Senate Resolution 45

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE JACKSON PREP "PATRIOTS" BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JON MARCUS DUNCAN FOR WINNING THE 2024 MAIS DIVISION I CLASS 6A STATE SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, even though the score was tied 0-0 through most of the first half, the outcome never seemed in doubt; and

WHEREAS, the Jackson Prep "Patriots" Boys won the MAIS Division I Class 6A State Soccer Championship in dominating fashion over the Presbyterian Christian School (PCS) "Bobcats" on February 15, 2024, shutting out the visitors 3-0; and

WHEREAS, Prep applied the pressure from start to finish, using tremendous footwork and passing skills to keep the ball on the "Bobcats'" end of the field and PCS defenders on edge. With 10 minutes to play before the break, the "Patriots'" Austin Craft nailed a penalty kick past the "Bobcats'" goalkeeper, and fans seemed to hear the nail driving through the coffin; and

WHEREAS, "Austin is a senior, he is our goal-scorer, and everything goes through him," Prep Coach Jon Marcus Duncan said afterward. "He's had an unbelievable career. All of these seniors, they're big brothers to these younger guys. What a finish for them"; and

WHEREAS, Austin Craft sailed his penalty kick high and left into the net just outside of PCS's reach, and the excitement along the Prep sideline and in the stands was huge; and

WHEREAS, the "Patriots", who played with ease on offense and with serious intent on defense, earned more breathing room with 16:10 to play when senior Warner Russ put a short kick past the overworked PCS. Holding a 2-0 lead with most of the second half remaining the celebration was officially on. "This was a complete team effort," Coach Duncan said. "We played great in the back, I thought we controlled the middle, and our guys up front worked so hard to create some goals"; and

WHEREAS, Sophomore Jetson Hollingsworth put the icing on the cake with a goal from the right corner with 2:00 left, giving Coach Duncan his 29th career State Soccer Title at Prep, 15 with the boys' teams and 14 with the "Lady Patriots"; and

WHEREAS, the 2023-2024 Jackson Prep "Patriots" Boys Soccer Championship Team roster is: Eli Adams, Major Quin, Mason McCain, Elliot Davis, Matthew Merhle, Thomas Hewitt Oswalt, Wilson Berry, Sam Sherman, Rhodes Morgan, Christopher Owen, Cole Cress, Thomas Werne, Ty Davidson, Clayton Upchurch, Walker Dreher, Warner Russ, Austin Craft, Cooper McCearley, Luke Smith, Worth McGehee, Caleb Gutierrez, Jetson Hollingsworth and Robert Fletcher; and Coach Jon Marcus Duncan; 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 SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Jackson Prep "Patriots" Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Jon Marcus Duncan for winning the 2024 MAIS Division I Class 6A State Soccer Championship, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Jon Marcus Duncan and Jackson Prep Headmaster Lawrence Coco for the team, forwarded to the Jackson Prep Board of Trustees, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.