Senate Resolution 3

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE THE MAGEE HIGH SCHOOL "TROJANS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH TEDDY DYESS FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 20 YEARS.

WHEREAS, for the first time in 20 years, the Magee High School Trojans Football Team are state champions. Magee outlasted Noxubee County 49-26 on December 4, 2020, at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium to finish the season 12-0 and win the Mississippi 3A State Championship. The win is Magee's first State Championship since 2000 and fifth in school history; and

WHEREAS, "The community was hungry for this," Magee Coach Teddy Dyess said. "They got behind us and really supported this group of young men. The local excitement is just unbelievable"; and

WHEREAS, Magee quarterback Chandler Pittman, ranked as a three-star athlete by the 247 Sports composite rankings, was responsible for five touchdowns Friday. He threw for 132 yards and three touchdowns and ran for 185 yards and two touchdowns. Magee and Noxubee County went back-and-forth throughout the first half. Both offenses exploded in the second quarter, with Magee scoring three touchdowns and Noxubee County scoring two to give Magee a 28-20 halftime advantage. Pittman added his fifth touchdown in the third quarter on a highlight play; and

WHEREAS, wide receiver Xavier Franks, a three-star receiver committed to University of Central Florida who caught four passes for 55 yards and a touchdown, described the feeling of overcoming all the adversity his team did in a year shortened and altered by COVID-19 to bring Magee a championship as incomparable. He praised Coach Dyess, stating, "He made us better men, better teammates and better players"; and

WHEREAS, the Magee High School "Trojans" 2020-2021 State Championship Varsity Football Team roster is: Cayden Bridges, WR, DB; Chandler Pittman, QB, SB, CB; Emanuel Thurman, MLB; Cameron Floyd, LB; Jaylen Floyd, WR; Javon (Jody) Durr, LB; Xavier Franks, WR, CB, DB; Tristan Newsome, QB, DB; Thomas Dyess, QB, WR, LS; Tylan Benson, RB, LB; James Floyd, RB; DQ Levy, WR, FS; De'juan Brown, DB; Kyerston Tucker, WR; Jameyian Spencer, RB, LB; Banks Teater, LS; Jaquez Durr; Gavin Drones, DB; Demichael Green, WR; Jawon Shaw, RB, LB; Jay Sims, WR, DB; Jamari Smith, LB; Billy Hubbard, WR; Kendarious Rogers, LB; Jamarion Kitchens, DB; Jonathan Barnes; Darian Woods, LB; Isaac Tatum, RB, DB; Keywhaun Ducksworth, RB, DL; Gavyn Chafin, K; Wesley McCollum, WR; Romanuel Barber, DB; Gabe Branning, DE, OLB; Joshua (Josh) Keyes, DL; Lavell Milton, Jr., RB; Marcus Herrington, LB; Kurtson (Kurt) Thurman, OL, DL; Jamaal Dinkins, OL, DL; Jordan Magee, OL, LB; Kris Hayes, DL; Preston Grim, C, G; Christopher Dinkins, G, DE; Jaylen Hicks, DT; Jacolby Bridges; Matthew Higgins, OL, DL; Tyler Barnes, OL; DJ Jones, G, DE; Gabriel Hooker, OL; W. Bryce Herrington, T, G; Christian Mendez, OL, DL; Hunter Steele, C; Corshawn Jones, OL, DL; Dylan Harper; and Isaiah Graves, WR; and Coach Teddy Dyess; 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 Magee High School "Trojans" Football Team and Coach Teddy Dyess for winning their first State Championship in 20 years, and extend to the players, coaches and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Teddy Dyess and Magee High School Principal Dr. Brad Blake, forwarded to the Simpson County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.