House Resolution 34

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE CALHOUN CITY HIGH SCHOOL "WILDCATS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH PERRY LILES FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST STATE TITLE SINCE 1989 IN HONOR OF THE DEPARTED TEAM MEMBER TRIPP MACON.

WHEREAS, Calhoun City won its first State Title since 1989 by defeating Bay Springs 22-8, but the moment that will be etched in the minds of many who saw it happen is the entire team taking a photo with a No. 68 jersey, which was Tripp Macon's jersey; and

WHEREAS, two years ago, before he passed away in a car accident, Tripp Macon told Calhoun City Coach Perry Liles that the Wildcats would win a championship game this year, and on December 2, 2016, his presence was felt as his No. 68 jersey number was painted on each Calhoun City helmet and his words proved to be prophetic; and

WHEREAS, Calhoun City created five turnovers, and its powerful rushing attack dominated the clock in a 22-8 win over Bay Springs at Mississippi State's Davis Wade Stadium to capture the Class 2A Title; and

WHEREAS, this championship game was Calhoun City's first since 1989, and interestingly, Calhoun City also defeated Bay Springs in that State Title game in 1989; and

WHEREAS, this title game was the third time in the past four years that Calhoun City has played in the championship, and Calhoun City (15-1) held Bay Springs to 176 total yards while the Wildcats rushed for 274 yards as a team; and

WHEREAS, Jessie Nabors led Calhoun City with 114 rushing yards on 18 carries, eight tackles, one fumble recovery and one interception, and Calhoun City as a whole displayed its dominance in seemingly every facet of the game during the second half after a slow start; and

WHEREAS, the 2016 Wildcats Class 2A Championship Team Roster is composed of the following talented athletes: Greyson Parker, Johntarius Harvery, Chardarius Hill, Hayden Goodson, Nathan Feliciano, Anfernee Campbell, Treshon Cooper, Mcgreger Lee, Oshunte Primer, Jojo Gray, Tyrese Quinn, Skylar Nichols, Jalen Glass, Jay Bailey, Atarius Moore, Griffin Jayden, Jobi Cook, Keshun Roberson, Jessie Nabors, Cameron Yarbrough, Kadarius Jackson, Jaquayons Artberry, Rae Anderson, Ladarius Spencer, Keshun Parker, Jalen Armstrong, Antri McCoy, Tashun Hyde, Jordan Guy, Erik Goodwin, Brandon Clanton, Taylor Liles, Terrance Hall, Tripp Macon, Clay Wade, Emarion Clayton, Dk Wortham, Shuntavion Crawford, Malcolm Wright, Ladrick Tedford and Jayvian Shaw; Head Coach Perry Liles; Defensive Coordinator Chad White; Special Coordinator/DB/WR Rob Fox; Offensive/Defensive Line Justin Purvis; and Assistant Coach Travis England; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives that we recognize and commend this team of student-athletes 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 Calhoun City High School "Wildcats" Football Team and Coach Perry Liles for winning their first State Title since 1989 in honor of the departed team member Tripp Macon, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Perry Liles, Calhoun City High School Principal Mike Ray, the Calhoun County Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.