MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2007 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Posey, Chassaniol, Clarke, Dearing, Gordon, Hyde-Smith, Lee (35th), White
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE COPIAH ACADEMY "COLONELS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH MITCH MITCHELL FOR WINNING THEIR THIRD MPSA AA STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2006 SEASON.
WHEREAS, in a game that came down to the last play, the Copiah Academy "Colonels" Football Team celebrated its first Mississippi Private School Association (MPSA) State AA Championship since the Colonels won back-to-back AA titles in 1980 and 1981 with a 24-21 win over Kirk Academy on Thursday, November 30, 2006; and
WHEREAS, after starting the season 3-4, Copiah Academy won its final seven games of the season to finish 10-4; and
WHEREAS, Kirk Academy had a chance to tie the game on the final of the game with a 44-yard field goal attempt, but the kick fell short and the Copiah Academy players and fans celebrated their victory after the suspense was over; and
WHEREAS, Copiah Academy Running Back Jake Guess had a solid game, scoring two touchdowns. His first was a 5-yard reception from Quarterback Daniel Sims and his second touchdown was a 1-yard run, giving the Colonels a 24-14 lead with 11:03 remaining in the game. Both of Guess' touchdowns were set up by the special teams and defense. His first touchdown came after a fumble recovery and the second touchdown came after a blocked punt. Copiah Academy's other scores came on a 1-yard by Sims and a 27-yard field goal by Richard Henley; and
WHEREAS, Copiah Academy Head Coach Mitch Mitchell said that the work his team does off the field paid off in the championship game. "This is why we come to work at 6:00 in the morning during the summer -- for nights like tonight. Our players did not give up after a tough start to the season, and we are real proud of how they have responded during this playoff run," Mitchell said; and
WHEREAS, Copiah Academy made its fourth appearance in the AA State Championship game. The Colonels won in 1980 and 1981 and lost in last year's final. Kirk Academy has not appeared in the AA finals since 1981 when Copiah Academy defeated Kirk Academy 31-14 at Gallman to claim the AA State Football Championship; and
WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this group of student athletes who have ended their 25-year wait for a State Championship and 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 Copiah Academy "Colonels" Football Team and Head Coach Mitch Mitchell for winning their third Mississippi Private School Association AA State Championship and for their outstanding 2006 season and extend to them the best wishes of the Legislature for their future athletic and academic successes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Headmaster of Copiah Academy and Coach Mitchell for the team and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.