Senate Concurrent Resolution 502

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MAGNOLIA HEIGHTS SCHOOL "CHIEFS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH CLIFF YOUNG FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI PRIVATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION AAA DIVISION II STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR UNDEFEATED 2006 SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Magnolia Heights School Football Team climbed from a losing record to dead-solid perfect in one year. The "Chiefs" rallied from a two-touchdown deficit to beat Lamar School 28-20 on Friday, November 17, 2006, at Robinson-Hale Stadium in Clinton and claimed the Mississippi Private School Association AAA Division II State Championship; and

WHEREAS, Magnolia Heights of Senatobia (12-0) recorded its second undefeated season and first since 1977. Sparking the Chiefs were Senior Running Back Hunter Ferguson and Sophomore Quarterback Cameron Lawrence. The Chief's defense held Lamar to 24 yards rushing; and

WHEREAS, Magnolia Heights has a rich tradition in interscholastic athletics. The varsity football teams have won 12 conference championships, as well as three state championships (1977, 2001 and 2002). The varsity boys' and girls' basketball teams have won 9 and 12 conference championships, respectively. The 1985 boys and girls both won State Class AA Championships, while the 1985 girls and 1987 boys both won Overall State Championships. Tennis, golf, boys' cross-country and baseball teams have each captured state championships, with the golf team capturing the Overall State Championship in 1981. Magnolia Heights won the 1998-1999 Mississippi Private School Association State AA All-Sports Award; and

WHEREAS, starters for the Chiefs were: Addison Lawrence and Kyle Collinson at Tight End; Daniel Sanford and Blake Morgan at Tackles; Baker Spencer and Johnathon Faught at Guards; Scott Dunaway at Center; Cameron Lawrence at Quarterback; Hunter Ferguson and Devon Birmingham at Halfbacks; and Jonathan Red at Fullback. On Defense the starters were: Faught and Spencer at Ends; Addison Lawrence and Kyle Glidewell at Tackles; T.J. Wiggins at Noseguard; Red and Birmingham at Linebackers; and Ferguson at Free Safety. Also seeing action were: Josh Faught, Ryan Mayfield, Brandon Faulkner, Heston Vancil, Tyler Graves, David Hinkle, Marshall Hamrick, Jimmy Braswell and Parker Gaines; and

WHEREAS, the Chiefs were ably coached by Head Coach Cliff Young, and Assistant Coaches Tim Beard, Bobby Bouchillion and Russ Whiteside, who kept the team focused on the perfect season; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this singular achievement by a talented group of student athletes who have put a crown on top of an undefeated season and brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Magnolia Heights School "Chiefs" Varsity Football Team and Coach Cliff Young for winning the Mississippi Private School Association AAA Division II State Championship and for their undefeated 2006 season, and extend to them our best wishes for continued success in their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Cliff Young and Athletic Director Jim Patterson on behalf of the team and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.