MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2006 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Rotenberry, Warren, Eaton, Hudson, Moore, Stringer, Weathersby

House Concurrent Resolution 92

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMPSON COUNTY ACADEMY COUGARS FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH BILLY HANKINS FOR THEIR THIRD CONSECUTIVE MISSISSIPPI PRIVATE SCHOOL ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

     WHEREAS, the Simpson County Academy Cougars Football Team managed to pull off another impressive season of play to capture the team's third consecutive Mississippi Private School Association Class 2A State Championship, defeating the Copiah Academy Colonels Team by a score of 14-7; and

     WHEREAS, the Cougars "3-Peat" marks the team's fourth State Championship (1973, 2003, 2004 and 2005), in an accumulated 15 straight winning seasons and 10 consecutive district championships without a district loss; and

     WHEREAS, led by an outstanding group of seniors, whose 2005-2006 achievements boast an impressive 38-2 record, the Cougars matched skill, tactics and wit to outmaneuver and outscore their well-trained competitors; and

     WHEREAS, guided by the experienced and learned Head Coach Billy Wayne Hankins, who was assisted by Drummonds McAlpin, Winston Mullins, David Holbrook and Shea Patterson, the Cougar coaches set a new standard for excellence in the 2005 march to the championship; and

     WHEREAS, immensely affected by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the team took time out from an abbreviated football season to raise money for the Red Cross; and

     WHEREAS, during this special season, a three-year consecutive win record ended at 33 consecutive games, and the Cougars had to "win-out" to make the District Tournament, overcoming doubts from the media, and winning the trophy to prove their champion status; and

     WHEREAS, the Cougars have been touted with several individual honors, including premier performances by running back Shannon Steed, who finished the season with 1,984 yards, only three behind the state record; quarterback Ben Maddox, who finished the season with 612 yards on 76 carries; Clark Wallace accomplished a gain of 433 yards on 88 carries; and defensively, Clark Wallace and Jeremy "Rooster" Duckworth led with 53 and 50 tackles, respectively; and

     WHEREAS, the team was heavily supported by the hometown crowd, on and off the field, which was particularly evident in games on the road, and it is with great pride that we salute the championship season of this team 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 HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Simpson County Academy Cougars Football Team, Coach Billy Hankins and the entire coaching staff for their third consecutive Mississippi Private School Association Class 2A State Championship and we wish them continued success in all their future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Headmaster Jane Hubbard, Head Coach Billy Hankins, The Magee Courier and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.