Senate Resolution 6

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LUMBERTON HIGH SCHOOL "PANTHERS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH ZACH JONES FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 1A FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Lamar County is the home of two 2020 State Football Champions; and

WHEREAS, Lumberton High School "Panthers" only needed 30 seconds to win a state championship. Behind a 42-yard game-winning touchdown pass from Quarterback Rodney Parker to Wide Receiver K'nylan Willis with 24 seconds left, Lumberton defeated Biggersville to win the MHSAA 1A State Championship Game 20-14. The win on December 4, 2020, in Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium makes up for Lumberton's loss in the state championship last season. The Panthers finished the season 12-1; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers also received vital efforts from Running Back Robert Henry who rushed 27 times for 111 yards and one touchdown and Wide Receiver K’nylan Willis who caught five passes for 59 yards and one touchdown. Lumberton led for most of the game, but Biggersville took advantage of a late opportunity. Lumberton punted with 2:15 remaining and Biggersville returned the punt to its own 45-yard line, giving the Lions one last chance to come back. Lumberton took over following that drive and needed five plays to retake the lead and seize the school's first state championship since 2010; and

WHEREAS, "I think it's the biggest life lesson you can have," Lumberton Coach Zach Jones said. "You can get your head down but you can't lay down. When bad things happen, you've got to fight. We did today and fortunately we were able to get it"; and

WHEREAS, the 2020 Lumberton High School "Panthers" Championship Roster is: K'nylan Willis; Danarius Edwards; Josh Polion; Tyler Bush; Trevon Jessie; Robert Henry; Da'byron Conerly; Makari Holder; Shavante Toney; Rodney Parker; Hayden Campbell; Qumari Rogers; Khaled Bush; Kelby Bush; Abasi Bolden; Jakeith Sandifer; Kierstyn Joseph; Jeff Townsend; Kalyjah Willis; JT Robinson; Jonathan Edwards; Preston Taylor; Amir Hill; Antonio Tillman; Ledavian Fairley; Blake Walters; DJ Young; Amarion Chaney; Kamani Bolden; Wesley Ladner; Steven Lonadier; Tysean Toney; Keyshawn Drummond; CJ Nemmers; Bubba Walters; Mannix McGill; Karoderick Edwards; Broxton Knight; Jayce Lumpkin; Kyle Deno; Trevonta Evans; Markees Johnson; and Kamari McLemore; and Head Coach Zach Jones; 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 Lumberton High School "Panthers" Football Team and Head Coach Zach Jones for winning the MHSAA Class 1A Football Championship, and extend the best wishes of the Senate to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Zach Jones for the team and Lumberton High School Principal Bryan Giles, forwarded to the Lamar County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.