Senate Concurrent Resolution 556

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SOUTH PANOLA HIGH SCHOOL "TIGERS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH RICKY WOODS FOR THEIR SECOND STRAIGHT MHSAA CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND THEIR UNPRECEDENTED BACK-TO-BACK UNDEFEATED SEASONS.

WHEREAS, the No. 8 nationally ranked South Panola High School "Tigers" Football Team dominated the Ocean Springs Greyhounds for a second consecutive MHSAA Class 5A State Championship by a score of 39-21 on Friday, December 3, 2004; and

WHEREAS, after losing 18 starters from the 2003 championship team, this back-to-back championship meant more to the Tigers than just another tournament win; and

WHEREAS, an estimated 15,000 fans were on hand to watch the battle of the No. 8 Tigers and the underrated Greyhounds; the game also drew a large television audience which witnessed team leader Derek Pegues break a 5A State Championship record of 244 yards and five touchdowns on runs of 32, 26, 69, 49 and 17 yards; and

WHEREAS, this is the fourth time in seven tries in 11 years, the Tigers brought the golden football trophy home to Batesville from Jackson: 11 years ago the South Panola Tigers had a 15-0 season capped with the 5A State Championship, in 1998 South Panola capped an almost perfect season (14-1) with the State Championship, and last season in 2003 the Tigers culminated a perfect 15-0 season with the State Championship trophy; they have been runner-up by losing the championship game three times in that 11-year period; and

WHEREAS, critics and scouts around the state and nation are calling the team "The University of South Panola" or "Panola State" to compliment the strength, speed and the play of the Tiger team; and

WHEREAS, the "Tigers" are superbly coached by Head Coach Ricky Woods who spoke of the attitude and the work ethic of the team this past season: "We want our team to play real, real, real hard. I couldn't ask for a better season, a better effort on the part of all of them." South Panola assistant football coaches are Arnie Oakes, Willis Wright (who led the Tigers to a perfect season and State Championship 11 years ago) Lucian King, Mark Weaver, Tranell Edwards, Michael Fair and John Davis; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers won the Region 1 Divisional and the North State Championship on their way to the State Championship; and

WHEREAS, outstanding players on the 2004 edition of the South Panola Tigers include All-American Derek Pegues; All-State Derek Pegues, Josh Boren, John Jerry, Marcus Johnson and Travis Sanford; All-Regional Derek Pegues, Josh Boren, John Jerry, Marcus Johnson and Travis Sanford; and

WHEREAS, the team relied on the support of the hometown crowd, on and off the field, which is especially important in games on the road; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we salute the championship season of this group of student athletes, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the South Panola High School "Tigers" Football Team and Head Coach Ricky Woods for their second consecutive MHSAA Class 5A State Championship and their 2004 undefeated (15-0) season, and wish them continued success in their athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Principal Dr. Del Phillips, Superintendent Dr. C.L. Stevenson, Head Coach Ricky Woods for the "Tigers" and be made available to the Panolian and to members of the Capitol Press Corps.