House Concurrent Resolution 48

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Columbia High School Wildcats Football Team, representing Columbia High School in Marion County, Mississippi, distinguished itself during the 2025 football season by capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship, earning statewide recognition for excellence in interscholastic athletics; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats concluded a remarkable postseason run with a championship victory on December 5, 2025, at Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, defeating Kosciusko High School to secure the Class 4A state title, demonstrating discipline, resilience, and competitive excellence on Mississippi's largest high school football stage; and

WHEREAS, throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Wildcats consistently displayed a balanced and dominant style of play, combining a strong defensive presence with timely and effective offensive execution, as reflected in their decisive victories during postseason competition; and

WHEREAS, the team's success was achieved through the collective effort and commitment of its student-athletes, whose hard work, sportsmanship, and perseverance exemplified the highest ideals of Mississippi high school athletics; and

WHEREAS, the championship achievement of the Columbia High School Wildcats Football Team was made possible through the collective efforts of the following student-athletes, who comprised the 2025 Class 4A State Championship roster:

Junior Curney, Tra Lewis, Christian Expose, Drew Bilderback, Keelan Williamson, Savarion Gray, Ashton Daniels, Chris May, Kavion Newson, BJ Lee, Tyrone Davis, Clyde Peters, Greyson Carney, Tyron Averett, Jonathan Lowery, Hagi Cain, Ashton Thompson, Brydan Webber, Larry Allen, Logan Johnson, Tyson Brown, Billy Fisher, JP Haddox, Alex Bolton, Tay Nguyen, Jordyn Edwards, Ashton Franklin, Jacob Harris, Terry Neal, Kaven Bridges, Amari Swarptue, Jadari Jefferson, Lawal Owokunle, Grady Swann, Tyson Thompson, Earl Loyd, Patrick Peters, Greg Laird, Achilles Pittman, Zentavious Sims, Tanner Kilgore, Tristen Ballew, Jeremy Harper, Ike Broome, Camden Fornea, Derick James, Mac Walley, Tobias Walker, Rico Crosby, Kathan Neese and Brayden Thornhill; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats were guided by the leadership of head football coach, Chip Bilderback, along with associate head football coach, Craig Cluff; defensive coordinator, Chris Fortenberry; assistant coaches, Eric Booth, Alex Davis, Kendrick Hardy, Kevin Hurley, Garon Malone and Jaymie Palmer; athletic trainer, Nicole Keys; team doctor, Dr. Bert Beisel; and team managers Quinlan Williams, Jake Racadio, Damien Williams, Jakwon Lewis, and Jamari Peters, whose combined leadership, preparation, mentorship, medical support, daily commitment and emphasis on accountability and teamwork were instrumental in leading the program to a state championship season; and

WHEREAS, the 2025 Class 4A State Championship stands as a source of pride for Columbia High School, the Columbia School District, Marion County, and the broader South Mississippi community, inspiring students, families, and supporters while reinforcing the value of dedication and teamwork; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to acknowledge the crowning achievements of the Columbia High School Wildcats Football Team, which reflects not only athletic excellence, but also the commitment of educators, administrators, parents and community members who support and invest in the development of Mississippi's youth:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Columbia High School Wildcats Football Team for winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship and for representing their school and community with distinction and pride, and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the administration of Columbia High School, Head Coach Chip Bilderback on behalf of the Wildcats Football Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.