See photos from Gulfport’s Champions Parade in celebration of football state title
By Jackson Ranger
Following a dramatic state title win over the weekend, the annual Sugar Plum Parade was upgraded to a Champions Parade to celebrate Gulfport High School’s first-ever Class Division 7A football title win.
The parade was led by the Gulfport football team and was followed by performances from the Gulfport marching band and color guard. Also in attendance were multiple floats which handed out candy, Mardi Gras beads and toys for parade attendees to collect.
At the end of the parade, attendees gathered at the GRC Lot next to the Mississippi Aquarium for a pep rally and recognition ceremony. The ceremony included recognition of the Gulfport football team, girls powerlifting team and the boys powerlifting team. Head football coach Blake Pennock also received the MHSAA 7A Coach of the Year award.
See our favorite photos from the parade below.
A firetruck is reflected in a puddle during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The Gulfport football team poses for a team photo during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport players sit in front of a truck during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The Gulfport football team lines up as they prepare to walk during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport players meet up with parade attendees during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport cheerleaders sit on top of a firetruck during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport running back Cooper Crosby talks with parade attendees during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport band members get ready before the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport band members get ready before the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Police motorcycles line up to lead the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport players walk down 22nd Avenue during the Champions Christmas Parade on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport players walk down 22nd Avenue during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Parade attendees cheer as Gulfport players walk during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport band members play songs as they march during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport band members play songs as they march during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport band members play songs as they march during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport cheerleaders toss toys to children during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Children pass out candy from parade floats during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Children pass out candy from parade floats during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Santa Claus looks out to the crowd from the top of a firetruck during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The Grinch tosses Mardi Gras beads from a float during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Children pass out candy from parade floats during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
A cow waves to parade attendee during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Parade attendees gather at a stage for the end of the Champion’ Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport Mayor Hugh Keating congratulates the Gulfport football team during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport Mayor Hugh Keating congratulates the Gulfport football team during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
The Gulfport football team, girls powerlifting team and the boys powerlifting team walk on stage as they are congratulated for winning state titles during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport head football coach Blake Pennock addresses the crowd during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport head football coach Blake Pennock addresses the crowd during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport players are brought on stage during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
Gulfport running back Cooper Crosby gives a speech during the Champions Christmas Parade in Gulfport on Monday, Dec. 8, 2025. Jackson Ranger jranger@sunherald.com
This story was originally published December 9, 2025 at 5:00 AM.
