Senate Concurrent Resolution 608

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST BOLIVAR HIGH SCHOOL "EAGLES" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH HENRY JOHNSON FOR WINNING THE MHSAA CLASS 2A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP AND FOR THEIR EXCELLENT 2011 SEASON.

WHEREAS, for West Bolivar High School "Eagles" Head Football Coach Henry Johnson, football is more than just a game. Football has been a sport that he has shared with his family in a way many coaches are unable to share. When West Bolivar (15-1) defeated East Marion (26-7) at Veteran's Memorial Stadium in Jackson to win the MHSAA 2A Championship, Johnson led the team to the title with his cousin, Nikita Johnson, serving as defensive coordinator; his nephew, Keondrick Brown, serving the role of quarterback coach; and his son, Kylan, starting as quarterback; and

WHEREAS, the football tradition in Coach Johnson's family has been strong for many years as he, Nikita and Keondrick are all graduates and former football standouts at West Bolivar. Nikita played football at West Bolivar High School in 1981 when the team, then known as Rosedale High School, won the Class A Championship in 1981. He was also an Assistant Coach on the Eagles Team that won the 3A State Championship in 1986 and then again on the Eagles Team that won the 2A State Title in 2007. Nikita and Henry both played under the legendary Leland Young, who guided the Eagles to three State Championships as Head Coach of the West Bolivar (Rosedale) Eagles. When Henry played at West Bolivar, his team went to the 3A State Title Game in 1989. Brown was West Bolivar's starting quarterback in 2007 when the Eagles brought home their first State Championship since 1986. It also marked the first time West Bolivar had played in a State Title Game since 1989. When West Bolivar won this year, Kylan, Keondrick Brown's cousin, was the starting quarterback with Keondrick Brown coaching him; and

WHEREAS, on February 22, 2012, the Board of Supervisors of Bolivar County recognized the West Bolivar High School and Shaw High School football teams for making it to the State Championship Tournament in 2011. The board presented a resolution to the coaching staff and football team congratulating them on their efforts to win the 2A State Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, the West Bolivar High School "Eagles" Football Team 2011-2012 Roster is: Keaston Williams, WR/DB; Kylan Johnson, QB/WR/DB; Shaquon Conway, WR/FS; Kailo Moore, RB; Clyde King, TE/DE; Jovious Wade, QB/WR/DB; Damarrion Haynes, ATH; Jalen Honorable, WR/DB; Donnie Warren, WR; Trevoris Hampton, RB/SS; Anthony Dyer, WR/DB; Cortez Archie, WR/DB; Davon Harris, RB/SS; Leonardo Brown, RB/LB; Larry Walker, QB/WR; Dekedrian Hall, QB/WR; William Lloyd, RB/LB; Corey Smith, RB/LB; Rashon Conway, RB/LB; Deandre Cooper, WR/DB; Javarus Johnson, DE; Kawonski Williams, RB/DB; Jermaine Jones, Dennis Pendleton, RB/FS; Lamarus Ursy, WR/DB; Tiger King; Damario Brown, LB; Jerry Rice, DL/OL; Dalvin Williams, OL/DL; Kebeon Clinton, OL/DL; Markel Green, OL/DL; Jermaine Sanders, OL/DL; Miltorious Britton, OL/DL; Justin Lloyd, OL/DL; Jabralon Mckenzie; Rodriguez Bush, DE; Ladarius Tucker, OL/DL; Jacorey Lee, C/DE/TE; Terrance Williams, OL/DT; Ladarius Ford, OL/DL; Lajarvus Pates, TE/DE; Tyshawn Conway, WR/DB; Jarvis Franklin, WR; Katravis Williams, WR/DB; Edward Jenkins, WR; Head Coach Henry Johnson; Assistant Coaches Nikita Johnson and Keondrick Brown; and

WHEREAS, one of the biggest accomplishments for any high school senior is to have the chance to be selected to an All-Star game to culminate the end of a sensational career. On December 17, 2011, at Biloxi Stadium in Biloxi, Bolivar County was represented in the 63rd Annual Bernard Blackwell All-Star Football Classic by four outstanding football players and two coaches. Shaw High School's C.J. Shepherd, Cleveland High School's Eddie McCadney, West Bolivar's Demarrion Haynes and East Side's Khiry Lucas were selected to play for the North. West Bolivar Head Football Coach Henry Johnson was the Head Coach for the North, and West Bolivar Defensive Coordinator Nikita Johnson was Assistant Coach for the North; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the football tradition at this Mississippi Delta high school which has brought honor to its 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 West Bolivar High School "Eagles" Football Team and Head Coach Henry Johnson for winning the MHSAA Class 2A State Championship, commend Coach Johnson's family football tradition at Rosedale, and extend our best wishes to the coaches, team members, parents and sponsors for future athletic and academic success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Johnson and Principal Larry Walker, forwarded to the West Bolivar School Board, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.