24 LC 112 1961 House Resolution 932 By: Representatives Blackmon of the 146 th , Ballard of the 147 th , Dickey of the 145 th , Williams of the 148 th , and Stinson of the 150 th A RESOLUTION Congratulating the Perry High School Panthers football team for winning the 2023 GHSA 1 Class 4A State Football Championship; and for other purposes.2 WHEREAS, the Perry High School Panthers football team has established and maintained3 a proud tradition of excellence with equal emphases on character and academics; and4 WHEREAS, the team brought special recognition to its school by winning the 2023 GHSA5 Class 4A State Football Championship against the formidable Stockbridge Tigers with a final6 score of 38 to 27; and7 WHEREAS, excellent play, superior teamwork, and extraordinary resilience made this team8 a spectacular one to observe throughout the season, and as a fitting finale to its remarkable9 2023 campaign, the team captured the first state football championship in program history;10 and11 WHEREAS, although the Panthers fell behind early, the pivotal play of the match was12 Gesha'nn Heard's recovery of a nearly fumbled kickoff, which he followed with a 54-yard13 dash to the end zone for the score; and14 H. R. 932 - 1 - 24 LC 112 1961 WHEREAS, junior running back Ahmad Gordon's exceptional performance, including three 15 touchdowns, significantly contributed to the team's victory and ensured that they would not16 lose their lead; and17 WHEREAS, the phenomenal performance of the team is a clear indication of the outstanding18 athletic ability, dedication, hard work, and unity of purpose and spirit of each member of the19 team; its superb offensive and defensive talents; and the astute direction of Head Coach20 Kevin Smith; and21 WHEREAS, this magnificent team earned its well-deserved reputation for excellence by22 performing with courage and precision over months of training and competition, it is23 abundantly proper to call them champions.24 NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that25 the members of this body congratulate the Perry High School Panthers football team for26 winning the 2023 GHSA Class 4A State Football Championship and extend best wishes for27 their continued success.28 BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Clerk of the House of Representatives is authorized29 and directed to make an appropriate copy of this resolution available for distribution to the30 Perry High School Panthers football team.31 H. R. 932 - 2 -