TITLE: Congratulating the Carthage High School football team on winning the 2022 UIL 4A Division 2 state championship.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Carthage High School football team on winning the 2022 UIL 4A Division 2 state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Furthering their remarkable legacy of gridiron excellence, the Carthage High School football team closed out an unforgettable year by winning the 2022 University Interscholastic League 4A Division 2 state championship; and WHEREAS, The Bulldogs began their journey to the title with an undefeated regular-season run that yielded the district championship; continuing to excel in the playoffs, they bested Pittsburg, Van Alstyne, Gilmer, and Texarkana Pleasant Grove High Schools to reach the state semifinals; in that contest, Carthage clinched a thrilling 42-35 decision over Glen Rose High by scoring a touchdown with only eight seconds remaining; with the win, the team punched its ticket to the state championship game for the 10th time in school history; and WHEREAS, On December 16, top-ranked Carthage battled No. 6 Wimberley High School for the state crown at AT&T Stadium in Arlington; delivering impressive performances on both sides of the ball, the Bulldogs capitalized on forced turnovers and controlled the line of scrimmage, building an insurmountable 35-0 halftime lead and going on to triumph by the final score of 42-0; with the victory, Carthage collected its ninth state title, adding to its championships won in 2008, 2009, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, and 2020, and ended the season with a perfect 16-0 record; and WHEREAS, Carthage was led in the title game by Connor Cuff and Jakerrian Roquemore, the game's respective Offensive and Defensive Most Valuable Players, and by Noah Paddie, who tied a 4A state final record with 191 receiving yards; the Bulldogs also received valuable contributions throughout the year from each member of the roster, and these talented student-athletes were ably guided by head coach Scott Surratt, who secured his ninth title in 15 years at the helm of the Carthage football program; and WHEREAS, By accomplishing the rare feat of winning a ninth state championship, the Carthage Bulldogs have burnished their school's reputation as a gridiron powerhouse, and memories of this exceptional achievement will resonate with their fellow students and their many supporters in the local community for years to come; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Carthage High School football team on winning the 2022 UIL 4A Division 2 state championship and extend to the players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the Bulldogs as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Clardy Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1777 was adopted by the House on May 25, 2023, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House