TITLE: Recognizing the Carthage High School football team for winning a state championship.

SUMMARY: Recognizing the Carthage High School football team for winning a state championship.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Carthage High School football team once again reached the pinnacle of success by capturing 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 as head coach at Carthage; and WHEREAS, Through hard work and an unwavering resolve to give their very best, the Carthage Bulldogs have furthered the school's legacy of football excellence, and all those associated with the team may reflect with pride on a job well done; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 88th Legislature, 4th Called Session, 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 team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hughes President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on November 30, 2023.