House Resolution 29

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LOUISVILLE HIGH SCHOOL "WILDCATS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND TRIPLE STATE TITLE COACH TYRONE SHORTER FOR WINNING THE 2023 MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Louisville High School's reign in Mississippi high school football has been solidified with its 12th state title; and

WHEREAS, the MHSAA Class 4A Championship game at Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on December 2, 2023, showed the Louisville "Wildcats'" (15-0) dominance; and

WHEREAS, with six minutes left and Columbia down to the 21-yard line, Semaj Knowles intercepted on the 5-yard line. After a three-and-out, Columbia's second drive to the 40-yard line resulted in an interception in the end zone by Kameron Triplett. There were two potential scoring drives, and two stops by Louisville. Louisville beat three schools that reached MHSAA championship games this year during the regular season - Starkville, Noxubee County and West Point. These victories helped Louisville immensely in preparation for this year's playoffs; and

WHEREAS, Coach Tyrone Shorter chalked up Louisville's success to "hard work and dedication." He explained, "These guys come to work every single day. Our defense has been playing great all year. That's what we do in Louisville, we build our defenses." In the first half, Louisville's defense shined, only allowing 58 total yards with no scores. In the second half, they allowed only one scoring drive and two turnovers, sealing the win; and

WHEREAS, with Louisville having a 12-1 record in MHSAA football title games dating back to 1924, Shorter becomes the first coach in program history to win three state titles; and

WHEREAS, Louisville's 12th state championship ties the state record with West Point for the most in MHSAA history; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 "Wildcats" Championship roster is: Xzarion Haynes, Jykevious Goss, Timothy Hoskins, Dakota Steele, Kendon Sanders, Jayllun Hoskins, Jayshunn Robbins, Jaylin Jordan, Xavier Hunt, Corxavier Coleman, TayQuon McKinney, Kenneth Hill, Deniro Jackson, Lagarious Wraggs, Tynarius Wraggs, Robert Long, Kamron Triplett, Joshua Ammons, Triston Edwards, Semaj Knowles, Khalin Macon, Jordan Hunt, Armon Triplett, Zaiden Jernigan, Travon McDonald, Korben Sanders, Jamarion King, Jacari Owens, Dallas Lee, Caden Thompkins, Tyler Glenn, Ayden Coleman, Jaylin Crosby, Donatavious Lewis, Camrin Jones, Zamonte Carter, Mitchell Turner, Kevulon Turner, Imarrion Parker, Errieyon Thomas, Zytavious Pledge, Javonte Wraggs, Tivonney Carter, Dyjalen Miller, Gregory Jernigan, Ladarroius Cunnigham, Larium Miller, Jeremiah Jackson, Seth Fairley, Cory Brock, Wynn Ewing, Marquavion Jackson, Camerron Skeen, Jeremiah Ash, Dontea Cross, Mario Johnson, Jayden Lee, Tyler Tate, Christopher Hickman, Kellon Mann, Noah Childs, Davin Caldwell, Ceidrick Hunt, Jirah Walker, Phillip Rush, Kristain Eiland, Joel Brown and Jacob Walker; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student-athletes who have brought honor to their school, their community and to 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 Louisville High School "Wildcats" football team and Triple State Title Coach Tyrone Shorter for winning the 2023 Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship and extend the best wishes of the Legislature to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to Coach Tyrone Shorter, the Louisville Municipal School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.