A concurrent RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE South Florence High School FOOTBALL TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR an historic SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2022 SOUTH CAROLINA CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina General Assembly is pleased to learn that the members of the South Florence High School football team captured the Class AAAA State Championship title in the championship game held at Charlie W. Johnson Stadium in Columbia on Saturday, December 3, 2022; and

Whereas, in the football program's first appearance at a state championship game, the South Florence Bruins routed a highly regarded Northwestern High School team by a score of 57-30; and

Whereas, the Bruins tackled and passed their way through a spectacular 15-0 season, including a beatdown of top-ranked South Pointe and third-ranked West Florence. In all, the Bruins outscored their opponents 714-225 during the season to become the first male athletic team to win a state championship in South Florence history; and

Whereas, South Florence took an early 7-0 lead in the championship game and never fell behind. After scoring five touchdowns within its opening six drives, the Bruins' offense sputtered in the second half, failing to score on three straight possessions and allowing the Trojans to tighten the lead to 37-30 early in the fourth quarter. But, as champions do, the Bruins dug deep and ended the game with three straight touchdown drives; and

Whereas, the Bruins' offensive performance was headlined by quarterback LaNorris Sellers, who passed 260 yards for five touchdowns and rushed 192 yards for another score as the Bruins racked up 570 yards of total offense. Bringing in Sellers' touchdown passes were Ervin Singletary, who caught five passes for 126 yards and three touchdowns, and LaNorris's younger brother, Jayden Sellers, who caught four passes for 122 yards and two touchdowns; and

Whereas, the fireworks show put on by the offense was complemented by the fortress built by the defense, which frustrated Northwestern's ground game and held the Trojans to their lowest point total this postseason; and

Whereas, Hunter McClary, Dirrick Goodman, Jaylin Davis, and LaNorris Sellers were named All-State selections; Jaylin Davis was chosen as a North-South All-Star; and LaNorris Sellers was honored as a Shrine Bowl selection and offensive MVP; and

Whereas, in his third year as head coach, Drew Marlowe and his skilled coaching staff capitalized on their athletic ability and training in a sport that demands strength and determination to forge a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principals that will prove invaluable through life both on and off the field; and

Whereas, the members of the General Assembly value the pride and recognition that the South Florence football players and coaching staff have brought to their school and their community, and look forward to following their continued accomplishments in the days to come. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the Senate, the House of Representatives concurring:

That the members of the South Carolina General Assembly, by this resolution, recognize and honor the South Florence High School football team, coaches, and school officials for a stellar season and congratulate them for winning the 2022 South Carolina Class AAAA State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Shand Josey and Coach Drew Marlowe.

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