House Concurrent Resolution 32

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WATER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL BLUE DEVILS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BRAD EMBRY FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Water Valley High School Blue Devils Football Team and Head Coach Brad Embry have completed an amazing 14-2 regular season and reigned supreme throughout the playoffs to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State Football Championship, their first state title in 28 years; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils, who had a superior season that was driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, intensely amplified all of their hard work, motivation and audacity, which were so apparent all through the season, for the game that ultimately separated the men from the boys to edge out the Seminary Bulldogs and collect the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, while the Blue Devils walked away with the trophy after the final score was 34-28, the championship game was a test of the true Blue Devils stamina, as it consisted of brutal physicality in the trenches and back and forth scores that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last down was played at MM Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg; and

WHEREAS, striving all season long to be the best 3A football program in the state, Water Valley High School put aside the excitement, fanfare and attention to focus on the championship game and prepare as they had throughout the season, and that strategy, along with the monumental support from the entire Water Valley community, the booster club, the band and the cheerleaders, helped solidify championship status for the Blue Devils; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Blue Devils faced off with some of the state's best contenders on the gridiron, but persevered to make their presence and talent known as gladiators of football under the Friday night lights; and

WHEREAS, the Water Valley High School Blue Devils' statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work, and according to Coach Embry, there will be a little time to celebrate the championship victory but then it is back to the weight room to try and win another one; and

WHEREAS, the Blue Devils, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, and each player made a substantial contribution that led to the most historic season in the history of the Blue Devils Football Program; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Brad Embry has superbly coached and inspired the Blue Devils and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the Water Valley High School Blue Devils Football Team, who have brought honor to their school, their community, and to the State of Mississippi:

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 Water Valley High School Blue Devils Football Team and Head Coach Brad Embry for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State Football Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Brad Embry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.