SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 221
WHEREAS, The Carthage High School football team once again
reached the pinnacle of success by capturing the 2016 University
Interscholastic League Class 4A Division 1 state championship on
December 16 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington; and
WHEREAS, Under the direction of head coach Scott Surratt,
the Bulldogs marched through the postseason with triumphs over
Silsbee, Houston North Forest, Henderson, Stafford, and China
Spring High Schools, setting the stage for a showdown with Wylie
High School of Abilene in the title game; and
WHEREAS, Rallying from an early 14-point deficit, the
Bulldogs notched two touchdowns and a field goal against Wylie to
close out the first half tied at 17; though both teams were held
scoreless in the third quarter, Carthage launched a devastating
ground assault in the final frame, tallying two rushing
touchdowns to win by a score of 31-17; with the victory, Carthage
clinched its fifth state title in the past nine years, and Coach
Surratt earned the distinction of becoming one of only four Texas
high school football coaches with five or more championship
trophies; and
WHEREAS, The Bulldogs offense was led by junior running
back Keaontay Ingram, who rushed for 180 yards and two touchdowns
on his way to being named the Offensive Most Valuable Player;
pacing the defense was senior defensive tackle Austin Russell,
who recovered two fumbles to earn the Defensive Most Valuable
Player award; en route to the state crown, Carthage also received
valuable contributions from the other members of the roster; and
WHEREAS, Through their superior caliber of play in 2016,
the Carthage Bulldogs have furthered their reputation as one of
the elite teams in Texas high school football, and they may take
justifiable pride in their accomplishments; now, therefore,
be it
RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th
Legislature, hereby congratulate the Carthage High School
football team on winning the 2016 University Interscholastic
League Class 4A Division 1 state championship and extend to all
those associated with the squad sincere best wishes for continued
success; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for
the team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate.
Hughes
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President of the Senate
I hereby certify that the
above Resolution was adopted by
the Senate on February 21, 2017.
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Secretary of the Senate
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Member, Texas Senate