MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Mettetal, Butler, Davis, Frazier, Jackson (11th), Jackson (32nd), Walls
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SOUTH PANOLA HIGH SCHOOL "TIGERS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH RICKY WOODS FOR WINNING THEIR FOURTH STRAIGHT UNDEFEATED SEASON AND THE CLASS 5A CHAMPIONSHIP.
WHEREAS, the latest chapter of the Panola High School Tiger dynasty might be the most satisfying of all for incredibly successful football Coach Ricky Woods. South Panola capped a fourth straight 15-0 season on Friday, December 1, 2006, by beating Meridian 28-21 in the Class 5A final in a thrilling match before an estimated crowd of 14,000 at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium for an unprecedented fourth consecutive Mississippi High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) State Title; and
WHEREAS, the Tigers survived a relentless comeback effort from Meridian, but this victory will take their state record streak, now at 60 games, into their 2007 opener at the Red Carpet Bowl in Vicksburg, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, the Tigers added another feather in their cap with the No. 1 ranking in The Clarion-Ledger Super 10, which is right where South Panola began the season during the swelter of August; and
WHEREAS, South Panola's six State Championships match the state record established by Weir High School. The Tigers' fourth State Championship ("four-closure") follows last year's ("three-peat") Championship which was also a state record. South Panola has played in nine State Championships since the series began in 1983; and
WHEREAS, there were a few close games along the way for a program who's state-record winning streak has now reached 60 games dating back to the beginning of the 2003 season. Five teams, Clarksdale, Moss Point, Olive Branch, Provine and Meridian, played the Tigers within 10 points, a feat of sorts that happened just once in the previous four seasons. "We were really searching for our identity, but at the end we finally found out," said Coach Woods, who's record is 74-1 since his 2002 arrival in Batesville, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, The Clarion-Ledger 2006 All-State Football Team featured 6-3, 260 pound South Panola Senior Linebacker Chris Strong, who was named "Mr. Football" for 2006. Chris owns four State Championship rings. Strong lived up to his preseason billing as the state's most heralded prospect, powering a defense that always seemed to rise to the occasion. He's a fierce hitter who can cover sideline to sideline and is blessed with remarkable closing speed for his size. His 2006 statistics: 53 tackles; 19 assists; and 5 sacks; and
WHEREAS, other members of the 2006 All-State Football Team from South Panola include:
· Jeramie Griffin, 6-0, 225 pound Senior Running Back. Griffin saw action at fullback and tailback; his size, speed and pass-catching ability gave him the potential to be a feature back at the next level. His 2006 statistics: 174 rushes; 1,288 yards; 7.4 average yards per carry; and 19 touchdowns.
· Kevin Young, 5-11, 190 pound Senior Linebacker. Young played like a heat-seeking missile, seemingly always around the football. He lined up at outside linebacker and safety, providing an ideal complement to Chris Strong with his versatility. His 2006 statistics: 53 tackles; 14 assists; 3 interceptions; 3 forced fumbles; and 7-1/2 sacks.
· Darius Barksdale, 5-11, 190 pound Junior Defensive Back. "Tig" might be the state's most dynamic two-way player as a running back and free safety. He was capable of making a big play from anywhere on the field as evidenced by his 84-yard touchdown dash and fumble-causing sack in the 5A title game. His 2006 statistics: 35 tackles; 4 interceptions; 1,042 rushing yards; and 9 touchdowns.
· Second Team members included Quarterback Leroy Diggs, 5-10, 185 pound Senior; and Offensive Lineman Cameron Wagner, 5-10, 290 pound Junior; and
WHEREAS, the 2006 South Panola Tiger Team and Tiger Coaches are as follows: Chris Strong, LB; Jeramie Griffin, FB; David Renfroe, P/K/QB; Marvin Burdette, LB; Mario Nash, QB; Xavier Lee, QB; Montez Austin, WR/DB; Kevin Young, LB; Bud Barksdale, LB; Marcus Lee, WR; David Conner, DB/QB; Reuben Corley, FB; Tigg Barksdale, DB/RB; Ira Perry, LB/FB; Leroy Diggs, QB/DB; David Baker, TE; Justin Market, WR/RB; Travius Butler, WR; Chris Butler, DB; Anthony Ladd, DE; Stanley McMiller, DB; Danny Humphrey, DB; Ortiss Robertson, LB; Aaron Wilson, WR; Quinterous Wright, RB/DB; Rodney Diggs, LB; Miquel Reyes, DL; Jason Milam, DB; Jeremy Harris, LB; Maurice Market, LB; LaReco Lee, FB; Nick Johnson, LB; D'Angelo Carr, DB; C.J. Sowden, LB; Ladarius Jones, DB; Joshua Shipp, LB; Demario Kincaid, LB; Terrance Griffin, TB; Darryl Thomas, LB; Derek Thomas, TE; Justin Carothers, FB; Vandell Pollard, TE; Marquis Shegog, LB; Marlon Wilks, DE; Laroyis Chapman, DB; Jevon Robertson, TE; Jemarcus Hardrick, OL/DE; Quin Sanford, OL; Marjarvin Chapman, DL; Jonathan Hardin, OL; Don Blevins, OL; Josh Forehand, OL; Jarred Draper, DL; Nick Sledge, DL; Deshun Sandridge, DL; Cordarrius McMurry, OL; Justin Hardrick, DE; Kendrick Strong, DL; J.R. Irvin, OL; Cameron Wagner, OL; Hunter Bailey, OL; Jonathan Wilson, OL; Kenterris Williams, OL; Adam McCachren, LB; Demetrius Dunn, LB; Kendrick Gray, WR; Terrance Pope, TE/DE; Wesley Jefferson, DE; Roderick Jefferson, WR; Okoya McGee, WR; Allen House, WR; Jeremy Johnson, TE; Charles Corley, DE; Head Coach/Athletic Director Ricky Woods; Assistant Coaches: John Davis, Willis Wright, Arnie Oakes, Trenell Edwards, Michael Fair, Mark Weaver, Lucian King, Gary Sims; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the singular achievement of this talented group of student athletes whose incredible success of four seasons and 60 wins have brought honor to their school, their enthusiastic 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 winning their fourth straight undefeated season and the Class 5A Championship, and extend to them our best wishes for future academic and athletic success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Principal Dr. Gearl Loden and Superintendent Dr. Keith Shaffer for the team and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.