[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 5, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E455]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




HONORING THE CARTHAGE HIGH SCHOOL BULLDOGS, 2016 CLASS 4-A, DIVISION I 
                        STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. LOUIE GOHMERT

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, April 5, 2017

  Mr. GOHMERT. Mr. Speaker, nestled in the eastern portion of the First 
District of Texas is a community which is home to the Texas Country 
Music Hall of Fame, known as the Gas Capital of the United States, and 
also home to the Texas state champions of the high school gridiron for 
2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013. Once again we have the great honor to 
recognize the accomplishments of the Carthage Bulldogs football team 
which has captured the title of Class 4A Division I Texas State 
Football Champions for the fifth time in the school's history.
   The title match found the Abilene Wylie Bulldogs meeting the 
Carthage Bulldogs on the turf to tangle for the state championship 
bragging rights, with the Carthage team emerging victorious and a final 
score of 31-17. The Carthage Bulldogs displayed great resilience and 
commitment throughout their season, and it is indeed an honor to bring 
these outstanding athletes to national attention and retention in our 
national record. The life lessons learned about teamwork, perseverance, 
and discipline will no doubt improve every participant in immeasurable 
ways.
   My heartfelt congratulations to champions Ashton Hicks, Jesus 
Jimenez, Keilinn Shelton, Davian Parker, Dee Bowens, Baylor Colle, 
Mason Graham, Felipe Ponce, Mekhi Colbert, Greg Hurst, Jase Dixon, 
Macain Jones, Dewaylon Ingram, Cole Whitlock, Josh Gradberg, Darrian 
Ingram, Elijah King, Tristan Boniol, Jace Tiller, Brandon Medrano, 
Roderic Calloway, Austin Russell, Gunner Capps, Austin Gray, Chris 
Attaway, James Ebarb, Cam'ron Matlock, Peyton Bickham, Nick Moore, 
Jaden Smith, Dayquan Woodard, Nate Brittenham, Logan Baker, Christian 
McClure, Freeman Thomas, Jaime Gonzalez, Kason Davis, Kevion Booty, 
Grant Griffin, Jesse Wayne Pierce, Brewster Griffith, Hunter Gauger, 
Chad West, Callam Barber, Terrance Lewis, J.T. Romero, Tyler Lewis, 
Demetrius Cooper, Mykel Gates, Casey Jones, Tucker Smith, Tanner 
Elliott, Jose Dejulian, Brandon Collier, Keaontay Ingram, Tykieast 
Crawford, Montario Wilson, Dillon Ebarb, Kaden Holcomb, Peyton Monroe, 
Trevonte Alexander, Matt Davis, Kelvontay Dixon, Tre Gatlin, Jalen 
Brooks, Alberto Sigala, Callahan Baldree.
   No matter how talented and committed, no team could achieve such 
success without a head coach of extraordinary vision and ability who 
could lead the Bulldogs to success both on and off the field. Scott 
Surratt has earned an unprecedented five state titles in his ten year 
career as head coach for the Carthage Bulldogs, placing him in the 
prestigious position of being one of the most successful Texas high 
school football coaches of all time.
   The Bulldogs are a perfect representation of what can be 
accomplished when a team possesses both perseverance and resolve with 
proper guidance from the entire coaching and support staff. 
Congratulations are extended to Assistant Coaches: Darren Preston, 
Kevin Davis, Lee Berry, Zeke Dixon, Clint Endsley, John Goodwin, 
Brandon Hargers, Demond Horsley, Ryan Marion, Dennis McLaughlin, Jim 
Milstead, Mike Morgan, Josh Ross, Charlie Tucker, James Watson; Junior 
High Coaches: Paul Bishop, Art Horton, Jeff Griffin, Bryan Stacy, Damon 
Roberts; Athletic Trainer: Derek Reed; Athletic Secretary: Mamie 
Vanover; and the Student Assistants: Mynaisa Bowman, Tara Sells, Serena 
Rascoe, Neece Pellum, Kayleigh McCormick, Ebonae Maxwell, Devan Hudman, 
Hunter Gray, Leticia Gonzalez, Austin Buchanan, Caleb Randall.
   A team and its coaches cannot soar to the heights of becoming 
champions without the encouragement and full support of the school 
itself, starting at the top with Superintendent: Dr. Glenn Hambrick; 
High School Principal: Otis Amy; and Assistant Principals: Pat Browning 
& Wade Watson.
   It is truly an incalculable honor to pay tribute to this 
sensationally astounding group of young people who became so much more 
than the sum total of the team's individual parts. They magnificently 
represent the very best of the Carthage community and the entire First 
District of Texas.
   May God continue to bless these young people, along with their 
families, friends and neighbors in Carthage, Texas. It is a tremendous 
honor to congratulate the 2016 State Football Champion Carthage 
Bulldogs, as their legacy is now preserved in the United States 
Congressional Record which will endure as long as there is a United 
States of America.

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