A house RESOLUTION

 

TO CELEBRATE THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM FOR A SPECTACULAR SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM ON TAKING HOME THE 2024 CLASS AAAA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, determined to capture yet another state crown, the South Florence High School football team poured it on to defeat Westside 42-41 at the 2024 Class AAAA State Championship title game, played on Saturday, December 13, 2024, at Orangeburg's Oliver C. Dawson Stadium; and

 

Whereas, it was the Bruins' second state championship title in three years; and

 

Whereas, during the fourth quarter of the title game, South Florence captured a 42-35 lead, and Westside responded with a touchdown, but the Rams' two-point conversion pass was knocked down. Result: The Bruins handed Westside its first loss in 27 games, giving South Florence a season record of 12-3; and

 

Whereas, records of the championship game testify to intense effort. South Florence running backs Tre Leonard and Zion Gilbert combined to rush for 305 yards. The labors of these two yielded Leonard 25 carries for 191 yards and a touchdown and enabled Gilbert to rush for 114 yards on 20 carries. Further, South Florence quarterback Messiah Jackson rushed for two touchdowns and had 14 carries for 49 yards; he also completed 9 of 11 pass attempts for 134 yards and three touchdowns. Moreover, Jayden Sellers caught 7 passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 13 yards on four carries; and

 

Whereas, notably, South Florence dominated time of possession: The Bruins held on to the ball for 38:44, while the Rams had it for just 9:15; and

 

Whereas, such victories do not come overnight; they take determination and hard work. With proven consistency in both, Coach Andrew "Drew" Marlowe has built his football program into one of championship caliber that refuses to settle for second best; and

 

Whereas, the journey to winning the state title required discipline, dedication, and teamwork, qualities that always will serve these young athletes well, both on and off the gridiron. With admiration, the House recognizes and applauds the outstanding work of the South Florence High School football team and wishes its members much continued success in all their future endeavors. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, celebrate the members of the South Florence High School football team for a spectacular season and congratulate them on taking home the 2024 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 of South Florence High School.

----XX----