[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 25 (Thursday, February 6, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E140-E141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING MISSOURI'S 7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT'S FOOTBALL TEAMS

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                            HON. BILLY LONG

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 6, 2020

  Mr. LONG. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Webb City 
football team, who won their 15th State Title in Class 4 last year. 
``Go Cardinals''. I would also like to commend the Carthage football 
team for winning the Class 5 State Championship and our Joplin High 
School football team who were runner's up in the Class 6 State 
Championship. They all performed admirably this season and demonstrated 
a determination and dedication to their team, school, supporters and 
communities.
  Webb City football has a legacy of excellence and tradition that is 
evident in their record, which they only improved upon by claiming 
their fifteenth state title 48-0 against Platte County. The Cardinal's, 
ranked 1st in their Class with a 13-1 record, had a hard road reaching 
the finals. They faced not only the 2nd best ranked team, but also the 
3rd and 4th in the lead up to their championship win. Following their 
semifinal defeat in 2018 to the eventual champions, Webb City's program 
worked hard all season and succeeded in accomplishing their goal of 
``Chasing 15.''
  Carthage football's Class 5 Championship win was tough fought, 
including a nail-biting third quarter with an impressive long 
completion that secured their 27-21 win against second-ranked Jackson 
Indians. Their Coach, Jon Guidie, said the team ``just . . . [wouldn't] 
die and they just won't quit.'' This win was the first state title for 
the 5th ranked Carthage team who finished their season 12-2. The 
Carthage team has fought back against the difficulties of their season, 
which is a credit to their determination and grit.
  Joplin High School football team, ranked 3rd, lost to the 1st ranked 
De Smet in the Class 6 Championship game. The game was a hard-fought 
loss for Joplin High, with the Eagles unfortunately unable to hold a 
third quarter lead that would have secured a victory. The Eagles ended 
their season 13-1, having beaten Ft. Zumwalt West and Marquette in the 
semi-finals and quarterfinals respectively.
  All of our great Missouri football teams have persevered through 
difficult seasons and have

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become better players, better members of their communities, and better 
students in their journey to the State Title. I am honored to recognize 
their achievements, and I thank each team for making Missouri's 7th 
District proud.

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