House Concurrent Resolution 105

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ST. STANISLAUS ROCK-A-CHAWS FOOTBALL TEAM UPON AN OUTSTANDING SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, Saturday, December 5, 2009, was the St. Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaws Football Team's date with destiny, as the Rock-A-Chaws besieged Lafayette County in a battle on the gridiron for ultimate bragging rights with a score of 35-16, bolting the team to stake its claim as the 2009 Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Champions; and

WHEREAS, before an estimated crowd of 5,000 at Jackson's Veteran's Memorial Stadium, the Rock-A-Chaws were on a mission to return home not only as victors, but as champions, as they out-maneuvered and out-performed their equally talented opponents in regular and postseason matchups; and

WHEREAS, this year's title win is all the more befitting as it becomes the team's first state title and the first title for a team from the Mississippi Gulf Coast since D'Iberville's Class 4A Title in 2002, a fact that Coach Williams was aware of as he clutched the championship trophy in a soaked shirt; and

WHEREAS, finishing the season with an impressive 14-1 record, the 2009 Rock-A-Chaws were experiencing the ride of their lives on a whirlwind of unprecedented success, which also culminated with the 2009 District 8 Class 4A Championship and the 2009 South State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the united effort put forth by the team made the "Rocks" a formidable force to be reckoned with on the gridiron as evidenced by this accomplishment, as well as the honors and recognitions received by several individual players, including:

Dylan Favre, nephew of three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre, who owns basically every passing record in state history, encompassing this season's 5,589 yards passing and 63 touchdowns, 1,234 yards rushing and 18 touchdowns, personally accounting for 81 touchdowns effortlessly surpassing the previous state record of 54 set in 2002 by 37 touchdowns; sure-handed Krisjon Wilkerson, a Top 125 Senior, who entered the championship game as the state's record holder in career TD receptions, touchdowns and receiving yards and single-season records for yards and touchdowns; and varsity team captains, Boomer Scarborough, Jack Gibbons and Blake Morreale; and

WHEREAS, the Rock-A-Chaws have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Forrest Williams and Assistant Coaches Chad Boos, Dave Boos, Owen Brennan, Stan Dellenger, Chris Frigo, Erich Hoffer, Timmy Kulikowski, Taylor Lafontaine, Mark Logan, Sean Logan, Stu Rayborn and Will Windham, who worked seamlessly to refine the players' skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, at St. Stanislaus, participation in athletics is viewed as an important component in the overall educational experience, as it fosters the development of sportsmanship, camaraderie and physical fitness; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this singular achievement and unique accomplishment by a group of student athletes and their coaches, who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the Mississippi Gulf Coast:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That that we do hereby commend and congratulate the St. Stanislaus Rock-A-Chaws Football Team, Head Coach Forrest Williams and the entire coaching staff upon a remarkable season and winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship, and extend to the team, coaches and parents best wishes for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Coach Williams, Athletic Director Stace McRaney, Headmaster Brother Ronald Hingle and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.