House Resolution 57

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH STEVE PRUETT FOR COMPLETING AN OUTSTANDING TEN-WIN SEASON AND CAPTURING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A DISTRICT 6 CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Eagles Football Team persevered through a remarkably ferocious season, and with motivation and audacity, they successfully finished the 2014-2015 season with an outstanding ten victories, culminating with their winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A District 6 Championship Game; and

WHEREAS, the 2014-2015 Florence High School Football Team, which is comprised of well-disciplined and dedicated young men, was led by 22 graduating seniors, who played hundreds of Friday night games and sweated through countless, hard-hitting hours in practice hoping that the long established dream of Florence High School winning the district championship would become a reality, as it did for only the third time in Eagles' football history; and

WHEREAS, the accomplished Eagles' team included seven First Team All-District Players, seven Second Team All-District Players, three All-District Most Valuable Players for Overall Most Valuable Player, Offensive Lineman, and Special Teams Players, as well as four players offered full college football scholarships to continue their education and football careers at institutions of higher learning and the Eagles' coaching staff received the revered title of Coaching Staff of the Year for Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A District 6; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Eagles 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, especially when opposing longtime rivals McLaurin High School in the Egg Bowl and Richland High School in the Black and Blue Bowl, and when the squad competed against traditional powerhouse Magee High School, the Eagles reigned supreme on Trojan turf for the first time in Eagles' history, dominating the enemy 45-38, thereby crowning a new powerhouse between the competitive duo; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 Eagles' very talented and distinguished roster is comprised of the following athletes: Marcus Morris, Daunta McLaurin, Jamaal Lloyd, Dylan Green, Isaiah Patrick, Kalen Lewis, Brad Dennis, Devonte Brown, Chandler Grantham, Stephen Jones, Brandon Knight, Windham Whatley, John Parker, Trea Toins, Ransom Ford, Wyatt Grantham, Kelton Carr, Titus Lee, Devin McLaurin, Kentarius Loftin, Kyle Booth, Shane Ainsworth, Justin Corley, Brandtly Smith, Dillon Smith, Tylan Body, Brayden Maulding, Tyrone Thames, Clay Cantrell, Aaron Mcgee, Cody Anderson, Roy Aguliar, Tanner Powell, Trey Lingold, Deundra Davis, Caleb Rawson, Gage McNeily, Zeak Shorter, Damion Lee, Corbin Lyle, Trenton Maulding, Christian McCormick, Hunter Daniel, Trevon Bobbett, James Hancock, Jeremy Buckhalter, Billy Sypolt, Gentle Williams, Gunnar Granberry, Hart Hynes, Caleb McCrory, Ethan Morris, J.J. Williams, Shelby Sasser, Kalon Barnes, Seth Barber, Ashton Morris, Jonathan Thames, Tyler Burkes, Jacob McNeily and Joshua Smith; and

WHEREAS, the Eagles' offense would have been grounded without: the speed and agility of the wide receivers; the running backs, who left it all on the field to dominate their hostile foes; the offensive linemen that held off each rival's defense with their potency and concentration and allowed the Eagles to set new school records in scoring, with 42 points per game and over 3,600 rushing yards; the tight ends, whose versatility made the ten victories possible; the fullbacks, constantly playing with clear eyes, full hearts, and unimaginable amounts of strength; and the quarterbacks, who handled the ball with accuracy, consistency and vivacity; and

WHEREAS, leading the district in turnovers, the Eagles were unparalleled on defense, which was commanded by the fierce and powerful defensive backs, the linebackers, overflowing with strength and tenacity, the defensive linemen, whose grind, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of Florence's ten victories, the defensive ends, whose tackles and sacks were fierce and will not soon be forgotten by the opponents they met, and the safeties and cornerbacks, while bursting with wit and athleticism, duped more than one quarterback this season and defended long passes with ease; and

WHEREAS, the kickers and long snappers were a huge asset to the Eagles' excellent season, as they brought more than one game out of the clutches of defeat and into the hands of victory; and

WHEREAS, basked in a rainbow of black, red and white, the fans showered the Florence football team with their glowing support throughout the week and rallied behind their beloved Eagles each Friday night, filling the stands with their bodies as well as their spirit and encouragement; and

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Football Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Steve Pruett, who has broadened the Eagles' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Pruett 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, the assistant coaches, who helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field are as follows: Vince Granberry, Sean Gerald, Josh Cavanaugh, Shey Patterson, Jason Thomas, Jimmy Booth and J. Mike Smith; and

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

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the Florence High School Eagles 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 Florence High School Eagles Football Team and Head Coach Steve Pruett for completing an outstanding ten-win season and capturing the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A District 6 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 Steve Pruett, Florence High School Principal Tony Martin and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.