House Resolution 35

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE NORTHWEST MISSISSIPPI COMMUNITY COLLEGE RANGERS FOOTBALL TEAM FOR WINNING THE 2015 NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Northwest Mississippi Community College Rangers Football Team defeated the Rochester Community and Technical College Yellowjackets 66-13 in the Mississippi Bowl, to claim the 2015 National Junior College Athletic Association Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers fought through a rugged schedule in the Mississippi Association of Community and Junior Colleges Conference, defeating a school-record six ranked opponents in route to their first conference title since 1999; and

WHEREAS, both the Rangers and the Yellowjackets entered the title matchup with a record of 11-1, but it was the Rangers who took home the national crown due to their explosive offense and stout defense; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers' offense set the tone early, with tailback Justin Crawford busting through the Yellowjackets' defensive line for a 58-yard touchdown on the first play of the game; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers led by an impressive score of 35-0 at halftime, and their dominance proved too much for the Yellowjackets, who were never able to come close to delivering the upset; and

WHEREAS, the 2015 win marks the third national championship in Northwest Mississippi Community College's history, as the team previously won national titles in 1982 and 1992; and

WHEREAS, although there were several standout performances by Rangers' players, this championship win was a result of teamwork and unselfish play, with every teammate understanding his role and executing it perfectly; and

WHEREAS, the Rangers have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Jack Wright, who has broadened the Rangers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and in honor of his outstanding job coaching this year, he was named the 2015 NJCAA Football Coach of the Year; and

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

WHEREAS, the roster for the 2015 Rangers is as follows: Tito Windham, Wesley Bush, Justin Crawford, Alfred Dickens, Gardner Minshew, Chris Williams, Jamison Goods, Ryan Golden, Titus Ivory, Jacob McCrary, KyKy Austin, Shea Chism, Alex Norwood, K.T. McCollin, Steven Bradley, Darius Thomas, David Herrington, Romeel Cochran, Todd Wilson, Marquisian Chapman, Chris Fobbs, Tyrique Armstrong, D'Andre Brown, Tywun Walters, Javonta Woods, Max Joseph, Raheim Avery, Malik Hawkins, Jim Speights, Willie Bland, Jr., Devante Davis, Quondarius Qualls, Aleck Hobson, Willie McCaleb, Quandez Lee, Maurice Rivers, A.J. Smith, Kenyana Heard, J.R. Burns, Jordan Sanders, Corey Brown, Anderson Gund, Chris Phillips, Terrance Malone, Jermaine Jones, Chase Johnson, Andrew Herrington, Jalen Harvey, Kris Reliford and Anthony Gund; Head Coach, Jack Wright; Assistant Coaches, Scott Oakley, Jim Jones, Jonathan Webster, Travis Macon and Benjy Parker; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the outstanding student athletes of this state, such as the Rangers, whose hard work, determination and unyielding resolve brings honor to their parents, school and 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 Northwest Mississippi Community College for winning the 2015 NJCAA Football Championship and extend best wishes for continued success in all of their future athletic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Northwest Mississippi Community College, Head Coach Jack Wright and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.