Senate Concurrent Resolution 530

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PUCKETT HIGH SCHOOL "WOLVES" FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE CLASS 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR UNDEFEATED 2006 SEASON.

WHEREAS, the Puckett High School "Wolves" Football Team have another golden football to display in the trophy case. Puckett Backs Jonathan Cameron and Matt Willis combined for four touchdowns, and the Wolves' defense forced six East Webster turnovers to claim a 38-20 win, and the Class 1A State Championship on Friday, December 1, 2006, before an estimated 5,500 fans at Veterans Memorial Stadium; and

WHEREAS, this was the first time Puckett played for 1A State Championship since 2002 when they won their first State Championship; and

WHEREAS, coached by Jaris Patrick and assisted by Lance Dodson, Ben Dew and Jason Moore, the team took the field in its championship game for its first daytime game this season; and

WHEREAS, Puckett Head Coach Jaris Patrick clenched the championship trophy, a golden football, before entering the Wolves' locker room after the game. "The kids have worked hard all season and this was our goal," Patrick said; and

WHEREAS, Puckett completed its championship run perfectly, finishing the 2006 campaign 14-0; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Puckett was shut down during the championship game because there were thousands on hand supporting the Wolves. Puckett only has a population of 319 officially; and

WHEREAS, after claiming a state championship in his third season as Head Coach, Jaris Patrick said he expects the Wolves to win the 2007 title as well. However, the Senior Class will be missed by the Wolves, who will lose eight Seniors from the team that capped the perfect season with a State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Wolves scored 581 points in the championship season and allowed only 105; and

WHEREAS, special awards for the championship team include Head Coach Jaris Patrick, who was named Class 1A "Coach of the Year"; Wesley Purvis, who was named Class 1A First Team Linebacker; Jonathan Cameron, who was also named Class 1A First Team Linebacker; Matthew Willis, who was named Class 1A Second Team Running Back; Pat Cook, Second Team Guard; Nathan Sullivan, Second Team Center; Dewayne Floyd, Second Team Tackle; and Wilbert Lee, Second Team Study Safety; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this outstanding accomplishment by these 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 Puckett High School "Wolves" Football Team and Head Coach Jaris Patrick for winning the Class 1A State Championship and for their undefeated 2006 season, and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature in their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Principal of Puckett High School and Coach Patrick for the team and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.