House Concurrent Resolution 78

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE D'IBERVILLE HIGH SCHOOL WARRIORS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2002 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the d'Iberville High School Warriors Football Team finished the 2002 season as Class 4A State Champions with an exceptional record of 13-1; and

WHEREAS, the Warriors claimed victories in the first 3 rounds of the state playoffs and the Class 4A South State playoff, and captured the Class 4A State Championship with a convincing 33-7 win over West Point, and ended the year ranked number three in the state; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season, the d'Iberville Warriors shut out five opponents, scored 433 total points while giving up only 95 points, and won their first state championship ever; and

WHEREAS, the following Warriors were named to the All-State Team: 1st Team: Darren McCaleb, Jason Hockaday and Sean Merrill; 2nd Team: Robby Ellis, Jared Landrum, Esau Smith and Delmas Holley; and

WHEREAS, the following Warriors were selected to the All-District Team: Esau Smith, Josh Ladner, Jared Landrum, Carlton Cotten, Darren McCaleb, Sean Merrill, Delmas Holley, Robby Ellis, Jason Hockaday, Tommy Searight, Nick Ladner, Clarence Cotten, Brandon Smith, Jonathan Parker, Shane Wynn, Donald Noble and Brett Palmer; and

WHEREAS, the following Warriors were named to the All-Sun Herald Team: Carlton Cotten, Darren McCaleb, Esau Smith, Robby Ellis, Jason Hockaday and Sean Merrill; and

WHEREAS, the following Warriors were selected to the All-Ocean Springs Record Team: Darren McCaleb, Carlton Cotten, Clarence Cotten, Jared Landrum, Josh Ladner, Esau Smith, Delmas Holley, Sean Merrill, Robby Ellis, Jason Hockaday and Tommy Searight; and

WHEREAS, Jason Hockaday was named as the Ocean Springs Record Defensive Player of the Year, Carlton Cotten was selected as The Sun Herald and the Ocean Springs Record Offensive Player of the Year, and Sean Merrill was named as the MAC Defensive Player of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Warriors were superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Louis Smith and assistant coaches, Brad Talley, Glenn Geshmann, Ted Williams, Eddie Wayne Whitehead, Keith Marsland and Brad Pickich; and

WHEREAS, Coach Louis Smith has brought additional honor to himself and to d'Iberville High School by being selected as Coach of the Year by The Sun Herald and the Ocean Springs Record, and being named as the Class 4A District 8 Coach of the Year and the MAC Class 4A Coach of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the d'Iberville High School Warriors have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a superb degree of sportsmanship, and their outstanding season and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring great honor to d'Iberville High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Legislature of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the young people 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 d'Iberville High School Warriors Football Team and Coach Louis Smith for their outstanding 2002 season, for winning the Class 4A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to d'Iberville High School, Coach Louis Smith and members of the Capitol Press Corps.