House Concurrent Resolution 60

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2019-2020 OCEAN SPRINGS HIGH SCHOOL GREYHOUNDS BOYS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH JEFF FRENCH AND COACH MICHAEL ARCHBOLD UPON WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A BOYS SOCCER STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Ocean Springs High School Greyhounds Boys Soccer Team finished the 2019-2020 season with their second state title in the school's history, and second in nine years, when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 6A Boys Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Greyhounds Boys Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the then No. 2 ranked team in the state, the undefeated Madison Central High School Jaguars, in a 2-0 win that secured the ultimate victory for the Greyhounds; and

WHEREAS, in navigating their way to the championship game, the Greyhounds, who finished the season with a 18-4-2 record and 6-0 division record, began the playoffs with a 4-0 convincing win over Harrison Central High School, beat Brandon in a come-from-behind 2-1 victory on the road, and then defeated the then No. 1 ranked team in the state, ranked No. 2 nationally at the time, Northwest Rankin team by a score of 2-1 to capture the South State title; and

WHEREAS, the prolific squad averaged scoring three goals per game throughout the season and playoffs while allowing only .91 goals per game; they suffered no losses to any team from the State of Mississippi; they did not endure a loss in the last 35 days of the season, outscoring opponents 32-6 in that stretch; and they played one of the toughest schedules in the country by facing seven teams that were ranked in the MaxPreps Top 25 in the nation; and

WHEREAS, the 2019-2020 roster was comprised of the following players: Kenny Alvarez, Harper Baggett, William Balsan, Chase Beemon, Moses Bradenburg, Ryan Breland, Evann Buck, Liam Carty Finney, Matheson Chen, Cooper Doychak, William Driggers, Gabriel Evans, Cesar Garcia, Jonathan Harkey, Jr., Kenneth Heard, Ryan Hendren, Keeton Holifield, John Hook, Marcel Hopson, Mason Howard, Ethan Hunt, Aden Knight, Joshua Koch, Demetrio Kosturakis, Dustin Landry, KJ Mack, Jr., Julian Martinez, Zion McClean, Caleb Montiforte, Alexander Overby, Caleb Pepper, Ethan Pepper, Ashton Reeves, Jackson Rester, Alec Ryan, Angel Sanchez, Caleb Self, Coen Ta, Cody Tuttle, Zachary Wade, Adam Walker, Michael West, Jayce Whitney and Samuel Whyte; and

WHEREAS, the 2019-2020 Greyhound team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Greyhounds have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Jeff French and Coach Michael Archbold, who has broadened their knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and also helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach French and Coach Archbold 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 the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Ocean Springs High School Greyhounds Boys Soccer Team, whose excellence on the pitch and in the classroom bring honor to their school, the Ocean Springs community and 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 2019-2020 Ocean Springs High School Greyhounds Boys Soccer Team and Head Coach Jeff French and Coach Michael Archbold upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A Boys Soccer State 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 Jeff French, Coach Michael Archbold and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.