House Resolution 23

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BROOKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DARIEN DORSEY ON WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Brookhaven High School Panthers Football Team emerged victorious against West Point High School Green Wave in the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship with a commanding 31-19 victory at the Davis Wade Stadium on the campus of Mississippi State University, securing the team's first state title since 2004; and

WHEREAS, finishing the season with an outstanding 12-2 record, Brookhaven demonstrated dominance throughout the year and capped off their remarkable campaign with a thrilling comeback in their championship performance that showcased the team's mental stamina and determination along with their exceptional talent; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers, nervous in facing the defending West Point state champs boasting a record 13 state championships, had a rough start, trailing at the halftime break 19-10 after having a scoreless first quarter before getting on the board in the second quarter with a 24-yard field goal by Isaac Iles and a 51-yard touchdown run by Jaden Allen in the second quarter; and

WHEREAS, after making adjustments during halftime, the Panthers came roaring back in the third quarter, taking a controlling 31-19 lead after Dreamus Harron, Caiden Quarles and Jeremy Bibbs each secured a touchdown while the Panthers' defense completely shut down the Green Wave momentum of the first half; and

WHEREAS, the team's success was powered by standout performances, including running back, Caiden Quarles, whose rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries earned him the distinction of being named Most Valuable Player in the championship game; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers are comprised of the following talented student-athletes: Timmothy Smith, Jeremy Bibbs, Dreamus Harron, EJ Ratliff, Cortavian Dixon, Jaden Allen, Caiden Quarles, Adrian Blakely, Derwin Fields, A'Semiyon Smith, Durrell Washington, Freshawn Stewart, Landon Hardy, Reece McNulty, Crews Stewart, R'Javien McCall, Jeremiah Bibbs, Anthony Johnson, Kyle Smith, Jordan Jones, Kameron Rutland, Zakobi Washington, Tanner Hardy, Jamontae Cooper, Debreeco Mitchell, Jr., Kenvarsite Williams, Mario Smith, Seth Cameron, Jeremiah Merchant, Ralph Brothern, Ayden Belcher, Ethan Walker, Jaylen Robinson, Dezavion Smith, Cortez Cameron, Philip Harris, Elliot Peavey, George Stewart, Jeremiah Robinson, Markiell Robinson, Ladell Nelson, Gunner Bennett, Hampton Smith, Anthony Simmons, Randy Jones, Gavin Collins, Rjarien McCall, William Avery, Benton Turner, Zacarias Richardson, Jaqwan Lewis, Phillip Tobias, David Holloway, Landon Baker, Terrell Bates, Cayden Hargro, Jaylan Jones, Katari Wilson, Fabian Washington, Davion Smith, Danny Hunt, Kaiden Bledsoe, Roderick Henderson, Dazayvian Lloyd, CoDerro McDaniel, Daquavion Lewis, Paiso Stewart, Bryan Sanders, Isaac Iles, Kemarjae Lee, Houston Webb, Chernenko Smith and John Trunner; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Darien Dorsey and Assistant Coach Aaron King have superbly coached and inspired the Panthers and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and they continue to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers' remarkable achievement in defeating West Point for the state championship, only the second title in program history, is a testament to the support and pride of the Brookhaven community, whose encouragement and unwavering belief in their team continue to inspire success on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Brookhaven High School Panthers Football Team, who have brought honor to their school and community and the entire 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 Brookhaven High School Football Team and Head Coach Darien Dorsey on winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A State Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Darien Dorsey, on behalf of the Brookhaven High School Panthers Football Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.