House Concurrent Resolution 55

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE RANGERS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH BENJY PARKER ON THEIR SUCCESSFUL 2024 SEASON AND VICTORY IN THE MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION OF COMMUNITY COLLEGES CONFERENCE (MACCC) CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers Football Team, a powerhouse program under the phenomenal leadership of Head Coach Benjy Parker, repeated history yet again in 2024 with its continued demonstration of exceptional skill, teamwork and determination throughout their incredible season; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers finished the season with an impressive 10-2 overall record, securing their 12th Mississippi Association of Community Colleges Conference (MACCC) championship title and the team's third championship in the past five years; and

WHEREAS, Northwest earned the No. 4 spot in the final National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) Division I Football Poll, marking the ninth time in the last 10 seasons that the Rangers have finished with a national ranking; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers earned a bid to the NJCAA Division I Football Playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons, showcasing the team's continued excellence on a national level; and

WHEREAS, the team's success was powered by standout performances, including sophomore running back D'mariun Perteet, who set a new program single season rushing record with 257 attempts and 1,360 yards and earned MACCC North Division Player of the Year, NJCAA Offensive Player of the Week, and All-NJCAA Region 23 Player of the Year honors; and

WHEREAS, quarterback Zach Wilcke delivered consistent leadership and improvement throughout the season, passing for 2,051 yards and 15 touchdowns, including a career-high 287 yards in the MACCC semifinal victory; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers's defense was anchored by outstanding players such as Fredd Adams, who recorded eight interceptions and earned First Team All-MACCC North Division and All-NJCAA Region 23 honors, and defensive linemen Jaylon Johnson and D.J. Burgess, who combined for key tackles, sacks and quarterback pressures; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Benjy Parker was named MACCC North Division Coach of the Year and All-NJCAA Region 23 Coach of the Year, further solidifying his place as one of the most successful coaches in Northwest history with a career record of 75-21; and WHEREAS, the coaching staff, including Offensive Coordinator Stan Hill, Defensive Coordinator Paige Anders, Wide Receivers Coach Scott Oakley, Offensive Line Coach Jim Jones, Defensive Backs Coach Charles Jones, and Strength and Conditioning Coach Randal Pharr, played an integral role in developing the team's strategy and fostering the players' growth and success; and

WHEREAS, the academic advisor, Tori Fugatt, has helped the Northwest football program continue to be an academic stronghold with recent recognitions by the NJCAA for the highest GPA in the country and leading the state for many years in the classroom; and

WHEREAS, the Northwest football program continues to be a source of pride for the college, its alumni, and the entire State of Mississippi, representing the values of dedication, sportsmanship and excellence; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the achievements of student-athletes such as the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers Football Team, who have brought honor to their college, community and the entire 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 Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers Football Team and Head Coach Benjy Parker for their outstanding performance during the 2024 season, including their MACCC Championship victory, and extend sincere wishes to the team members and coaches for continued success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers Football Team Head Coach Benjy Parker and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.