House Concurrent Resolution 26

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING CHRISTIAN ALLEN FOR BEING NAMED MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A MR. FOOTBALL 2018 AND FOR HIS OUTSTANDING ACCOMPLISHMENTS AS STARTING QUARTERBACK FOR THE MENDENHALL HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM.

WHEREAS, Mendenhall High School senior quarterback Christian Allen, who has been a distinguished student athlete throughout his illustrious high school football career, has been named Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Mr. Football 2018; and

WHEREAS, the honor of being named Mr. Football is the result of a partnership between the New Orleans Saints and the MHSAA, and each year, a committee of coaches and media representatives select one winner from each of the MHSAA's six classifications, looking closely at the player's statistics, the impact the player had on his team and the player's academic standing; and

WHEREAS, since donning his uniform as a varsity level Tiger at Mendenhall High School, Christian has amassed an impressive statistical record, leading the Tigers to a 10-2 record this season with 1,800 passing yards for 22 touchdowns, and 1,050 rushing yards for 13 touchdowns, and he completed his career with 5,453 total yards for 68 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions; and

WHEREAS, though Christian earned the title of Mr. Football based largely on his outstanding performance as the school's starting quarterback, he began his high school career as a receiver during his sophomore year, and it was not until his junior year that he made the move to the starting quarterback position, and he made the most of his transition between positions with remarkable statistics, as he passed for over 1,400 yards with 13 touchdowns and rushed for five touchdowns, and these statistics were even more impressive because he suffered from a broken thumb in week eight of that season; and

WHEREAS, during his time at Mendenhall High School, Christian has been able to broaden the Tigers' knowledge of the game and help refine their skills in execution, all while creating a legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship that has compelled the Tigers to reach for the top; and

WHEREAS, Christian's incomparable leadership and expert command of the game is evidenced in more than just his amazing statistics and the success of wins in the record books, as he was very instrumental in encouraging the team spirit and hard work of his teammates, and for his exceptional efforts both on and off the field, he was honored with the title of Mr. Football 2018; and

WHEREAS, Mendenhall High School has truly benefitted from the unrivaled talent and skill that Christian has provided to the Tigers' football program, and with each passing season, tales of his legacy and success on the field will echo throughout the halls and across the bleachers of Mendenhall High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the accomplishments of outstanding student athletes, especially those such as Christian Allen, who demonstrate the exceptional qualities and characteristics that are possessed by great athletes:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and commend Christian Allen for being named MHSAA Class 4A Mr. Football 2018, and for his outstanding accomplishments as starting quarterback for the Mendenhall High School football team, and express deepest wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Christian Allen and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.