Story and photos by Michael Mitchell
Vice Mayor Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney and Councilmember Scotty Johnson presented a Resolution in City Council on January 23, 2025 to honor the Taft High School Senators 2024 Varsity Football Team. The team was recognized for finishing as Regional Division lV state semifinalist on November 22, 2024, in Monroe, defeating the Archbishop Alter High School Knights team from Kettering by a score of 26-12. Taft was first Cincinnati Public school football team to win a regional championship since 1992. Taft finished the season 12-3. Their motto, “Earned, never given,” was echoed throughout the Monroe gymnasium following the state regional victory.
On hand to witness the City Council event were family and friends, Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Alesia Smith, Cincinnati Public Schools Athletic Director Josh Hardin, Cincinnati Public Schools Board President Dr. Kareen Moncree Moffett, Cincinnati Public Schools Board Member Kendra Mapp, and Taft High School Principal Ceair Baggett.
“This is amazing to receive this recognition,” Taft’s head football coach Tyler Williams said. “We’re really thankful to see all of our hard work being recognized and having the opportunity to represent our school, community and conference. We will remember all of the adversity we had to overcome and we still managed to come together week in and week out and that brought us closer together as a program which helped us accomplish winning a regional championship.”
“It’s a humbling moment to be honored by City Hall; it is truly amazing,” Taft athletic director Austin Gullett said. “This recognition is well-deserved as this team has put in a tremendous amount of hard work – efforts that many do not see behind closed doors. This team is truly special.”
Taft has earned two regional final appearances in the past four seasons with head coach Tyler Williams. He has 42 wins in his four seasons with the program.