Jackson City Council recognizes Lanier High School football team

JANS – On December 2, 2025, the Jackson City Council recognized Lanier High School football team for an outstanding season. The resolution, introduced by Ward 3 Councilman Kenneth I. Stokes, reads as follows: 

RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI HONORING JACKSON’S HISTORIC LANIER JR.- SR. HIGH SCHOOL 2025 FOOTBALL TEAM FOR EXCELLENCE OF COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE

WHEREAS, the City Council of Jackson, Mississippi, in highest tradition, commends ingenious persons who advance the lives of family, friends and community; Head Coach Tommy Kelly, a Jackson Public Schools’ Provine graduate, came to the helm at historic Lanier High School in 2024; a standout player at all levels, his leadership has led to restoration of pride, tradition, standard and the competitive, winning spirit; named MS Scoreboard Metro Coach of the Year, 2024- 2025, with players, Jeremiah Wilson and Jamison Kelly earning 4A First Team All-State running back and 4A Second Team All-State cornerback respectively, Coach Kelly and his staff continued to strive; and

WHEREAS, the seasons of 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 gave textbook segue to the Lanier Jr.-Sr. High School’s 100th year celebration; the Bulldogs boasted their first winning season since 2019, hosting their first playoff game since 1986; further, the Bulldogs recorded 10-1, the most regular-season wins and the most rushing yards in school history; among the teams accolades: Knolyn-Bryce Bailey, Darrell Roberts, Jamison Kelly and Ashton Mickell together attained 1,900 rushing yards and over 41 touchdowns;  Knolyn-Brice Bailey set a school record with 1,754 rushing yard in a single season; several Bulldogs were cited for 5A All District and All-State honors; several players were recognized as MS Scoreboard Metro Player of the Week and Blitz 16 Player of the Week; ZyCameron Williams was bestowed the honor of Mississippi Gridiron Player of the Week; and

WHEREAS, the Lanier Bulldog Football Team exhibited prowess in the classroom and community, maintaining an overall GPA of 3.0+ and increasing the number of athletes meeting the NCAA eligibility standard; in the community, hundreds of service hours are recorded for community engagement; several Seniors have signed with Jackson State University, Hinds Community College, Miami (Ohio) University and other colleges; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs have achieved the most wins over the two-season span in school history, hosting back-to-back home playoff games; the success of the Lanier High School Football Team rests with the leadership and discipline of principal, Dr. Stacey Webb;  Head Coach Tommy Kelly, assistant coaches; unwavering support of Lanier alumni (833 Nation); supportive parents and community, with special focus on the tenacity of the members of the Lanier High School Football Team; may we long remember how the foundation of the school legacy has been undergirded with strength, resilience and pride.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that Councilman Stokes and his Council colleagues do highly honor Lanier Jr.-Senior High School Football Team for excellence of competitive performance.

DONE this the 2nd day of December, 2025.

Brian Grizzell, Ward 4, Council President

Ashby Foote, Ward 1

Montyne Clay, Ward 2               

Kenneth I. Stokes, Ward 3

Vernon Hartley, Ward 5, Vice President, Council                                                       

LaShia Brown-Thomas, Ward 6         

Kevin Parkinson, Ward 7