House Resolution 25

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE GULFPORT HIGH SCHOOL ADMIRALS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BLAKE PENNOCK ON WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 7A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on December 6, 2025, in an unbelievable game that will surely forever be remembered in the annals of state championships in Mississippi, the Gulfport High School Admirals Football Team clinched its first title in school history when the team reigned supreme against the Tupelo High School Golden Wave Football Team with a 21-20 last-second win at Davis Wade Stadium on the campus of Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, finishing the team's most successful season of all time with several program records being made, the Admirals' victory in their first ever matchup with the Golden Wave set a school record for the most wins in a season, with the phenomenal championship title being the 12th consecutive win after rebounding from two early season losses; and

WHEREAS, the Admirals, flawlessly 6-0 in region play, recorded its first district title since 2019, while impressively racking up an amazing 514 points in 2025, setting yet another program record for the school's history books; and

WHEREAS, making their first appearance at a state championship in 43 years, the Gulfport Admirals entered halftime with a 7-point lead over the defending state champs after Cooper Crosby, named Most Valuable Player for the championship game, ran for a 20-yard touchdown in the first quarter before doubling the score early in the second quarter on a 54-yard touchdown run; and

WHEREAS, Tupelo, roaring to win and retain its championship title, strongly emerged from the midgame break and tied the score with a third quarter touchdown before adding six more points in the Golden Waves' final play with only 27 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter, bringing the nail-biting game to a 20-14 lead for the Tupelo squad with less than half a minute before the final buzzer for the Admirals to answer back; and

WHEREAS, with just two seconds on the clock, in an unbelievable way seen only in the movies, quarterback Parker Nettles launched a Hail Mary pass on the last play of the game which was tipped in the endzone but, in no less than miraculous fashion, fell into wide receiver Mylan Stubbs' arms, tying the score 20-20 before kicker Carter Platt added the extra point of a lifetime with the clock having expired; and

WHEREAS, while the Admirals' brilliant offense racked up a total of 376 yards over 49 plays, the exceptional defense, led by linebackers Andre Peters III and Deandrew Williams, who combined for 21 tackles, were no less impressive in this storybook championship contest; and

WHEREAS, the team's success throughout the season would not have been possible without, in Coach Pennock's words, "the heart and resilience of our guys never quitting" and the endless training and hard work of each of the following talented student-athletes who comprise the 2025 Admirals team: Cannon Parker, Syniker Taylor, Amuai Frederick, Javon Anderson, Faviour Hales, Cooper Crosby, Cordarious Payton, Pierre Felder, Jackson Wolverton, Jamarion Davis, Shaw Killabrew, Geziah Davis, Eli Carter, Camden Morgan, Jayonne Pollard, Parker Nettles, Deuce McDonald, Myles McNair, Deandre Williams, Mylan Stubbs, Andre Peters III, Lawrence Peek, Tyrell Seales, Jaden Jones, Carter Platt, Cortell Crandle, Isaiah Ellison, Tyson Otumfor, Kaleb McDonald, Lawrence Robertson, Taijeohn Bruks, Noah Fitzgerald, Jayqualan Peters III, Amari Davis, Avery Amos, Jerondric Dortch, Dalyn Saucier, Zander Carter, Dailen Perkins, Talvador Harry, Mavin Daniel, Jacob Bealer, Cole Hunter, Ty Bush, Micah Bullard, Kayun McDonalds, Neyovaughney Tavale, Kydus Reese, Phillip Towner, Grant Hunter, Darius Davis, Dylan Davis, Braxton Boswell, Jacoby Ray, Antoine Ray, Ja'Marion Moses, Bruce Davis, Jerimiah Lightner, Hunter Smith, Timothy Brown, Chris Harper, Christian Scruggs, Abdual Lovett, Jr., Malachi Smith, Parker Smith, Truett Freeman, Lavell Hall, Khamron Brown, Brantley McKinney, Austin Ray, Cooper Gouin, Jy'savian Causey, Nick Strickland, Aleaton Ausmer, Q'Uron Price, Traylon Rockingham, Kylan Easterling, Jaqurean Smith, Samuel Barnes and Jordyn Fernandez; and team managers and trainers: Colton Ladner, Elijah Warren, Jordyn Crawford, Jakirah Keyes, Jakayiah Robinson, Serenity Wrice and Tyanna Reid; and

WHEREAS, the players have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Blake Pennock and assistant coaches Patrick Mooneyham, Zach Green, Cameron Tawater, Justin Jones, James Antonini, Don Smith, Richaud Floyd, Adarius Haralson, Jamal Hall, Chase Cooley, CJ Anderson, Ryan Strong, Lasavon Mangum, Brandon Barna and Carlos Evers, all of whom have broadened the players' knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Admirals' phenomenal achievement in defeating Tupelo in the state championship is a testament to the steadfast support of Athletic Director Matt Walters, School District Superintendent Glen East and the entire Gulfport 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 Gulfport High School Admirals Football Team, who have brought honor to their families, 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 Gulfport High School Admirals Football Team and Head Coach Blake Pennock on winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 7A 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 Blake Pennock on behalf of the Gulfport High School Admirals Football Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.