House Resolution 55

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CALHOUN CITY HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH M.D. JENNINGS ON WINNING THE 2025 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on December 4, 2025, in a cold, rain-soaked game that won't be forgotten for years to come, the Calhoun City High School Wildcats Football Team emerged victorious against the Simmons High School Blue Devils in the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A State Championship with a narrow 14-8 win at Davis Wade Stadium on the campus of Mississippi State University; and

WHEREAS, finishing the season with a phenomenal 13-1 record, Calhoun City's championship performance in a game marked by the sloppiest of playing conditions showcased the team's mental stamina and fierce determination to win along with the players' exceptional talent; and

WHEREAS, Calhoun City, knowing the Blue Devils would be giving it their all on their third consecutive attempt for a seemingly elusive championship trophy, had a rough start, with the Blue Devils taking an 8-0 lead in the first quarter before the Wildcats' Demarious Pittman answered with a six-yard touchdown followed by a two-point conversion; and

WHEREAS, a scoreless second quarter sent both teams to the locker room at halftime all tied up at 8-8, but with just eight seconds remaining in the third quarter, the undaunted Wildcats pounced when running back Xavian Pittman rushed for a 33-yard touchdown, securing Calhoun's City 14-8 victory that earned the three-time state champions their first golden ball since 2016; and

WHEREAS, with a cold rain pouring down most of the evening, the championship game was largely a battle of the defenses, with both teams having suffered three turnovers and combined for a mere 240 yards of offense, but the Wildcats' powerhouse defense reigned supreme, holding the Blue Devils to just 45 plays and 97 total yards; and

WHEREAS, the team's success throughout the season would not have been possible without the endless training and hard work of each of the following talented student-athletes who comprise the 2025 Wildcats football team: Jaylon Jackson, Trell Dorrough, Jaquavion Jennings, Shane Farmer, Demarious Pittman, Xavian Pittman, Kejuan Armstrong, Blake Lawrence, Harland Pittman, Bryson West, Dereon Mays, Kayden Holland, Za Gary, Aden Hill, Brennan Lawrence, Jamarious Hill, Jamarion Deloach, Kari Ewing, Makavion Wilson, Makevion Gray, Kayden Hardin, Kemauri Salley, Deshun Jones, S.J. O'Briant, Javontae Harvey, Joseph Powell, Carson Brumley, Russell Pass, Ty Ford, David Draine and Bryan Bucklely; and

WHEREAS, the players have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach M.D. Jennings and assistant coaches Sawyer Byars, Cameron Clarke, Travis England, Chakel Gates, Bradley Mitchell and Justin Moore, all of whom have broadened the players' knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Calhoun City High School Wildcats Football Team, who have brought honor to their families, school, community and the 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 Calhoun City High School Wildcats Football Team and Head Coach M.D. Jennings on winning the 2025 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 1A 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 M.D. Jennings on behalf of Calhoun City High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.