House Resolution 96

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MADISON CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH SETH MALE ON WINNING THEIR SECOND CONSECUTIVE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 7A BOYS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on February 21, 2026, in a contest sure to be remembered for years to come, the Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team reigned supreme yet again when the unstoppable Jaguars defeated the Biloxi High School Indians two-nil in the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A Boys Soccer State Championship played in Ridgeland, Mississippi, incredibly bringing home the gold ball a second year in a row; and

WHEREAS, having captured the state title just a year earlier, the relentless Jaguars solidified the team's high-performing reputation as a continuously successful program with their incredible back-to-back championship wins, and the victory in the championship match capped the unbeaten team's unbelievable season with a phenomenal 21-0-2 record; and

WHEREAS, while neither the Jaguars nor the Indians were able to get on the board in the first half of the championship, almost immediately in the second half, Madison Central found the back of the net on a goal from Carson Pentecost, which was followed by a second goal on a header from Tanner Nichols in the last 15 minutes of the match; and

WHEREAS, the Jaguars, described by Head Coach Seth Male as "a super resilient team and group of guys," came into the season with just one goal - to win a second consecutive 7A State Championship, and the team was such a powerhouse, with a dominating defense as their strength, that the squad gave up just five goals in 23 games; and

WHEREAS, throughout the season, the performance of all members of the Jaguars Soccer Team was nothing less than spectacular, and for his impressive play at the final match, Carson Pentecost was named Most Valuable Player of the State Championship; and

WHEREAS, Madison Central's extraordinary success would not have been possible without each of the following talented 2025-2026 soccer players, particularly the strong senior class, many of whom have been teammates for years, whose leadership in the locker room and on the pitch is a testament to the positive culture within the program: Carrier Kelly, Tanner Nichols, Keaton Katzenmeyer, Ben Smith, Charlie Chambliss, Peyton Campbell, Walter Dever, Alexander Barton, William Hawk, Ross Harden Beavers, Ethan Young, Donovan Cardona, Owen Brooks, Rob Bradley, Carson Pentecost, Kristopher Stone, Payne Bosarge, William Shoemake, Caden McKenzie, Landon Dale, Caleb Querin, David Suruvka, Bowen Jackson, Chase Norman, Paul Farthing, Reed Miller, Mouhamed Thiam, Christopher Neyland, Maxwell Payne, Logan Reef, Daniel Myrick, John Gordon Miller, Colt Dowd, Sion Robertson, Luciano Venegas, Gibson Washer, Cole Smith, Carter Canon, Nick Jones, Hunter Bearden, Malcom Mbouombouo, Bray Wilson and Kevin Bandala; and

WHEREAS, the Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team's back-to-back championship wins will be remembered not just for the state title, but for the standard set by the team built on mental toughness and an unwavering commitment to excellence, as evidenced by the squad's unparalleled spirit of teamwork and sportsmanship and the year-round training and hard work of each and every individual team member to be the best athlete he can possibly be; and

WHEREAS, the Madison Central High School Jaguars Soccer Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Seth Male and assistant coaches Brad Campbell and Simon Barinas, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and the team has been loyally supported and encouraged with each challenging game, both on their home turf and away, by team manager Bryce Greenhill, the school administration and local community; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring honor to their school, community and the entire 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 Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Seth Male on winning the 2026 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A Boys Soccer State Championship and extend best wishes to the team members and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Seth Male on behalf of the Madison Central High School Boys Soccer Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.