H.R. No. 36

R E S O L U T I O N

WHEREAS, The Duncanville High School football team reached the pinnacle of success by winning the 2022 University Interscholastic League 6A Division 1 state championship on December 17 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington; and

WHEREAS, The title game victory closed out a historic campaign in which the Panthers went undefeated, beginning their run by reeling off nine victories during the regular season; after claiming the District 11 championship, Duncanville rode a wave of momentum into the playoffs and advanced to the program's second straight state finale with wins over Bryan, Wylie, The Woodlands, Spring Westfield, and Prosper High Schools; and

WHEREAS, In a championship battle between unbeaten teams, the Panthers matched up against Galena Park North Shore, who entered the game ranked No. 8 in the nation by MaxPreps; Duncanville tallied two touchdowns in the early going, including a thrilling 88-yard scoring run, to go up 14-0, but the Mustangs responded, and the game was knotted at 21 at the intermission; late in the third quarter, Duncanville retook the lead, punching in a touchdown on a fourth down run from the nine yard line; a stout Panther defense held strong for the remainder of the game, delivering a crucial stop to force a turnover on downs with a minute remaining; when the final seconds ticked off the clock, the Duncanville players and their many fans celebrated a 28-21 victory and the school's second state crown; and

WHEREAS, Running back Caden Durham was named the Offensive Most Valuable Player for his three-touchdown performance while Defensive MVP Colin Simmons accounted for two sacks to bring his season total to 22.5; over the course of the team's unforgettable season, the Panthers also received valuable contributions from the other members of the roster: Lontrell Turner, Kadavion Dotson-Walker, Dayvian Bluitt, Dakorien Moore, Elijah Wilson, Chris Miller Jr., Eli Wallace, Kaleb Kenney, Kei' Trone Simpson, Michael January, Keelon Russell, Del'Drick Madison, Kalan Mcinnis, La'modrick Spencer, Vernon Grant III, Tyren Polley Jr., Ayson Theus, James Adams, Nehemiah Borner, Tyderick Brown, Nick Thompson, Quinard Choice Jr., Javion Holiday, Tamir Hunt, Cyrus Moore, JaQualon Armstrong, Cameron Burns, Sabastian Benetez, Solomon Charles, Ronald Simmons, Dion Lewis Jr., William Glenn, Desean Bryant Jr., Josiah Drake, Zahmaurixia Jones-Lewis, Noah Ponce, Jerry Scales, Jabreohn Peters, Benjamin Taylor-Whitfield, Damian Martinez, Mason Williams, Ameer Ross, Steven Gipson, Armani Franklin, Antwone Brantley, William Carrigan, Jeffrey Manns, Zion Henderson, Justin Vigil, Jonathan Batres, Rasheed Jackson, Cameron Simon, Anton Valentine, Nathan Mccoy, Jacory Agnew, Metric Manning II, Chris Torres, Zachery Turner, Sherrod Johnson, J'Shon Claycomb, Avery Brown, Tre Ossenkop Mosley, Ryan Hodge, Antwon Brown, EJ McKinney, Donovan Harmon, Daylen Wilson, and Jameir Willis; and

WHEREAS, The Panthers were ably guided by head coach Reginald Samples and assistant coaches Ramel Borner, Todd Peterman, Xavier Brown, James Mitchell, Randy Martinez, Jason Garrett, Patrick Hemphill, Jeff Sowells, Charles Davis, Gabe Samuels, Xavier Joe, Marcus Wilder, Antwoine Shelton, Odell James, Tray Allen, Derwin Wilson, Justin Magazine, Ryan Polite, Myke Sisson, Anthony Wallace, and Josh Cronkite; the team further benefited from the support of principal Michael McDonald and interim athletic director Kenya Landers as well as athletic trainers Alec Hawkins, Paola Cabrera, Richard Webster, Joe Demosthene, Janae Pullins, and Marissa Moss; and

WHEREAS, In earning the state title and compiling a perfect record against top competition, the Duncanville High School Panthers have burnished their community's reputation as the "City of Champions," and this achievement will be fondly remembered for many years to come; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Duncanville High School football team on winning the 2022 UIL 6A Division 1 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 by the Texas House of Representatives.

Davis

______________________________ Speaker of the House

I certify that H.R. No. 36 was adopted by the House on March 8, 2023, by the following vote: Yeas 140, Nays 0, 2 present, not voting.

______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House