88R30333 CW-D
By: Clardy H.R. No. 1777
R E S O L U T I O N
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.