House Resolution 112

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WINONA HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOEY TOMPKINS FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP, THEIR FIRST IN PROGRAM HISTORY.

WHEREAS, the Winona High School Football Team reigned supreme at the 2023 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Championship when they defeated Noxubee County High School 34-27 to win their first football state championship in program history; and

WHEREAS, bursting with wit and athleticism, the Winona High School Football Team's mental stamina and determination never waivered from the moment they ran onto the field until the last down was played; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers, who were driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, finished their undefeated 14-0 season, and then intensely amplified all of their hard work and motivation, which were so apparent throughout the entire season, for the championship game; and

WHEREAS, in addition to being named state champions, several individual players won awards, including Chase Richardson, who was named MHSAA 3A Mr. Football; Head Coach Joey Tompkins was named Coach of the Year; Defensive Player of the Year was junior linebacker Tyler Lockhart; First Team Offense included Chase Richardson and T.J. Lockhart; Second Team Offense was Troylando Eden and Kam'Ron Richardson; First Team Defense was Fred Clark and

A'jerrian Garrett; and Second Team Defense was Chance Robinson and Tristin Purnell; and

WHEREAS, several players were also named to the Clarion Ledger All State Small Class First Team, including T.J. Lockhart, who was chosen because they helped Winona win its first MHSAA 3A state title, and Tyler Lockhart, who was chosen because he recorded 100 tackles, 11 sacks and 28 tackles for loss, leading Winona on defense and its first MHSAA 3A state title, and Second Team players included wide receiver Troylando Eden and linebacker Fred Clark; and

WHEREAS, the Winona High School Tigers Championship Football roster is comprised of the following talented athletes: Zaishun Nash, Kam'Ron Robinson, Danarius Robinson, Chase Richardson, Jemarius Sanders, Eric Boone, Javien Jackson, Fred Clark, Chance Richardson, Kylan Stinson, Tristin Purnell, Tristan Richardson, Jayden Washington, Tommarion Brown, Landon Crawford, Troylando Eden, A'jerrian Garrett, Tyler Lockhart, Antrion Kinnel, Kentrell Crawford, Aubrey Bailey, Elijah McCaskill, Jordan Richardson, Cuvari Davis, Connor Helms, Yoshawn Hudson, D.J. Johnson, Quantavis Small, Miles Bailey, Latavis Small, DC Campbell, Ethan Miller, D.J. Forrest, Jalon Oliver, Jakorrius Harvey, Jaylen Hardimon, Navarius Davis, Hammond Ausitn, Walynn Varnes, Mark Tyler, Dejuan McChristian, Deteppion Mallett, Zaire Amos, Javion Young, Jaedyn Acquah, Joe Reed Tompkins, Ja'Shawn Campbell, Omarion Eskridge, Tyson Butts, Neal Roberts, Ethan Green, Brent Herbert, Antonio Young, Ty'marion Kilpatrick, Ethan Bailey, Aidan Chapman, Reginald Campbell, Ariq Gross, Quincy Burt, Fredrick Woods, James Campbell, Bryce Tate, T.K. Small, Kolin Phillips, T.J. Lockhart, Wheeler Chandler, Quan Bland, Alston Crouch and Jakorian Eskridge; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Joey Tompkins has superbly coached and inspired the Tigers and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, the team's success would not have been possible without the help of Offensive Coordinator Philip Jordan, Defensive Coordinator Ben Burton, Assistant Coaches Atavis Campbell, Adam Bobo, Dane Milling, Steven Helms and Jacob Dickson, Statistician Andy Bridges, and Athletic Director Veronica Helms; and

WHEREAS, Managers Julien Duren, Skylar Glenn, Jayvien Flowers, Demarion Hudson, Mario Townsend, Deuce Campbell,

Willie Johnson, Ayden Johnson, Tee Eden and Alejandro White have each helped the Winona Tigers achieve their dream of winning a state championship; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Winona High School Tigers Football Team, who have brought honor to their school, the City of Winona and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Winona High School Tigers Football Team and Head Coach Joey Tompkins for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State Football Championship, their first in program history, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Joey Tompkins and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.