Bill Text: MS HR117 | 2026 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Winston Academy Patriots Football Team; commend and congratulate on winning the 2025 MAIS Class 2A Division II State Championship.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Republican 1)
Status: (Passed) 2026-03-19 - Enrolled Bill Signed [HR117 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2026-HR117-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2026 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Hood
House Resolution 117
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WINSTON ACADEMY PATRIOTS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH PAT BYRD UPON WINNING THE 2025 MID-SOUTH ASSOCIATION OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS (MAIS) CLASS 2A DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, the Winston Academy Patriots Football Team demonstrated extraordinary resilience, discipline and determination by winning the 2025 Mid-South Association of Independent Schools (MAIS) Class 2A Division II State Championship with a commanding 20-0 shutout victory over Oak Hill Academy on Saturday, November 22, 2025, in Clinton, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, this championship marks the seventh state football title in Winston Academy history and represents the program's first state championship in 25 years, completing a remarkable turnaround and restoring championship tradition to Patriot Field; and
WHEREAS, the Patriots' championship season stands as a testament to perseverance, as the team overcame early-season adversity, including injuries, inexperience and a 0-5 start, before rallying to win five of its final eight games and earn the right to compete for a state title; and
WHEREAS, Winston Academy delivered a dominant defensive performance in the championship contest, holding Oak Hill Academy scoreless while limiting the Raiders to just 129 total yards of offense, forcing key turnovers and recording three sacks by Eli Goforth, Owen Woodward and Graison McDill; and
WHEREAS, other impressive senior stars on the team, Owen Woodward and Eli Goforth also recorded five tackles each on defense during the championship game which were pivotal moves in bringing home the coveted title; and
WHEREAS, notable seniors, Ben Caperton and Rhett Hatcher also distinguished themselves by contributing to the offense and defense of the Patriots during the entire season, and especially the championship game; and
WHEREAS, senior leader, Beau Boatner anchored the Patriots' championship effort with an outstanding two-way performance, rushing for 107 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries while also recording nine tackles on defense, exemplifying leadership, toughness and commitment throughout the season; and
WHEREAS, quarterback Jayson McMillin guided the Patriots' offense with poise and efficiency, accounting for two touchdowns, including a nine-yard scoring pass to King Ashford and a three-yard rushing touchdown, while finishing his final game with 239 total yards of team offense; and
WHEREAS, the team's success throughout the season would not have been possible without the tireless dedication of the talented student-athletes who comprised the Winston Academy Patriots team: Colton Mills, Paxton Greer, James Haven Joiner, Jayson McMillin, Beau Boatner, Kingsley Ashford, Trip Hill, Trenton Rhodes, Rett Hatcher, Tanner Lee, Ben Caperton, Eli Goforth, Pervis Holmes, Jonah Hood, Owen Hood, Kipton Edwards, Tyler Fortenberry, Beaux Blanton, Easton Jordan, KJ Fulton, Johnson Wyckoff, Carson Pham, Levi Prisock, Madden Snow, Matt Dempsey, Hayden McDill, Hayden Blanton, Graison McDill, Cole Caperton, Landon Clark, Owen Woodward and Jesse Wilson; and
WHEREAS, this team has thrived under the leadership of Head Coach Pat Byrd, who spent eight years rebuilding the program's foundation and culture. The Patriots embraced discipline, conditioning and accountability, proving that sustained commitment and character development are essential ingredients of championship success; and
WHEREAS, Coach Byrd credited the team's conditioning, unity and belief in one another as decisive factors in the second-half surge that secured the championship, noting that the Patriots imposed their will through preparation, endurance and collective resolve; and
WHEREAS, the 2025 Winston Academy Patriots Football Team's achievement stands as a powerful example of resilience, determination and teamwork, inspiring student-athletes across Mississippi and reaffirming that perseverance in the face of adversity yields a lasting reward; and
WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding achievements by student-athletes whose accomplishments bring honor to their schools, communities 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 Winston Academy Patriots Football Team and Head Coach Pat Byrd upon winning the 2025 MAIS Class 2A Division II State Championship and upon completing a historic and inspirational season marked by resilience, discipline and excellence.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Winston Academy Headmaster, Head Coach Pat Byrd on behalf of the Patriots Football Team and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
