MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2005 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Frierson, Dedeaux, Warren, Vince, Carlton, Lott, Fillingane, Watson, Davis

House Concurrent Resolution 14

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LUMBERTON HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SEASON OF PLAY FOR 2004 AND WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 2-A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, the Lumberton High School Panthers Football Team finished the 2004 season with an impressive record of 14 wins and one loss and ranked number three in the state, winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 2-A State Championship; and

     WHEREAS, the Panthers made their mark in the school's record book by winning the 2004 Class 2-A South Mississippi Championship by defeating East Marion 27-7 and the Class 2-A State Championship by defeating Booneville 21-14, the third state title in the school's history; and

     WHEREAS, the Panthers' statistics overshadowed their opponents in multiple areas, comprised of touchdowns, 221 to 129; rushing yards, 4,107 to 1,446; total yards, 5,475 to 2,327; turnover return yards, 479 to 102; and total points scored, 521 to 139; and

     WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and their hard work this season, including:  the naming of Terry Grant as Most Valuable Player and Class 2-A Offensive Player of the Year; the selection of Terry Grant, Todd Adams and Jamiah Holder to the All-State First Team; and the selection of Ben Necaise and Matt Niemeyer to All-State Second Team; and

     WHEREAS, the Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Teddy Dyess and Assistant Coaches John Brown, David Entrekin, Norman Johnston, Jonathan Ladner and Seth McRaney who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

     WHEREAS, Coach Dyess, who has played on or coached six MHSAA state championship teams, has brought additional honor to Lumberton High School by being named "Coach of the Year" Class 2-A; and

     WHEREAS, the Panthers have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

     WHEREAS, they have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Lumberton 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 do hereby commend and congratulate the Lumberton High School Panthers Football Team and their coaches for their phenomenal 2004 season, for winning the Class 2-A South Mississippi Championship and the Class 2-A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Lumberton High School, Head Coach Teddy Dyess and Assistant Coaches John Brown, David Entrekin, Norman Johnston, Jonathan Ladner and Seth McRaney and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.