85R6017 RMA-D
By: Paddie H.R. No. 299
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, The Carthage High School football team furthered its
record of success by winning the University Interscholastic League
4A Division 1 state championship on December 16, 2016, at AT&T
Stadium in Arlington; and
WHEREAS, During their postseason run, the Bulldogs
dispatched formidable opponents from Silsbee, Houston North
Forest, Henderson, Stafford, and China Spring High Schools to
advance to the finals against Wylie High School of Abilene; and
WHEREAS, In the title game, Carthage overcame an early 14-0
deficit with two touchdowns and a field goal to enter halftime tied
at 17; both offenses then fell silent until the fourth quarter, when
the Bulldogs notched a pair of rushing touchdowns to win by a final
score of 31-17 and clinch their fifth championship trophy in the
past nine years; the squad was led by junior running back Keaontay
Ingram, who was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player after
rushing for 180 yards and two touchdowns, and senior defensive
tackle Austin Russell, who was selected as the Defensive MVP after
recovering two fumbles; and
WHEREAS, Carthage's success was the result of a true team
effort, with each member of the roster providing valuable
contributions throughout the course of the season; moreover, the
Bulldogs drew on the expertise and inspirational leadership of head
coach Scott Surratt and his staff; and
WHEREAS, Winning a state championship is the culmination of
countless hours of hard work and an unwavering commitment to
excellence, and the Carthage players and their many supporters in
the community will treasure the memory of this outstanding
accomplishment for years to come; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 85th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate the Carthage High School football
team on winning the 2016 UIL 4A Division 1 state championship and
extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.