House Concurrent Resolution 35

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BROOKHAVEN HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING SEASON OF PLAY FOR 2004 AND WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, ranked number one in the preseason poll, the Brookhaven (Ole Brook) High School Panthers Football Team finished the 2004 season with an impressive record of fourteen wins and one loss, ranked number six in the state and won the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers made their mark in the school's record book finishing the season with a thirteen game winning streak and winning the 2004 Class 4A State Championship by defeating Clarksdale 29-23 before an estimated 12,000 spectators, the first state title in the school's history; and

WHEREAS, many individual honors have been bestowed upon various team members in recognition of their fine, dedicated and superior play and their hard work this season, including: the naming of Jimmy Johns as 4A Most Valuable Player, Ronny McNulty as 4A Offensive Player of the Year and Jessie Bowman as 4A Defensive Player of the Year; the selection of Michael Thrasher, Bud Chatman, Grant McDonnieal, Taurean Jones, Darius Perkins, Eric Edwards, Anthony Caffie, Virgil Sanders and Marlon Dixon to the All-Region First Team; and honorable mention selection of Zach Ray, Tyler Gatlin, Kody Perrett, Charles Wilson, Bart Sias, Richard Alvarado, Will Thibodeaux, Brandt Hinton, Orlandus Chapman, Jerome Avery and Montral Smith; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Tucker Peavey and Assistant Coaches Rod Henderson, Patrick Hardy, Jaymie Palmer, Eric Stokes and Trevor Brister, who have broadened the team's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, the Ole Brook coaching staff has brought additional honor to Brookhaven High School by being named "Coaching Staff of the Year"; and

WHEREAS, the Ole Brook Panthers have been supported in their athletic endeavors and can attribute much of their success to the many parents, fans and supporters whose moral and spiritual encouragement have remained fervent throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers 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 Brookhaven High School; 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 Brookhaven High School Panthers Football Team and their coaches, Head Coach Tucker Peavey and Assistant Coaches Rod Henderson, Patrick Hardy, Jaymie Palmer, Eric Stokes and Trevor Brister for their phenomenal 2004 season, for winning the Class 4A South Mississippi Championship and the Class 4A State Championship and for displaying tireless devotion to their athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Brookhaven High School, Head Coach Tucker Peavey and Assistant Coaches Rod Henderson, Patrick Hardy, Jaymie Palmer, Eric Stokes and Trevor Brister and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.