MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Fillingane, Barnett, Chassaniol, Dearing, Jackson (32nd), Norwood, Simmons (12th)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND SALUTING THE JEFFERSON DAVIS COUNTY "JAGUARS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH LANCE MANCUSO FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MHSAA CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AS A CONSOLIDATED PROGRAM.
WHEREAS, the Jefferson Davis County School District embarked upon an exciting but challenging task, which has rendered one of the best local academic decisions for students and community. The realignment of two high schools, Bassfield High and Prentiss High, effective August 1, 2017, into one new high school, Jefferson Davis County High School, serving all 9th through 12th graders within the district, has fostered a sounder measure of teacher efficacy. The realignment efforts have afforded the Jefferson Davis County School District a much stronger fiscal foundation, which has greatly enhanced the academic opportunities for students within the district. In spite of a year of uncertainty and challenges, the students have risen to the challenge both academically and athletically, winning the 2017 Mississippi 3A State Football Championship; and
WHEREAS, it didn't matter that this was a new program, a first-year school after the consolidation of Prentiss and Bassfield where Coach Lance Mancuso had already won five state titles. In year one at Jefferson Davis County, Mancuso football was firmly in effect, and the Jaguars took their first 3A State Championship on December 2, 2017, with a 37-6 win against Yazoo County at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford. The Jaguar defense was everywhere; Jefferson Davis County contained Yazoo County to just 13 rushing yards and 25 passing and the overall offensive matchup was 381 to 64; and
WHEREAS, the consolidation of Bassfield and Prentiss placed challenges on the community. Coach Mancuso said after winning South State this playoff run has meant as much as many in his career. Mancuso is used to winning titles. This is his seventh in his career. When it became clear they had it, he walked over to his bench where many starters sat and shook each player's hand one-by-one. For Jefferson Davis County, it has been a season of learning to grow together; and
WHEREAS, the 2017 Jefferson Davis County High School "Jaguars" Football Championship Team Roster is: Lyric Hall, QB/DB; Demazie Mikell, LB/FB; Kenterio Smith, LB/RB; Frank McAfee, LB/SE; Chris Thompson, DB/RB; Ronald Baker, DB/SE; James Washington, FB/LB; Jevonta Milton, DB/RB; Malik Shorts, DB/QB; Adarius Odom, DB/RB; Tooddrick Reese, DB/RB; Keshawn Holloway, LB/TE; Joe Applewhite, DB/SE; Kyser Booth, DB/RB; Darryl Posey, DB/SE; Nakia Blackmon, DB/RB; Quentin Herring, DB/RB; Deandre Shorts, DB/SE; Hunter Hathorn, LB/RB; Zion Hathorn, LB/FB; Jafharis McKines, RB/DB; Blessaad Bridges, DB/HB; Marcus Middleton, LB/RB; Justin Berry, LB/FB; D'Jamien Ball, DB/RB; Michael Armstrong, LB/SE; Ricky Griffith, RB/LB; Alan Hawthorne, DB/RB; Equaridric Ross, LB/TE; Delijuan Dampier, DB/SE; Terry Bryant, DL/FB; Rhodrick Williams, LB/TE; Michael Carraway, DB/SE; Jacoby Barnes, DB/SE; Radonte Womack, DL; Jessie Smith, DL/OL; Savion Funchess, DL/OL; Darryl Sims, LB/OL; Nick Hall, LB/OL; Zach Williams, DL/OL; JVeus Johnson, DL/OL; Kameron Johnson, DL; Cameron Broome, DL/OL; Raul Marin, DL/OL; Marcus Loftin, DL/OL; Jimel Peterson, DL/OL; Caspian Daley, OL/DL; Ron Taylor, DL/OL; Ben Holmes, OL/DL; Desmond Oatis, OL/DL; Anthony Watts, OL/DL; Scott Harvey, DL/OL; Yanni Gray, DL/OL; Tyshun Newsome, OL/DL; Justin Ducksworth, OL/DL; Rayveon Hall, LB/TE; Jasper McCraney, DB/SE; Chase Hanegan, DB/SE; Jalen Newsome, DB/SE; Chris Hathorn, DL; and LaDarren Ball, DL; and Head Coach Lance Mancuso; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this special group of student athletes who have brought honor to their school, their communities and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and salute the Jefferson Davis County "Jaguars" Football Team and Coach Lance Mancuso for winning their first Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Championship as a consolidated program, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Mancuso for the team, forwarded to Jefferson Davis County Superintendent Will Russell, Principal William Wheat and the Jefferson Davis County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.