House Resolution 58

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST POINT HIGH SCHOOL "GREEN WAVE" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS CHAMBLESS FOR WINNING ITS FIFTH MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND TWELFTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALL.

WHEREAS, on Thursday, December 1, 2023, West Point (11-3) defeated Laurel 35-7 on a wet and cold night at Ole Miss' Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in Oxford, Mississippi, a victory that marked the Green Wave's fifth state title in the past nine years and 12th overall, most in the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA); and

WHEREAS, Laurel (8-7) scored on its opening drive, a 31-yard rushing touchdown from Kobe Pierce, but that was the only one that the Golden Tornadoes could score, as West Point shut them down for the rest of the game; and

WHEREAS, in a battle of two run-heavy offenses, West Point staked its claim early, controlling the time of possession with lengthy touchdown drives, and defensively, they held their own, helping build momentum as the lead grew; and

WHEREAS, West Point easily dominated Laurel, and Kahnen Daniels showed why he was selected as the Class 5A's Mr. Football award recipient as he rushed for 253 yards and three touchdowns to help West Point win its first state championship since 2019; and

WHEREAS, the Green Wave had 447 total rushing yards in the 5A title game, and Quinterion Tillman-Evans rushing for 129 yards and two touchdowns to help the Green Wave secure its win; and

WHEREAS, the senior class was the first one in almost a decade without a state title on their resumes, and coming up short multiple times lit a fire under this team to end that streak this season so their goal became bringing home the real hardware, and they were successful, as their bus ride home to West Point had some extra cargo with them in the form of a shiny gold football; and

WHEREAS, in addition to a state championship goal, this team's mantra was "refuse to lose, be a pro and win the state championship" and they were able to accomplish that; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 season was Coach Chambless last as head coach for the Green Wave as he announced his retirement after 25 total seasons on West Point's football staff, seven years as a defensive coordinator and 17 seasons as head coach, and during his incredible tenure, he won eight total state titles, seven as head coach with an overall record of 206-45; and

WHEREAS, the 2023 West Point High School Green Wave Championship Roster includes the following talented athletes: Kyair Parker, Shun Crawford, Kahnen Daniels, Keimon Ewing, Kaleb Dyson, Quantaze Powell, Quinterion Tillman-Evans, AJ Lee, Colt Whitacre, Coledan Carter, Jykeon Cunningham, Kobe Hammond, Dantariyus Cannon, Walker Moore, Louis Facella, Eric Blanchard, Quentin Thompson, Jemarquez Melton, Tyler Robertson, Laquavis Cunningham, Jorden Rush, Cameron Walker, Jakobe Pate, Devin Jones, Justin White, Branson Rainey, Brentston Edwards, Jamarquez Petty, Jermarion Edwards, Jaylen Cungious, Jermaine Elliott, Alex Harper, Quantarrius Dawson, La'Davious Harris, Tristan Eggerson, Joseph Vance, Davieon Rice, DJ Moseley, Jamichael Forest, Cameron Donald, Jamarcus Shumpert, Tysean Darden, Isaiah Cunningham, Rasheed Harris, Maurice Hall, Denarrion Tallie, Kylan Cox, Dmonte Jefferson, Kontarian Avant, Lajarvis Ewing, Kasavion Shelton, Blake Tillman, Jermari Rush, Jaylin Rush, Tyrin Ewing, Vashawn Ross, Josh Lairy, Jordan Chandler, Xavier Moody, Jaylon Moore, Mckinvein Mckinney, Bryson Gandy, Dakorian Raines, Markel Walker, Jylis Penson, Drake Stafford, Deandre Young, Taurus Gunn, Keandre Young, Zay Lowery, Tytus Davidson, Bryson Thomas, Marquez Randle, Felix Blair, Jalon Sanders, Emmanuel Davidson, Tyran Cox, Curtyrion Bilbo, Justin Collins, Elijah Lowery, Jervon Davenport, Aidan Brooks, Jose Lemus, Ronald Odneal, Jabari Cunningham, KeAris Smith, Tyjai Matthews, Tycreshon Orr, Makeal Box, Quent Rupert, Thaddeus Evans, Jacobe Scott, Shaun Blair, Jamarion Bell, Wesley Blanchard, Tyren Warren, Jaquez Davis, Tray Bell, Josh Gray, Tyzarious Townsend, Jordan Rush, Head Coach Chris Chambless, Assistant Coaches Roger Burton, Brenston Edwards, Brett Morgan, Eddison Rice and Justin Wooten; and

WHEREAS, the Green Wave have historically been considered "The Football Capitol of Mississippi" and home to some of the best high school football being played anywhere; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize this fine 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 West Point High School "Green Wave" Football Team and Head Coach Chris Chambless for winning its fifth Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State Championship and twelfth overall and extend best wishes for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Chris Chambless, West Point High School Principal Dr. Temeka Shannon, the West Point Consolidated School District Board of Trustees and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.