House Resolution 22

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2013 PICAYUNE HIGH SCHOOL "MAROON TIDE" FOOTBALL TEAM AND VETERAN HEAD COACH DODD LEE FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Picayune High School "Maroon Tide" Football Team scored 21 unanswered points in five minutes to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 5A Championship game 42-35 on December 7, 2013, at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium against Oxford High School; and

WHEREAS, the Maroon Tide finished the 2013-2014 season with an outstanding record of 12-2 and demonstrated athletic fortitude and prowess to claim title to their second MHSAA Class 5A State Championship in three years; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Maroon Tide faced off with some of the state's best contenders on the gridiron, but persevered to make their presence and talent known as gladiators of football under the Friday night lights; and

WHEREAS, Kardarius Cross rushed around the left edge and up the sideline 75 yards to cap off the game winner late in the fourth quarter, which was later complemented when the defense cemented the title by recovering a fumble with 1:10 remaining in the game; and

WHEREAS, outscoring Oxford 21-0 in the final seven minutes, and the three touchdowns came in a span of five minutes, Picayune tied the game 35-35 with less than three minutes remaining when Preston Dedeaux scored his third touchdown of the game; and

WHEREAS, however the Maroon Tide's comeback began with Daveon Greene's 47-yard reception from Boderick Scott with seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter when Picayune trailed 35-21, and senior running back Preston Dedeaux charge in leading the 374 rushing yards attack for Picayune with three touchdowns of the night; and

WHEREAS, the 2013 Picayune team's statistics were impressive and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success is the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the 2013 Maroon Tide Varsity Roster is as follows: Deandre Anderson, HB, CB; Coren Nixon, WR; Jackson Samples, K; Kadarius Cross, KR, RB, CB; Jon Brunson, S; Michael Smith, WR; Gerrell Keaton, S; Kevin Reed, WR, CB; Jaylin Dees, CB; Boderick Scott, QB; Josiah Hickman, QB, P; Dalton Hedgepeth, WR, DB; Devin Hedgepeth, QB; Abraham Fletcher; Ashton Williams, S; Will Heck, DT; Tyler Smith, WR, CB; Tony Washington, CB; Aaron Hart, TE, LB; Trey Wimbrow, S, RB; Jonathan Baker, DE, WR; Jordan Dedeaux, FS; Earl Nastasi, FB, LB; Preston Dedeaux, RB, S; Jameson Rollins, DT; Alex Aaron, TE, DT; Russell Whitehead, CB; Cordale Helton, S; Xavier Haralson, FB, LB; Sam Hickman, LB, WB; Chance Frierson, DT; Daveon Greene, RB; Hunter Smith, DT; Jacob Namias, OL; Ethan Frierson, OL, DE; Zach Borley, DT; Keith Gaston, DT; Drew Lambert, DE; Deandre McDonald, DT; Devan Spiers, G, DT; Chase Roberson, C; Arrione Vaughn, LB; Gage Wilson, OL; Gavin Stockstill, OL; Austin Ramsey, OL; Chance Kellar, DE, G; Octavius Kelly; Jesse Hall, DT; Tommie Curry, OL; Caleb Dorn, C; Connor Bryan, OT; D'Marcus Haralson, OT; Nathan Gill, OL; Hunter Love, S; Rapheal Bickham, DE; Michael Mavenyenggwa, DT; Gary'A Nicholson, DT; and Josiah Stallings, DT, OL; and

WHEREAS, the Maroon Tide have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Dodd Lee, who has broadened the Maroon Tide's knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Lee continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and undaunted spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players and plays, by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the Picayune High School Football Team who have brought honor to their school, their community and to the 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 Picayune High School "Maroon Tide" Football Team and veteran Head Coach Dodd Lee for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State Championship, their second title in three years, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to Coach Dodd Lee, Picayune Principal Kent Kirkland and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.