Senate Resolution 22

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE OAK GROVE HIGH SCHOOL "WARRIORS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DREW CAUSEY FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST MHSAA CLASS 7A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Oak Grove High School "Warriors" held off Starkville's comeback to win a 33-28 shootout over the "Yellow Jackets" in the MHSAA 7A State Football Championship Game played in Oxford on December 2, 2023; and

WHEREAS, star players shine in the biggest moments, and that is what Oak Grove football quarterback A.J. Maddox did in the Warriors' championship game. The senior was named the MVP of the MHSAA 7A Championship Game as Oak Grove (13-1) defeated Starkville in a matchup filled with standout players on both sidelines at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium, and Texas A&M commitment, A.J. Maddox, elevated his game to new heights during Oak Grove's playoff run; and

WHEREAS, Oak Grove Coach Drew Causey has stated, "A.J. is the best quarterback in the State of Mississippi." His belief in his quarterback is well-founded. Maddox finished 15-of-20 passing for 162 yards and one touchdown against Starkville. Maddox was in command, making wizard-like plays throughout the game. In the fourth quarter, he made one of his best plays when he hung in the pocket and stepped into a 16-yard completion as he took a crunching blow from a defender; and

WHEREAS, Oak Grove was forced to punt with less than two minutes left in the game and pinned Starkville inside its own 15 yard line; and

The 2024 Oak Grove Championship Football Roster: Jamar Pittman, Nehemiah Taylor, Alandez Blaylock, Chase Pinkston, Devonta Holder, Tajii Burkett, Kylin Champagne, Jordan Milsap, A.J. Maddox, Jory Scott, P.J. Woodland, Malachi Henderson, Jaylan Moore, Deavious Weary, Luke Stewart, Caston Brown, Kelton McLaurin, Kaiden Smith, Hayes Dickens, Dion Barber, Jalen Owens, Charles Barnes, Martez Blackwell, Chavel Williams, Jr., Kesler Jenkins, John Cotton, Trenton Barney, Tyquilious Clayton, Camren Helton, Tyberius Delaney, Caiden Bryant, Lamarcus Griffith, Will Smith, Dade Brewer, Aydon Howard, Brackston Waites, Landon Lawler, Tim Re, Kameron Weary, Traylen Moncrief, Reagan Wheeless, Naiim Revies, Hayden Herrin, Samuell Bezerra, Caleb Jones, Payton Rahming, Samuel Nicholas, Glenn Hartfield, Aidan Kelly, Diontrae Hayes, Tristen Smith, Braxton Hargrove, T.J. Sims, Xzavien Hall, Joshua Myers, Ryan Hampton, Deven Robertson, Aidan Elliot Bordelon, Christopher Gillespie, Darrius Whitsett, Kevin Ramsey, Austen Harrell, Jared Milsap, Chaston Ramsey, Keelin Pounds, Zay Lesure, Laythan Peters, Landun Coleman, Jeremiah McGee, Tashun Weary, Brady Strickland, Aidan Williams, Caleb Moore, Tavion Sumrall, Andrew Maddox, Landun Williams, Ethan Jones, Joshua Rucker and Eric Stacker; 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 Oak Grove High School "Warriors" Football Team and Head Coach Drew Causey for winning their first MHSAA Class 7A 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 Drew Causey for the team and Oak Grove Principal Helen Price, forwarded to the Lamar County Board of Education and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.