A house RESOLUTION

 

TO RECOGNIZE AND HONOR THE South Carolina State University football TEAM and COACHES FOR AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND TO CONGRATULATE THEM FOR WINNING THE 2025 National Historically Black colleges and universities' CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives is pleased to learn that the members of the South Carolina State University football team of Orangeburg County won the 10th Annual Cricket Celebration Bowl held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Saturday, December 13, 2025; and

 

Whereas, to the thrill of their exuberant fans, the South Carolina State (SC State) Bulldogs defeated the competitive Prairie View A&M Panthers in four overtimes to secure the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's (MEAC) seventh all-time victory in the event with a nail-biting 40-38 victory; and

 

Whereas, by halftime, SC State had a 21-point deficit, but Bulldog quarterback Ryan Stubblefield entered the game late in the second quarter and began to turn the tide for the Bulldogs; and

 

Whereas, the Bulldogs had an explosive third quarter, scoring three touchdowns on drives of fewer than 50 yards to tie the game and take the teams into overtime. In the first overtime, both teams traded field goals, but in the second overtime neither team scored; and

 

Whereas, neither team converted during the two-point attempt of the third overtime, setting the stage for the dramatic finish. In the fourth overtime, Ryan Stubblefield connected with Tyler Smith on the decisive two-point conversion, and the Bulldogs' defense sealed the win when Prairie View's final attempt was incomplete; and

 

Whereas, Ryan Stubblefield delivered a standout performance, throwing for 234 yards and two touchdowns. His favorite target, Tyler Smith, accounted for all three Bulldog touchdowns, two receiving and one rushing, and he caught the game winning two-point conversion. Tyler Smith finished the game with nine receptions for 152 yards; and

 

 

Whereas, Head Coach Chennis Berry, in his second season with the Bulldogs, has led the team to back-to-back MEAC Championships and Celebration Bowl victories. In a sport that demands strength, expertise, and determination, he and his skilled coaching staff maximized their own athletic ability 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 SC State football players have brought to their university and the State, 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 South Carolina State University football team and coaches for an outstanding season and congratulate them for winning the 2025 National Historically Black Colleges and Universities' Championship title.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Coach Chennis Berry.

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