Senate Concurrent Resolution 586

(As Adopted by Senate and House)

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

WHEREAS, the Brookhaven Academy "Cougars" Football Team kicked off the 2009 football season with probably no one outside of the locker room expecting anything more than a rough rebuilding year. Coach Herbert Davis heard all the talk and didn't really know what to expect from his young team. At the end of the season, the Cougars had grown as a team and managed to put together the best season in Brookhaven Academy football history; and

WHEREAS, the 2009 season was culminated Friday, December 4, 2009, at Harper Davis Field on the campus of Millsaps College as Brookhaven Academy produced a dominating performance in a 63-28 victory over Lamar School's Raiders. With the win, the Cougars claimed the MAIS AA State Title for the first time since 1993 and finished the 2009 season with a perfect 15-0 record; and

WHEREAS, another unprecedented run took place during the football season and Brookhaven Academy was in the spotlight again. The Cougars finished unbeaten in 15 games and defeated Lamar School 63-28 in the AA State Championship. For Brookhaven Academy Head Coach Herbert Davis, it was his second State Title at his Alma Mater. In 1993, he had coached the Cougars to a State Championship; and

WHEREAS, Cougars junior quarterback Chandler Rogers started the championship game with 3,460 passing yards and 54 touchdowns. Rogers completed 15 of his 24 pass attempts for 353 yards and 5 touchdowns: a 77-yard strike to Jennings Mills, 44 and 14 yards to Bubba Keene, and 77 and 16 yards to Tripp Jolly. On the ground for a spectacular performance, Rogers ran 18 times for 139 yards; and

WHEREAS, on defense, Mark Rushing led Brookhaven with 14 tackles and an interception. Jamison Powell followed with 10 tackles. Alan Michael Allred had an interception. Kolby Kent recovered a fumble; and

WHEREAS, Coach Davis stated "This team grew as football players and as men. They overachieved all season long. It's been a special season"; 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 with great pride that we recognize the special accomplishment of this group of 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 Brookhaven Academy "Cougars" Football Team and Coach Herbert Davis for winning the 2009 Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class AA State Title, their first since 1993, and for their perfect 15-0 record, and we extend our best wishes to the team, their parents, sponsors and staff in their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Headmaster and Coach Herbert Davis for the team, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of Brookhaven Academy and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.