House Concurrent Resolution 69

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE EAST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE LIONS FOOTBALL TEAM AND VETERAN HEAD COACH BUDDY STEPHENS FOR WINNING THE NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the East Mississippi Community College "Lions" Football Team, who claimed all 12 of their victories by following the appropriate mantra, "Just win one game at a time" clinched victory 34-17 against the Iowa Western Community College "Reivers" Football Team in an epic game that had fans on the edge of their seats until the last down was played at Biloxi Indian Stadium in Biloxi, Mississippi, on December 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, the motivation and audacity of the Lions helped them finish their remarkably ferocious season undefeated (12-0) for the second consecutive year and ranked as the number one seed, and they became the first Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges member to win back-to-back national titles when they claimed their second consecutive National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship, which was their third National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship in the past four years, making East Mississippi Community College the first school to accomplish such an impressive feat; and

WHEREAS, the Lions' competent and speedy offense, which scored on average 50 points a game, constantly played with clear eyes, full hearts, and unimaginable amounts of strength throughout the season, and to prevail in the title matchup, the game of all games, that same superior group of men amassed 515 yards of total offense compared to the opponent's measly 191 yards, which was a domination worthy of a national title; and

WHEREAS, sophomore quarterback Chad Kelly, whose ultimate goal was to win a national championship, played his part to help his team raise the coveted trophy as darkness fell on that magical Sunday when he completed 40 of 53 passes for 434 yards, threw five touchdown passes, and rushed for 33 yards, the most rushing yards for the championship team; and

WHEREAS, while Kelly credited his success to the extremely dangerous arsenal of weapons that is the East Mississippi Community College high-scoring offense, he was appropriately named East Mississippi Community College's Most Valuable Offensive Player by the game's officials and earned the Mississippi Bowl Committee's 2014 Player of the Year honor; and

WHEREAS, the hard-working and determined defense united its strength and gumption to stop the powerful Reivers when the game was on the line, reiterating the old saying, "Defense wins championships"; and

WHEREAS, the East Mississippi Lions championship-winning defense, whose tackles and sacks were fierce and will not soon be forgotten by the opponents they demolished, only allowed each opponent an average of eight points per game, scored ten touchdowns during the season, returned seven interceptions for scores and three fumble recoveries for touchdowns, and the special teams blocked a punt for a score; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Lions faced off with some of the nation's best contenders on the gridiron, but persevered to make their presence and talent known as gladiators of football under the twinkling stadium lights; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 East Mississippi Community College 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 East Mississippi Lions, who played with nothing but heart, soul and swagger all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, and their unwavering belief, which existed on the first day preparation for the season began, that the Lions would reign supreme at the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship ultimately catapulted them to the number one seed and helped them watch their championship dream become a reality; and

WHEREAS, the East Mississippi running backs, who left it all on the field to dominate the Iowa Western Reivers, are as follows: D.J. Law, Todd Mays and Preston Baker, who caught four passes for 54 yards and a touchdown in the title matchup; and

WHEREAS, throughout the season, the offense would have been grounded without the speed and agility of the following wide receivers, whose dedication and athletic prowess helped them become game changers for East Mississippi during the championship game: Camion Patrick, who caught seven passes for 118 yards and two touchdowns, Ja'Marcus Revies, who caught seven passes for 67 yards and a score, Brandon Acker, who caught six passes for 83 yards and a touchdown, Isaac Johnson, who caught six passes for 54 yards, Kameron Myers, Dario Robinson, Allenzae Staggers, Sammie Burroughs, Corey Davis, Desmond Goss and Michael Hodges, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, the following offensive linemen held off each rival's defense with their potency and concentration: Jamal Danley, Chris Berry, Brandon Hodges, Jacob Feeley, T.J. Martindale, Reid Kellems, James Davis, Jawon Johnson and Ethan Orr; and

WHEREAS, the East Mississippi quarterbacks, who each handled the ball with accuracy, consistency and vivacity are Chad Kelly, Todd Mays, Wyatt Roberts and Joseph Willis; and

WHEREAS, the Lions were unparalleled on defense, which was led by the powerful defensive backs: Deshadrick Truly, who recovered a championship game fumble, Allen Sentimore, who intercepted his team-leading seventh pick of the season for the Lions defense in the championship game, Quan Latham, who caught his fourth and fifth interceptions of the year during the title game, Antraveon Jamison, Jeryl Brazil, Dekarius Prayer, Jessie Gill, Jacolbi Heard, Jalen Boney and Wesley Smith; and

WHEREAS, the linebackers, whose strength and tenacity held opposing offenses to only eight passing scores, four rushing touchdowns all season, and did not allow a rushing touchdown during the nine-game regular season, are as follows: Justin Lucas, who earned Most Valuable Defensive Player honors during the championship game for his 14 tackles, of which ten were solo tackles and 2.5 resulted in a loss of yardage for the opponent, William Lloyd, who had a monumental sack and finished with seven tackles in the championship game, three for a loss, Lorenzo Phillips, who had one sack to help secure the championship victory, Demetrius Cain, who recovered a championship game fumble, Marcus LeFlore, Demetrius Gooden, Defond Bester and Keitadrion Wortham; and

WHEREAS, the defensive linemen, whose grit, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of East Mississippi's 12 victories, are as follows: Ronald Ollie, who had one championship game sack, DeShawn Tillman, Caleb Grant, JaQarius Scott, Marco Montgomery, Zavia Forshee, D.J. Jones and Dante Sawyer; and

WHEREAS, the deep safety is Evan Grimes, who bursting with wit and athleticism, duped more than one quarterback this season and defended long passes with ease; and

WHEREAS, the kickers are John Michael McFall and Drew White, whose swift and precise legs were a huge asset to the Lions' undefeated season; and

WHEREAS, the Lions have been superbly coached and inspired by American Community College Football Coaches Association Coach of the Year, Head Coach Buddy Stephens, who has broadened the Lions' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Stephens, who declared that his superb coaching successes are due in large part to his exponentially skillful staff, was honored to be named the Coach of the Year, which was voted on by his peers, for the second time, thereby making him the first two-time recipient of the prestigious award; and

WHEREAS, prior to Coach Stephens' 2008 arrival, the Lions football program in Scooba, Mississippi, which began in 1929, was a sinking ship, with only one playoff appearance under its belt, but Coach Stephens, unfazed by the history of defeat, dove in head first to revive the program and has successfully guided the Lions to a treasured 68-10 record during his seven seasons, which includes an astonishing record of 13-1 against opponents who were ranked in the nation's top five; and

WHEREAS, Coach Stephens 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 East Mississippi Community College 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 East Mississippi Community College Lions Football Team and veteran Head Coach Buddy Stephens for winning the National Junior College Athletic Association National Championship 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 Buddy Stephens and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.