MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Kirby, Harkins, Michel, Barnett, Butler (38th), McLendon, Thomas

Senate Resolution 7

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PREP "PATRIOTS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DOUG GOODWIN FOR WINNING THE MAIS CLASS 6A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, Jackson Prep quarterback Paxton Thompson led Jackson Prep (12-1) with 161 passing yards and three touchdowns in a 21-14 victory over 3-time defending champs Madison-Ridgeland Academy (10-4).  The drought had lasted 1,464 days from the 2018 MAIS 4A Title Game, and ended November 19, 2022, with Jackson Prep's victory as the MAIS Class 6A Champions at Mississippi College; and

     WHEREAS, Jackson Prep's offense started off slow out of the gates.  However, the Patriots tallied a score just before half-time in hopes of sparking a second-half comeback.  After trailing 14-7 at halftime, Jackson Prep got to work, tying the game at 14-14.  A few drives later, a deep pass found Will Upton to give Jackson Prep its first lead of the game after they forced several takeaways from MRA.  Jackson Prep went on to win 21-14 to claim their 26th State Championship Title, their first Championship win since 2018; and

     WHEREAS, "These guys have a lot of character and a lot of fight in them and they weren't going to quit," Jackson Prep Head Coach Doug Goodwin said; and

     WHEREAS, the 2022 Jackson Prep Championship roster is:  Sam Watts, Duncan Matthews, Josh White, Winn Crosby, Nolan Canoy, Ford McDaniel, Matthew Laseter, William Walker, Lake Womack, Carson Powell, Will Upton, Parker Puckett, William Laird, Clayton Upchurch, Paxton Thompson, Hayden Frazure, Harrison Fulcher, Peyton Puckett, Bodie Akins, Blount Blackledge, Grey Thompson, Owen Ishee, Beckham Powers, Bennett Herring, Luke Smith, Benji Branning, Luke Harrigill, Ford Futvoye, Will Herron, Micah Stallworth, Cole Gideon, Major Quin, Will McMaster, Woods Roberson, Ken Core, Jake Bailey, Thomas Gough, Cage Puckett, Thomas Cross, Parker Page, Sean Michael Odom, Trey Welch, Mason McElveen, Laird Johnson, Charles Phillips, Maddox Noe, Blair Hurst, Robert Watson, Stewart Grubbs, Clayton Grubbs, Allen Rebich, Wilson Cotten, Mason Brown, Banks Hewitt, Brantley Denson, Cole Allen, Laquarrious Finley, Henry Jordan, Robert Thomas, Jay Allen, Ryan Fisackerly, Reid Vineyard, Thomas Coco, Carter Eaton, Charlie Norris, Charles Walker Waddell, Barton Lampton, Gage Liston, Turner Reeves, Walter George, Owen McCraney, Andy Brown, Jack Carter, Holden Heigle, John Ed Maddux, Chad Mask, Will Morgan; Head Coach Doug Goodwin, Coaches, Graham Eklund, Matt Butts, Nick Brewer, Zander Romano, Marcus Thompson and Rusty Burke; 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 Jackson Prep "Patriots" Football Team and Head Coach Doug Goodwin for winning the MAIS Class 6A State Football Championship and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Doug Goodwin for the team and Jackson Prep Headmaster Lawrence Coco, forwarded to the Jackson Prep Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.