Senate Resolution 7

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BIGGERSVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "LIONS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CASE INGRAM FOR WINNING ITS FIRST MHSAA CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WITH SECONDS REMAINING.

WHEREAS, on November 30, 2023, Biggersville was down in the MHSAA Class 1A State Championship, but they were not out. Trailing by nine points with five minutes to go, the "Lions" scored touchdowns on back-to-back possessions to stun previously unbeaten Velma Jackson 53-49 and clinch the 2023 MHSAA State Championship; and

WHEREAS, after trimming the Velma Jackson (13-1) lead to 49-47, Biggersville (12-1) got a defensive stop and great field position following a muffled snap on the "Falcons'" punt attempt. It took five plays, but quarterback Drew Rousey led the "Lions" to the goal line and found senior Tre Gunn on an option pitch for a two-yard touchdown in the final seconds to bring Biggersville its first Class 1A State Title; and

WHEREAS, there is something special about growing up in a small town like Biggersville. The traditions. The bond. The community. And, if you are luck, you might mix in a pretty amazing high school football team like the "Lions"; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 Biggersville "Lions" Championship Roster: Tre Gunn, Jathan Hatch, Cooper Feazell, Zialis Blackmon, Brooks Seago, Case Hilliard, Dillon Johnson, Austin Mays, Drew Rowsey, Eli Nguyen, Will Davis, Jayce Taylor, Logan Ellsworth, Ty Dildy, Tatum Mays, Chris Swinney, Hayden Samples, Matthew Haynie, Kirkland Moore, Brenlen Blackmon, Brandon Proctor, Jacob Sanders, Anthony Johnson, Brock Utley, Michael Hughes, Adel Bader, Chris Brown, Dalton Rogers, Logan Doss, Aidan Woodruff, Bryson Mitchell, Adavion Stewart, Cooper Moore, Kenny Pharis, Tate Smith, Oliver Eaton, Jay Prather, Hunter Turner, Chandler Crum, Head Coach Case Ingram, Assistant Coaches Goldman Butler and Tracy Stafford; and

WHEREAS, Jathan Hatch, a 6-foot-2 safety, is the No. 30 player in the state in the Class of 2024. He is a three-star prospect and committed to Louisville; and

WHEREAS, small towns across America produce some of the best high school football being played anywhere, regardless of population size, and 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 Biggersville High School "Lions" Football Team and Head Coach Case Ingram for winning its first MHSAA Class 1A State Championship with seconds remaining 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 Ingram, Biggersville Principal Sam Roberts, forwarded to the Alcorn County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.