House Resolution 40

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MORTON HIGH SCHOOL PANTHERS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2013 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION REGION 6 CLASS 3A DISTRICT CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Morton High School Panthers Football Team finished the 2013 season with an outstanding record of six wins and five losses, culminating with winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Region 6 Class 3A District Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers performed their best in the state playoffs in the 2013 season with an overall 6-5 record and an impressive undefeated 5-0 in district play, defeating Florence, Velma Jackson, Prentiss, St. Andrews, McLaurin and Collins before winning their first district title since 2005; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers, who outscored their opponents 210-101, pursued a six-game winning strike upon defeated Florence 33-3, and igniting a passion for winning and the adoption of a new "All In" slogan and a motto of "Belief in yourself, Belief in Each Other, Belief in Coaches and Belief in God!"; and

WHEREAS, the Morton Panthers have been superbly coached and inspired by first year Head Coach Kris Pickle and Assistant Coaches Randy Craft, Kyle Watson, Andre Hollis, Jon Cates and Matt Wade, who have broadened the Panthers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, for their excellent display of athletic prowess and command of the game, several Panthers received individual honors, including: Raheem Davis, who was named Region 6 Class 3A Offensive Player of the Year; Bradley Creel, Tyree Mcaroy, D.D. Dowie, Deyton Lingle, Freddie Hartz, Stepphon Sykes, Jonah Jackson and Nich Halley being named to the 1st Team All District; and Jayla Holloway, Tez McClendon, Davu Moore, Peyton Spencer, Don Clark and Michael Spann to the 2nd Team All District; and

WHEREAS, the coaching staff was not without commendation for the yeoman's work performed with turning around the team's success as they were named the Region 6 Class 3A Coaching Staff of the Year; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers roster is comprised of the following players: Tyree Mcaroy, Devonta Jones, Don Clark, Deyton Lingle, Raheem Davis, Dazion Kincaid, Tez McClendon, D.D. Bowie, Zachius Brinson, Koby McDonald, Davu Moore, Larod Ragsdale, Curtis Carr, Adrian Perez, Devyous Barlow, Nick Newsome, Cody Davis, Jeremiah Boyd, J.T. O'Cain, Ryu Warnsley, Aaron Bart, Darik Morgan, Malik Washington, Nich Halley, Jalen Anderson, Cleo Tucker, Elias Johnson, Jonothan McGriff, Remington Manning, Freddie Hartz, Ryan Crocker, Deon Townsend, Tahji Gilbert, Cole Morgan, Jonah Jackson, Bradley Creel, Jayla Holloway, Justin Reese, Stepphon Sykes, Andrew Williamson, Jimmy Jones, Peyton Spencer, Dalton Reeves, Xavier Likkel, Charles Cameron, Will Johnson, David Lloyd, Michael Spann, Peyton Allenn, LaVarious Ward, Kalen Brown, Labrodford Rabon, Kelsy Parrott and Cameron Davis; and

WHEREAS, the Panthers have developed a winning and cooperative spirit and high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitude reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coaches and bring honor to Morton High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Morton High School Football Team and their coaches for their outstanding 2013 season and for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Region 6 Class 3A District Championship, and extend best wishes for success in all of their future academic and athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the Morton High School Panthers Football Team Head Coach Kris Pickle and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.