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TO HONOR THE SALUDA HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACHES ON THEIR IMPRESSIVE WIN OF THE 2019 CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND TO SALUTE THE PLAYERS ON A STUPENDOUS SEASON.
Whereas, a team of destiny, the Saluda High School football team roared past the Barnwell High School Warhorses 39-14 to decisively claim the 2019 Class AA State Championship; and
Whereas, a throng of excited Saluda fans packed Columbia's Charlie W. Johnson Stadium on December 7, 2019, in anticipation of the Tigers' first state title game since 1963, when Hall of Fame coach Mooney Player was leading the program. And just as in 1963, the Tigers finished the 2019 game with a trophy and a title; and
Whereas, Mr. Football finalist Noah Bell, Saluda's star quarterback, delivered a stellar performance, finishing 25-of-29 passing for 372 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 98 yards and a touchdown. In addition, Saluda receiver Dallan Wright caught ten passes for 171 yards and four touchdowns, including one made from a leaping catch over a Barnwell defender early in the fourth quarter. Overall, the victorious Tigers finished with 523 yards of offense and was 9-of-12 on third downs; and
Whereas, the victory caps an improbable title run filled with moments of triumph and disappointment. The Tigers entered the playoffs as underdogs, having finished the regular season with losses to Abbeville and Batesburg-Leesville. They decided to go back to basics and try to have fun, and the reboot proved successful as the Tigers stormed through the playoffs with three blowout wins before knocking off four-time defending champ Abbeville in the Class AA Upper State championship; and
Whereas, championship seasons result from grit, tenacity, and hard work, and Head Coach Stewart Young and his fine staff are proven experts in instilling these qualities in the teams they coach. Together, they restored Saluda High School football to its former glory, building a team worthy of the school's proud tradition; and
Whereas, sadly, one member of this championship team, Jaden Coleman, suffered an auto accident on January 27, 2020, and passed away from his injuries. He will be greatly missed by his teammates, his school, and his hometown; and
Whereas, the Saluda High School Tigers have given their school and community reason to be proud of their accomplishments, and the members of the Senate take great pleasure in adding their collective voice to the glowing praise flowing in to this outstanding group of young athletes. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the Senate:
That the members of the South Carolina Senate, by this resolution, honor the Saluda High School football team and coaches on their impressive win of the 2019 Class AA State Championship.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Robert Etheredge and Head Coach Stewart Young of Saluda High School.
This web page was last updated on February 4, 2020 at 5:51 PM