House Concurrent Resolution 78

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CLARKSDALE HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR ITS OUTSTANDING 2001-2002 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 4-A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Clarksdale High School Wildcats Football Team finished the 2001-2002 season with a remarkable record of 13 wins and only one loss; and

WHEREAS, throughout the regular season and playoffs, the Wildcats fought and defeated many well-contended teams, and were able to capture the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4-A State Championship by defeating South Pike by a score of 13-0; and

WHEREAS, the Clarksdale High Wildcats have been the first and only team in the history of Mississippi high school football to reach the State Championship Game five consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, in addition to competing in five consecutive state championship games, the Wildcats have won three of the five state championship games, five division titles, five North State titles, and were twice the runners-up for state champions; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and hard work this season, including: the naming of Darren Williams as the only player from Mississippi for the United States Army High School All-American Bowl in 2001; the selection of Darren Williams as All-State Team MVP; the naming of Darren Williams to the Parade Magazine All-American Team; the selection of Kenneth Kern, Fernando Matthews, Tremaine McBride and Moses Sales to the All-State Team; the selection of Darren Williams, Tremaine McBride, Fernando Matthews, Kenneth Kern, Larry Stokes, Moses Sales, Ezell Ellington, Chris Jones, Jonathan King, Marcus Cohen and Ricky Coleman to the All-Regional First Team; the naming of Alton Maddox, Jeremy Williams, Fred Akines, Steve Laury, Michael Self and Ricky Fields to the All-Regional Second Team; the naming of Darren Williams as All-Regional Top Offensive player; and Kenneth Kern as All-Regional Top Defensive Player; and

WHEREAS, in the five-year span of reaching the state championship games, the Wildcats have posted a 62-8 record, scoring 2,630 points while allowing only 604, placing 20 players on the All-State Team, 18 players in the All-Star Game and 67 players on All-Division teams; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats have not only excelled on the gridiron, but in the classroom as well, boasting a roster of 40 players who have earned academic and athletic college scholarships; and

WHEREAS, the Clarksdale High Wildcats have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Jesse Murphree and Assistant Coaches Jimmy Jennings and Jim Hughes, who have broadened the Wildcats' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Jesse Murphree has brought additional honor to himself and to Clarksdale High by being named Division 3 Coach of the Year in 1997, 1998 and 2002, and Mississippi Coach of the Year in 2002; and

WHEREAS, Assistant Coaches Jimmy Jennings and Jim Hughes were respectively named Division 3 Offensive and Defensive Coordinators of the Year for five consecutive years; and

WHEREAS, the Clarksdale High Wildcats have been supported in their athletic endeavors and attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and fellow peers whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats team has set school records in most yards rushing, most touchdowns scored, most points scored, and fewest points allowed in the history of football at Clarksdale High; and

WHEREAS, the Wildcats have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Clarksdale High; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

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 Clarksdale High School Wildcats Football Team and their coaches, Head Coach Jesse Murphree, and Assistant Coaches Jimmy Jennings and Jim Hughes for their phenomenal 2001-2002 season, for winning the MHSAA Class 4-A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Clarkdale High, Head Coach Jesse Murphree, Assistant Coaches Jimmy Jennings and Jim Hughes and members of the Capitol Press Corps.