House Resolution 42

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE LEAKESVILLE BEARCATS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2011 MISSISSIPPI YOUTH FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION STATE CHAMPIONSHIP IN THE SEVEN- AND EIGHT-YEAR-OLDS DIVISION.

WHEREAS, the Leakesville Bearcats Football Team defeated several other football teams, locally and across the state for the title of Mississippi Youth Football Association (MYFA) State Champions in the seven- and eight-year olds division; and

WHEREAS, the championship game took place on December 10, 2011, at the M.M. Roberts Stadium on the campus of the University of Southern Mississippi in Hattiesburg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Leakesville Bearcats Football Team produced a dominating show of talent, courage and commitment to triumph in the Mississippi Youth Football Association championship competition to achieve an amazing feat; and

WHEREAS, the Bearcats went undefeated in the regular season, closing it out with an impressive 11-0 record, scoring 254 total points while allowing their opponents only 54 total points for the season; and

WHEREAS, moving forward into the playoffs, the Bearcats defeated the Lake Hornets with a final score of 28-6 before playing the Petal Panthers, garnering a victory over Petal with a final score of 28-8; and

WHEREAS, the Bearcats' twin victories in the playoffs advanced the team to the semifinals in a matchup against the Waynesboro War Eagles, where the road to victory ended for the War Eagles when the Bearcats triumphed in the end with a final score of 22-14, securing their spot in the state finals; and

WHEREAS, in the championship game, the Bearcats faced the undefeated Scott Central Rebels, emerging as the victors in a tough-fought battle against a strong team, with a final score of 12-8 to claim the championship title; and

WHEREAS, outfitted with a stellar football team, Head Coach Ken Walley and Assistant Coaches Jo Jo McCann, Lenard Johnson and Oliver Walley managed to lead a championship squad to yet another title; and

WHEREAS, the Leakesville Bearcats Football Team is comprised of the following members: Deandre Grice, Kaleb Walley, Rick Brown, Justin Walley, Daniel Leverette, William Hugger, Jr., Tyler Dickerson, Dalarrus Cooper, Cade Smith, Dakota Kittrell, Scotty Nettles, Nikolas McCann, Isaiah Byrd, James Lewis, Dagen Ham, Charlie Spears, Jr., Devon Dueitt, Caiden Keys, Logan Bufkin, MyKal McLeod, LaTerries Walley, Karter Williams, Clint Thomas and Frederick Johnson; and

WHEREAS, the accomplishments of these Magnolia State young athletes have brought honor to themselves, their families, their coaches, the City of Leakesville and to the entire State of Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize the accomplishments of young athletes, such as the Leakesville Bearcats Football Team whose dedication to their athletics is exemplary of the same dedication of the parents' and coaches' commitment to equip them with life's necessary tools, which reflect great honor upon the entire State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Leakesville Bearcats Football Team for their 2011 MYFA championship title in the seven- and eight-year olds division and extend best wishes to the team for continued success in all of their academic and athletic pursuits.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Leakesville Bearcats Football Team, Head Coach Ken Walley and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.