Senate Resolution 26

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL "FIGHTING PIRATES" BOYS SOCCER TEAM FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School "Fighting Pirates" Boys Soccer Team lost only 2 of 30 games in 2005-2006 on their way to their second consecutive season as Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Champions; and

WHEREAS, the Fighting Pirates not only won the 4A Title, they also finished on top of The Clarion-Ledger final Top 10 state poll for the first time; and

WHEREAS, Pearl edged out 5A champion Clinton High School for the top MHSAA Boys ranking with a 27-2-1 record. The only meeting between the top two teams ended in a scoreless tie; and

WHEREAS, Coach Brad Biard led a veteran Pearl team with 13 seniors. At the end of the 2004-2005 season, the Fighting Pirates won the 4A Title with a team that was predominantly juniors, so the coach felt they would have a good shot at the championship again this year with hard work and determination. "Every goal scored by our opponents made the team furious." The team allowed only 11 goals all season, which computes to 1 goal for every 3-1/2 hours of playing time; and

WHEREAS, the fierce defense was anchored by Senior Sweeper J.R. Downs. Offensively, the Fighting Pirates were led by Senior Lee Williamson (whose biggest goal of the season came in the Pirates' 2-1 win over Gautier in the 4A final), Junior David Slowick and Sophomore Chris Williams; and

WHEREAS, the team won the following tournaments on their way to the State Championship: DeSoto Central Tournament, Ridgeland Showcase, Brandon Tournament, MHSAA 1st Round, MHSAA 2nd Round, and MHSAA North State; and

WHEREAS, the Fighting Pirates' roster is as follows: Chase Middleton, Josh Beam, Dillion Walker, Kyle Collins, Nick Foster, Tyler Smith, Adam Wade, Dusty Wilson, Aaron Exum, Kevin Clarke, J.R. Downs, Chris Williams, Lee Williamson, Scotty Pulliam, David Slowik, Dusty Oubre, Aaron Thornton, Tyler Wade, Austin Coley, Manny Garcia, Colby Watson, Eric Watts, Michael Scarborough, Michael Skaggs, Andy Brooks and Trey Fontaine; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this achievement by 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pearl High School "Fighting Pirates" Boys Soccer Team and Coach Brad Biard for winning their second consecutive MHSAA Class 4A State Championship, and extend to them the best wishes of the Senate in their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Principal John Buchanan and Coach Brad Biard, and be made available to members of the Capitol Press Corps.