House Concurrent Resolution 68

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2024-2025 GRENADA HIGH SCHOOL CHARGERS FOOTBALL TEAM UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the 2024-2025 Grenada High School Chargers Football Team reigned supreme at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Championship, marking the first state championship title in program history; and

WHEREAS, on December 7, 2024, fans crowded The Rock at Southern Miss to watch the Chargers showcase their exemplary skill and determination on the field, and the team's remarkable performance did not disappoint as they clinched the championship title in a stunning 43-14 victory over the previously undefeated Hattiesburg Tigers; and

WHEREAS, though Hattiesburg scored an early 14-7 lead, Grenada's impenetrable defense kept their opponent from gaining ground, allowing only 82 yards in the final three quarters and holding the Tigers to just 205 yards of total offense and 99 yards passing; and

WHEREAS, undeterred by the stacked boxes from Hattiesburg or the pressure on the line of scrimmage, senior running back MaCaleb Taylor earned the title of State Championship MVP with 211 rushing yards on 29 carries for four touchdowns, and he finished the season with more than 2,700 rushing yards and 40 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, senior Jarques Perry, the heart and soul of Grenada's defensive line and MHSAA Class 6A Defensive Player of the Year, had 116 total tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, and 27 sacks with eight forced fumbles; and

WHEREAS, the Chargers' previous loss to the West Jones Mustangs in the 2023 title game lit a fire under the team, motivating them to train even harder and return to the championship better than before, and their hard work paid off in spades, making their comeback victory that much sweeter; and

WHEREAS, the team's ascent to the pinnacle of football excellence has been made manifest through the tenacious efforts of the team's athletes: Jarques Perry, Zayion Cotton, Jaeden Curry, Zach Townsend, Ekeyvion Noel, MaCaleb Taylor, Semaj Avery, Chance Jenkins, Ryan Spencer, Jahmani Washington, Jatavious Lewis, Drew Klinck, Brayden Trusty, Brayden Neathery, Jacorey Seals, Braydon Hardiman, LaQuaylon Steward, Jereon Reed, Richard Smith, Jacorey Shipp, Demetrius Ross, Tyler Edwards, Emmory Elliott, Myles Ross, Braylon Hardiman, Cameon Noel, Tanner Fowler, Detraveon Conley, Malik Taylor, Russell Roberson, Carson Honeycutt, Eli Clark, Marcus Mallett, Layne Gillon, Trenn Brown, Ethan Dorris, Aiden Reno, DJ Dollison, CJ Lumas, Austin Moore, Ray Champman, Khristian Everett, Michael Cavanaugh, Damareon Sims, DJ Westmoreland, Ryan Williams, Justin Hollingsworth, Logan Costilow, Brysen Arbuckle, Deandre Fray, Jordan Cunningham, Mason Hughes, Bryson Waugh, Cadin Windham, Preston Downs, Javaris Bledsoe, Christian Moore, Frank Sanders, Jamison Hayes, John Hollingsworth, Kameron Washington, Luke Manelli, Jay Ray, Devin Jolliff, Malik Gholston, Dakota Barksdale, Nelson Downs, Matthew Sills, Jayceron Gardner, Javaious Collins, Aiden Tharpe, Darrion Harris, Quan Bland, Gamari Govan, Caiden Baker, Jamion McClusky, Otis Cashaw, Jaylen Singleton, Tyrus Russell, Prentiss Sledge, Brody Jackson, Enis Johnson, Hayden Lee, Andrew Fair, Eli Palmer, Houston Whittemore, Garan Edwards, Randy Winters, and Corday Singleton; and

WHEREAS, anchored by exceptional individual performances, the Chargers have been led by a slate of standouts on the gridiron this season, with 21 student-athletes chosen to join select teams, including All Region Team Offense: MaCaleb Taylor (Offensive Player of the Year), Quan Bland, Zayion Cotton, Javaris Bledsoe, Chance Jenkins, Brayden Trusty, Jaeden Curry, Jordan Cunningham, and Frank Sanders; All Region Team Defense: Jarques Perry (Defensive Player of the Year), Semaj Avery, Jahmani Washington, Zach Townsend, Demetreus Ross, Tyler Edwards, Ekeyvion Noel, Braydon Hardiman, Jereon Reed, Tay Lewis, and Ryan Spencer; Special Teams: Carson Honeycutt; and All State Team: Jarques Perry, MaCaleb Taylor, Jahmani Washington, Zayion Cotton, and Javaris Bledsoe; and

WHEREAS, the Chargers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Michael Fair, Offensive Coordinator Scott Martin, Defensive Coordinator Jim Tindall, Special Teams Coordinator Mitchell Harville, and Assistant Coaches Justin Purvis, Kendrick Conley, Andrew Whyte, Jordan England, and Jerimy Watson, and in recognition of their expert leadership, this elite group was named the 2024 Class 6A Coaching Staff of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the members of this distinguished team will surely treasure the memories they have made throughout their incredible 14-1 season, constantly flooded with the feeling of greatness that accompanies being a champion as they recall bringing the school's first gold ball home to Grenada; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Grenada High School Chargers Football Team, whose talent, grit, and perseverance bring great honor to their school, their community, and the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the 2024-2025 Grenada High School Chargers Football Team upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A State Championship, and extend best wishes to the team for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Grenada High School Chargers Football Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.