A house RESOLUTION

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE Patrick Henry Academy varsity football TEAM, COACHES, AND SCHOOL OFFICIALS FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2023 SOUTH CAROLINA Independent School Association CLASS 1a STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the Patrick Henry Academy football team of Hampton County captured the South Carolina Independent School Association (SCISA) title at the championship game on Saturday, November 18, 2023; and

Whereas, to the delight of their exuberant fans, the Patrick Henry Patriots won their first state championship game since 1994 by defeating a competitive Lee Academy, the defending SCISA Class 1A state champions, 35-28, and posted an 11-2 season; and

Whereas, to make the football win all the sweeter, the Patrick Henry baseball team garnered the state title in May, and many of the same players were members of both teams; and

Whereas, the Lee Academy Cavaliers took off in the first half with a 14-0 lead with less than ten minutes to go before halftime. Patrick Henry Academy senior quarterback Hugh Fairey tossed an eight-yard scoring pass to teammate Rylin Brunson with 7:20 left in the half; and

Whereas, the Cavaliers responded with a touchdown making the score 21-6 with 3:43 left in the first half. Hugh Fairey directed a 10-play scoring drive, hitting Mikell Tucker Mathis on a five-yard score with thirty-one seconds left in the half. A two-point conversion made the score 21-14 at the break; and

Whereas, the Patriots received the second-half kickoff and scored in four plays when Al Tariq Johnson caught a 40-yard touchdown pass on third and eight to tie the score at 21. Lee Academy answered that score in seven plays with another touchdown to take a 28-21 lead with almost eight minutes left in the third quarter; and

Whereas, the next score did not come until the fourth quarter, but Lee Academy was not able to put anymore points on the scoreboard. Hugh Fairey's 73-yard touchdown connection with brother Forest Fairey on the first play of the fourth quarter tied the game at 28. When the Cavaliers lost the ball on their own 39-yard line, it took only five plays for the Patriots to grab their first lead, 35-28, as Hugh Fairey scored on a one-yard run with 7:42 left in the game. The teams traded punts, and Lee Academy had one last possession, taking over at the Patrick Henry 44-yard line with just under two minutes; and

Whereas, on third down from the 50-yard line, Forest Fairey came down with an interception deep in their own territory to seal the victory with thirty-six seconds left.  Brother Hugh led the Patriot offence with more than three hundred total yards, throwing for about two hundred seventy yards; and

Whereas, in a sport that requires strength, strategy, and fortitude, Head Coach Joe Gray Peeples and his skilled coaching staff used their own athletic experience and training to forge a championship-caliber team and teach these athletes life principles that will endure beyond the gridiron; and

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives appreciates the pride and recognition that the Patrick Henry football players have brought to their school and their community, and the members look forward to following their continued achievements in the days ahead. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, recognize and honor the Patrick Henry Academy varsity football team, coaches, and school officials for an outstanding season and congratulate them for winning the 2023 South Carolina Independent School Association Class 1A State Championship title.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Director of Administration Bonnie Wilson and Coach Joe Gray Peeples.

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