House Resolution 34

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SIMMONS HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM UPON AN OUTSTANDING UNDEFEATED SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION 1A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, on Friday, December 4, 2015, the Simmons High School Football Team achieved unparalleled success, winning the school's first 1A State Championship in decisive fashion over the Resurrection Eagles, by a score of 25-9, proving themselves to be without equals on the football field; and

WHEREAS, a campaign that began in August, Simmons Football Team left no doubt in any contenders' or onlookers' mind that it meant business throughout the regular and post seasons, with a dauntless defense led by the Delta Democrat Times Defensive Player of the Year, Roderick Jarret, the Blue Devils allowed only 18 points in the regular season and allowed just 21 points in the MHSAA playoffs; and

WHEREAS, on offense the Blue Devils were led by sophomore quarterback Chandler Robinson, who earned the Delta Democrat Times Newcomer of the Year Award for his contributions to the team as an underclassman; and

WHEREAS, dominant on both sides of the football, the Blue Devils were led by a talented roster full of players receiving individual recognition, with seven players selected as 1st team All District, including: Marquez Pam, Joshua Jordan, Tyus Levy, Roderick Jarrett, MyKhal Maybell, David Turner and Charles Robinson; and two players earning 1st Team All State Honors: Marquez Pam and Treveon Nelson; Nelson also earned the distinction of being named Delta Democrat Times Player of the Year and District Player of the Year for his contributions to the team; and

WHEREAS, leading this team of champions, Coach Tavares Johnson, distinguished himself beyond all other coaches earning the 2015 State 1A Coach of the Year, 2015 District Coach of the Year, and the Delta Democrat Times Coach of the Year honors; and

WHEREAS, Coach Tavares' team regularly dismantled its opponents on the field, outscoring their opponents 521 to 39, on the way to their undefeated season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and congratulate outstanding teams like the 2015 Simmons High School Football Team, who have achieved the highest degree of success in their sport and have brought honor to their school and their community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Simmons High School Football Team and the entire coaching staff upon winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association 1A State Championship, and extend to the team and coaches, best wishes 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 Tavares Johnson and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.