Senate Resolution 116

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE RALEIGH HIGH SCHOOL LIONS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH RYAN HIGDON FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on December 6, 2025, fans crowded Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi, to watch the Raleigh High School Lions Football Team win the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Championship, clinching the championship title in a 12-6 victory over Noxubee County; and

WHEREAS, both of Raleigh's touchdowns were scored by senior Jamarcus McCullum, and the quarterback and linebacker was deservedly given the MVP title for the championship game; and

WHEREAS, rallied by the support of their fans and their coaches, the Lions successfully stopped Noxubee County on multiple pass attempts and rushes in the red zone with four seconds remaining to secure the win; and

WHEREAS, the Lions have earned a reputation for greatness over the last four years, and after winning their first state championship in 2022, the team has continued to build on their extraordinary efforts to achieve victory once again, closing the season with an outstanding record of 14-1; and

WHEREAS, the 2025-2026 Raleigh High School Lions Football Roster: Brendan Harper, Deuce Carter, Kentravis Page, Marquis Perkins, Jamarcus McCullum, Jaylin Owens, Dariyun Moses, Damonta Keyes, Julian McCullum, Jordan Williamson, Strick Strickland, Jabrinyt Clark, Tyler Jones, Kaden Ashley, Brandon Laird, Mason Smith, Jordan Smith, Ollie Owens, Davion Hicks, Royce Howze, Will Ethridge, D'travion Franks, Zyrian Malone, Buck Fails, Jordan Ellis, Nick Morgan, Braylon Pace, Clyde Jones, Jace Dixon, Noah Westbrook, Jaden Purvis, Zhaiden Malone, JaMarion Owens, Kaleb Saterfiel, Kolten Risher, Jayden Wilbon, Jalik Jones, Jeffery Allen, Brynn Boykin, Jason Page, Jerry Harvey, Harlon Dove, Landon Allen and Will Higdon, with the support of the team's managers: Hunter Watts, Ethan Watts, Quentrez McKee, Landon Ellis, Jack Means, LanDon Byrd, James Smith, Rylan Dearman, Jasper Barnes and Deon Fairley, as well as the team's filmers, Holden Buffington and Kylen Smith; and

WHEREAS, this team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Ryan Higdon and Assistant Coaches Jared Smith, Larry Means, La-Dean Byrd and Ronald Smith, who have broadened the players' knowledge of the sport and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the members of this team will surely carry the unforgettable memories they have made, as well as the lessons of teamwork, dedication and perseverance they have learned, throughout their lives as they remember the feeling of accomplishment that accompanies being a champion; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we congratulate the members of this elite team, who have brought honor and pride to their school, their community and 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 Raleigh High School Football Team and Head Coach Ryan Higdon upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 3A State Championship, and extend best wishes to the team for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Ryan Higdon and Principal Morris Cascio for the Raleigh High School Football Team, forwarded to the Smith County Board of Education, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.