MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1997 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representatives Ellzey, Scott (80th), Eaton, Shows, Stringer

House Concurrent Resolution 98

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHEAST JONES HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR PHENOMENAL 1996-1997 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP. 

WHEREAS, the Northeast Jones High School Tigers Football Team finished the 1996-1997 season with an unbelievable record of 14 wins and 0 losses; and

WHEREAS, the seniors on the 1996-1997 Northeast Jones High School Football Team have compiled an astounding 35-3 overall record; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers did extremely well in the state playoffs this year, winning the Division 5 Class 4A Championship, the Class 4A South State Championship and the Class 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, several of the Tigers have been recognized for their hard work, dedication and superior play this season, including the naming of Dennis Walker, Ryan Milner, Emilio Pearson, Jerry Bolton, Dusty Braddock, Jason Arrington, Kent Holifield and Junior Keyes, All-County Team; Ryan Milner, Dennis Walker, Jamel Nobles, Junior Keyes, Jason Arrington, Kent Holifield, Rashad Clayton, Lee Gavin, Vernon Washington, Rocky Ford, Nick Cochran, Emilio Pearson and Joe Harris, District 5-4A All-Division Team; Rocky Ford, Nick Cochran, Joe Harris, Rashad Clayton, Lee Gavin, Vernon Washington, Eric Robinson, Ben Thomas and David Combest, All-County Honorable Mention; Eric Robinson, Ben Thomas and David Combest, All-Division Honorable Mention; Dennis Walker, Division 5-4A Most Valuable Player Offensive Lineman; and Jerry Bolton, Division 5-4A Most Valuable Player Defensive Lineman; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have had many outstanding accomplishments such as winning the Division 5-4A Championship in 1994 and 1995; the Jones County Championship in 1994, 1995 and 1996; being undefeated in Division 5-4A in 1994, 1995 and 1996; being undefeated in Jones County in 1994, 1995 and 1996; being ranked No. 1 in Class 4A Final Clarion-Ledger Poll; and being ranked No. 6 in state in Final Regular Season AP Poll; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Coach Larry Ishee, who has broadened the Tigers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Ishee has brought additional honor to himself and to Northeast Jones High School by his being selected as the Division 5-4A Coach of the Year, the Laurel Leader Call Coach of the Year and the Clarion-Ledger Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Northeast Jones High School Coaching Staff, which consists of Head Coach Larry Ishee, Fred Cooley, Wayne Graves, Clifton Herrington and Randy Martin, is a group of truly talented coaches; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect a great credit upon the individual players and their coach and bring honor to Northeast Jones High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we commend and congratulate the Northeast Jones High School Tigers Football Team, and Coach Larry Ishee, for their phenomenal 1996-1997 season and for winning the State 4A Championship, and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Northeast Jones High School, to Coach Larry Ishee and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.