House Resolution 15

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE BROOKHAVEN ACADEMY COUGARS FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH HERBERT DAVIS FOR THEIR FAULTLESS 15-0 RECORD WHILE WINNING THE 2009 MAIS CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, in finishing the season without losing a single game, the 2009 Brookhaven Academy Cougars Football Team accomplished a feat few teams in history have ever done, a 15-0 record; and

WHEREAS, finishing each game and the season with nothing less than perfection gave the undefeated Cougars the MAIS AA Magnolia State title and the honor of being called champions; and

WHEREAS, outfitted with a youthful 2009 squad filled with heart, Coach Herbert Davis managed to arrange and then direct the most preeminent team in Brookhaven Academy's storied football tradition; and

WHEREAS, on Friday, December 4, 2009, the Brookhaven Academy Cougars produced a dominating show of talent, courage and commitment in a 63-28 triumph over the Raiders of the Lamar School in the Mississippi Association of Independent Schools AA State Championship game; and

WHEREAS, these well-deserved champions achieved an amazing and unparalleled run in high school football that has brought Brookhaven Academy back into the limelight; and

WHEREAS, Cougars' quarterback, Chandler Rogers, a junior, finished the regular season with an astonishing 3,460 passing yards and an incredible 54 touchdowns; and

WHEREAS, in the State Championship, Rogers completed 15 of his 24 pass attempts for 353 yards and five touchdowns, including a 77-yard pass to receiver, Jennings Mills, and Rogers ran 18 times for 139 yards; and

WHEREAS, during this special season, Mark Rushing led Brookhaven's defense with 14 tackles and an interception while Jamison Powell followed with 10 tackles, and Alan Michael Allred had an interception, while Kolby Kent contributed by recovering a fumble; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of these Cougar student athletes have brought honor to Brookhaven Academy, Lincoln County and to the entire State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, leading his Alma Mater back to the top, Coach Davis felt his 2009 Cougar Football Team not only accomplished so much athletically, but grew throughout the season collectively as football players and as young men; and

WHEREAS, the roster of the 2009 Brookhaven Academy Cougars is: Myles Melancon, Donovan Lorraine, Logan Pace, Tyler Trout, Christian Keene, Mark Rushing, Tripp Jolly, Matthew Evans, Will Lucas, Jennings Mills, Eli Gatlin, Chandler Rogers, Tanner Parvin, Gage Posey, Seth Rushing, Will Hickman, Jeff Rushing, Colby Kent, Jacob Philipp, Alan Michael Allred, Jamison Powell, Clint Stewart, Sam Ratcliff, Bailey Hodge, Tate Chapman, Prentiss Smith, Cameron Barry, Will Gatlin, Caleb Dunaway, Hunter Franklin, Ryan Kimble, Hunter McCullough, Joseph Grice, Colby Culbertson, Preston Rawls and Drew Philipp; Head Coach Herbert Davis; Assistant Coaches Kenny Williams and Robert Young; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the accomplishments of our young student athletes:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Brookhaven Academy Cougars Football Team and Head Coach Herbert Davis for winning the 2009 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AA State Title and for their perfect 15-0 record, and extend best wishes to the team, their parents, sponsors and staff in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Headmaster of Brookhaven Academy, Coach Herbert Davis, the Board of Trustees of Brookhaven Academy and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.