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
		________________________________
		President of the Senate
		I hereby certify that the
		above Resolution was adopted by
		the Senate on February 21, 2017.
		________________________________
		Secretary of the Senate
		________________________________
		Member, Texas Senate