House Resolution 61

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LAFAYETTE HIGH SCHOOL "COMMODORES" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH GENE ANDERSON FOR WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Lafayette High School "Commodores" Boys Soccer Team reigned supreme after capturing the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship, securing the program's first-ever state title in the program's history with a commanding 2-0 victory over South Jones High School on February 17, 2025; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear determination and unyielding perseverance, the Commodores overcame past heartbreaks of consecutive state championship game losses, ensuring that the third time was indeed the charm as they showcased their grit and skill in a dominant first-half performance; and

WHEREAS, under the esteemed leadership and unwavering dedication of 18th-year Head Coach Gene Anderson, who has tirelessly built the Lafayette High School soccer program from the ground up, the Commodores demonstrated their growth, resilience and commitment to excellence throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, Lafayette High School completed their championship campaign with a 17-8 overall record, demonstrating remarkable progress and an unrelenting pursuit of success, culminating in their historic victory; and

WHEREAS, during the championship match, senior Porter Lindsay ignited the scoreboard in the 24th minute with a precise shot inside the left post, quickly followed by senior Wesley Kilpatrick's stunning left-footed goal six minutes later, solidifying the Commodores' lead and earning Kilpatrick the title of game MVP; and

WHEREAS, the Commodores' defensive strategy proved formidable as goalkeeper Asa Martin and the defensive unit held South Jones to only two shots on goal, neither of which posed a significant challenge, sealing their shutout victory and securing their long-awaited championship; and

WHEREAS, throughout the season, the Commodores have been supported by a talented roster of athletes, dedicated assistant coaches, school administrators, faculty, families and an enthusiastic community, all of whom played an integral role in this historic achievement; and

WHEREAS, the championship Commodores' team consists of the following dynamic youth athletes: Asa Martin, Blake Shoffner, Aydan Vazquez, Ethan Smith, Preston Sullivan, Gavin Leary, Wesley Kilpatrick, Porter Lindsay, Sterlin Smith, Derek Anderson, Isaac Henley, Stanley George, Tyler Woodard, Able Reyes, Lucas Moorehead, Alex Wilkinson, Tatum Spicer, Will Dees, Prince Williams, Harris Byrd, Kyan Cohran, Luke Westmoreland, Ryker Loprinzi and Reed Jordan; and

WHEREAS, the Commodores have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Gene Anderson, Assistant Coaches Alfredo Alvarez and Anthony Jones, and Manager Evan Bynum, who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Commodores have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and the entire coaching staff; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the accomplishments of student-athletes, especially those such as the Lafayette High School "Commodores" Boys Soccer Team, whose hard work, dedication and excellence on the field brings honor to Lafayette High School, their community and 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 Lafayette High School "Commodores" Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Gene Anderson for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lafayette High School Head Coach Gene Anderson on behalf of the members of the Commodores Boys Soccer Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.