House Resolution 40

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE MISSISSIPPI MUDCATS FOR WINNING AGAINST THE PITTSBURGH RIVERRATS IN THE SEASON OPENER OF THE AMERICAN INDOOR FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION TEAMS.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Mudcats is a first year franchise; and

WHEREAS, in their season opener for the American Indoor Football Association Teams, the Mississippi Mudcats were winners by 54-34 against the Pittsburgh RiverRats; and

WHEREAS, they were also winners as a spectator sport when 5,000 spectators attended the game at the BancorpSouth Arena in Tupelo for the return of pro sports to that area; and

WHEREAS, during the game, Quarterback Tommy Jones threw six touchdowns, with four scoring passes helping to break open a game that was tied 28-all at halftime and completed 18 of 32 passes for 268 yards without being intercepted; and

WHEREAS, Tommy Jones and Darryl Carter connected for a three-yard touchdown four plays into the second half for a 35-28 Mudcats lead; and

WHEREAS, the Mudcats' victory is credited to the team's tenacious sportsmanship that "wore out" the offensive line of the Pittsburgh RiverRats; and

WHEREAS, the Mudcats were coached to victory by Head Coach Brian Brents; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize outstanding sportsmanship which promotes professional athleticism:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the Mississippi Mudcats for winning against the Pittsburgh RiverRats in the season opener of the American Indoor Football Association Teams.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Mississippi Mudcats and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.