House Concurrent Resolution 18

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2014 SOUTH PANOLA HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM AND VETERAN HEAD COACH LANCE POGUE FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the South Panola Tigers High School Football Team clinched victory 27-21 in an overtime struggle against the Oak Grove Warriors that had fans on the edge of their seats until the last down was played in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi, on December 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers had a remarkably ferocious season, beginning as the underdogs, but through motivation and audacity, finished undefeated (15-0) and claimed their eleventh Mississippi High School Activities Association 6A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, an overtime interception by junior standout Demetrius Market, who played on offense, defense and special teams, helped the Tigers, who deserved to be champions, seal their undefeated season with a state championship; and

WHEREAS, Darrell Henderson, a senior and the all-time leading rusher for the Tigers, cemented the win when he carried the ball 10 yards to score the game-winning touchdown in an overtime game that had been plagued with bad officiating and even worse weather; and

WHEREAS, without the hard work and determination of the defense, who came together to stop the powerful Warriors when the game was on the line, another victor might have been crowned, because as the old saying goes, "Defense wins championships."; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Tigers 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, the 2014 South Panola 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 South Panola Tigers, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, which ultimately catapulted them to the number one seed; and

WHEREAS, the athletes, whose dedication and athletic prowess helped them become game changers for South Panola are as follows: Darrell Henderson, Demetrius Market and Ephraim Kitchen; and

WHEREAS, the South Panola running backs, who left it all on the field to dominate the Oak Grove Warriors, are as follows: Roosevelt Jones, Ryan Lee, Dewayne Brassel, K.D. Chapman, Oluwain Hoskins, JaMichael Robinson, Markel Gleaton and Montreal Pegues; and

WHEREAS, the offense would have been grounded without the speed and agility of the wide receivers, who are comprised of the following: Roosevelt Jones, Cole Rotenberry, Turner Rotenberry, Jaylen Ford, Stevon Hill, Jamien Johnson, Gerrin Key, Cordarrious Poole and Tyrone Powell; and

WHEREAS, the victory would have been lost without the versatile tight ends, who consist of the following: Reginald Morris, Devyn Pegues, Trey Tedford, Desmond Shegog, Kirterius Corley and Brycen Robinson; and

WHEREAS, the fullbacks, who constantly played with clear eyes, full hearts, and unimaginable amounts of strength are Reginald Morris and Stegan Smith; and

WHEREAS, the offensive linemen, who held off each rival's defense with their potency and concentration and allowed the Tigers to score 535 points this season, are as follows: Jarien Barksdale, Levi Gazaway, Rodney Shaw, Bryon Robinson, Anthony Sims, Demetrius Gleaton, Undraius Blackburn, Dqmarcus Shaw, Stacy McMurry, Jalyn Galmore, Tabarious Evans and Jarrell Oatis; and

WHEREAS, an offense is only as good as its quarterback and the South Panola quarterbacks, who handled the ball with accuracy, consistency and vivacity are Tyler Pogue and Cornelius Lee; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers were unparalleled on defense, which was led by the fierce and powerful defensive backs: Quandarious Hamilton, Turner Rotenberry, Donald Twilley, Marcellus Scott, John Ellis, James Ellis, K.T. Pegues, Josh Shorter, Mario Love, John Williams, Lee Roberts, Shunaric Clark and Willie Laws; and

WHEREAS, the linebackers, whose strength and tenacity held opposing offenses to only 189 points all season, are as follows: Ryan Lee, Anfernee Benson, Kamdon Edwards, Drelan Porter, K.D. Chapman, Undra Draper, JaTerion Draper, Titus Johnson, D.J. Hall, Trammell Thomas, Love McBride, Derrick Sanford, Kentravius Benson, Quinten Jones and James Johnson; and

WHEREAS, the defensive linemen, whose grind, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of South Panola's 15 victories, are as follows: Drelan Porter, O'Bryan Goodson, Kendarius Willingham, Robbie Phillips, Tavares Webb, Eric Kitchen, Taiwan Obey, Kadarius Ford, Desmond Lester, Kasey Hankins, Chance Griffin and Ryan Anthony; and

WHEREAS, the free safety is Stevon Hill, who bursting with wit and athleticism, duped more than one quarterback this season and defended long passes with ease; and

WHEREAS, the defensive end is Ladarrius Rudd, whose tackles and sacks were fierce and will not soon be forgotten by the opponents he met; and

WHEREAS, the kicker is Steven Collins, whose swift and precise leg was a huge asset to the Tigers' undefeated season; and

WHEREAS, the championship triumph would not have been possible without the leadership of Principal Roy Ballentine, who ensured that the players studied and excelled academically as well as athletically; and

WHEREAS, the assistant coaches, who also helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field are as follows: Trey Dickerson, Terrance Pope, Thomas Pipkin, Matt Mock, Jamie Easley, Chuck Darbonne, Gary Sims, Trey Higdon, Danny Robertson, Jim Tindall, Justin Lee and Artee Smith; and

WHEREAS, other supporting staff that played a huge role in the success are as follows: Scott Heath, Devon Sanford, Tavares Lee, Fred Hentz and Andrew Jefferies; and

WHEREAS, the Tigers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Lance Pogue, who has broadened the Tigers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Pogue 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 and by the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the South Panola 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, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the South Panola High School Tigers Football Team and veteran Head Coach Lance Pogue for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Championship, their eleventh state title, 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 copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Lance Pogue, South Panola Principal Roy Balentine and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.