 10-yard line, but he cut back inside at the 3-yard line and juked one last defender to get into the end zone with a miraculous walk-off touchdown; and

WHEREAS, "It was great for our community," said Damarion Stamps, who scored on a 53-yard touchdown reception. "We lost everything back in March...it felt great to see our community like this"; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Sharkey-Issaquena Academy Championship Football Team Roster is: Corderrius Jackson, Aiden Allen, Juan Quintanlla, Jake Rutherford, Heath Vanlandingham, J.B. Boykin, Tom Davis III, Gary Jackson, Jahbrey Knox, Damarion Stamps, Ben Boykin, Victor Flores, Mason Jacks, Will Boykin, Brady Brooks, Rex Rutherford, Aaron Woods, Tommy Duggan, Jerry Johnson, Ashton Thomas, Hayden Jones and Grant Billings; Athletic Director and Head Coach Matt Homan; and Coaches Barry Caston and George Roberson; 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 Sharkey-Issaquena Academy "Volunteers" Football Team and Head Coach Matt Homan for an emotional victory for the tornado-damaged community in the MAIS Class 1A State 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 Matt Homan and Sharkey-Issaquena Academy Head of School, Sadie Hester, forwarded to the Sharkey-Issaquena Academy Board of Trustees and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.