Senate Resolution 43

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RUSSELL CHRISTIAN ACADEMY "WARRIORS" FOOTBALL TEAM FROM MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI, AND COACH ANDY BRADDOCK FOR WINNING THEIR SIXTH CONSECUTIVE ALABAMA CHRISTIAN EDUCATION ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, John Benny Jones scored one touchdown for each of Russell Christian Academy's six state championships in six years, including the winning touchdown on November 5, 2022, in Tuscaloosa, Alabama; and

WHEREAS, the Russell Christian Academy senior quarterback threw for 336 yards and three touchdowns against Jacksonville Christian and also rushed for 170 yards and three scores as the "Warriors" defeated the Jacksonville "Thunder" 44-22 at Tuscaloosa Christian to win the "Warrior's" sixth-straight Alabama Christian Education Association Eight-Man Football State Championship; and

WHEREAS, it capped off a strong season for Jones, who was named the game's Most Valuable Player. In addition, Jones was selected as an All-Conference Linebacker and the All-Around Player of the Year in the ACEA's Eight-Man Football League, also known as the Christian Football Association (CFA). "I loved it because it was my last year, and I had to go out with a bang," Jones said; and

WHEREAS, with five state championships entering the contest, it may have felt like a given that Russell Christian Academy would end up on top at the end of the season, but Coach Braddock said it was far from a sure thing in 2022. "Nobody felt like we would be here tonight," Braddock said. "This group just has more grit than any team I've ever coached and just had heart all year. We were behind in several games and went into halftime being behind, and they came back and won it, which just shows the grit they have"; and

WHEREAS, Gabe Brinson finished with 137 yards receiving to lead RCA, and Dennis Childress had nine tackles and three sacks on defense. Aiden Burns caught two interceptions for the "Warriors," and Russell Christian Academy also recovered two fumbles on defense, one inside its own red zone early in the game. Russell Christian Academy's Noah Harbour was named an All-Conference Offensive Lineman in the CFA, while Childress was an All-Conference Defensive Lineman. Darden was selected All-Conference Defensive Back, and Gabe Brinson made All-Conference as Wide Receiver; and

WHEREAS, the 2022 Russell Christian Academy Championship Roster is: Kam Darden, Dennis Childress, Matthew Williams, Seth Garrett, Aiden Null, Aiden Burns, Maddox Neal, Decker McKenzie, Carter Simmons, John Benny Jones, JB Jones, Gabriel Brinson, Chance Null, Jonathan Roberts, Eli Hodges, Hunter Jarman, Josh Ropp, Jace Wiggins, Noah Harbour, Sam Garcia, Ty Jones, Caleb Purvis and Head Coach, Andy Braddock; and

WHEREAS, Russell Christian Academy was founded in 2004 and exists as a ministry of Russell Baptist Church to partner with parents in equipping students to embrace Biblical truth, achieve their God-given potential, and engage the culture for the cause of Christ. Students in the school are provided a Christian education that challenges each one spiritually, morally, socially, physically, and academically; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student Christian athletes who have brought pride 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 Russell Christian Academy "Warriors" Football Team from Meridian, Mississippi, and Coach Andy Braddock for winning their sixth consecutive Alabama Christian Education Association State Championship, 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 Andy Braddock for the team and forwarded to Russell Christian Headmaster Dr. Sean Burleson, to the Russell Christian Board of Trustees and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.