House Concurrent Resolution 27

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE PEARL HIGH SCHOOL PIRATES FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JOHN PERRY FOR WINNING THE SCHOOL'S FIRST MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 6A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School Pirates Football Team and Head Coach John Perry have completed a perfect 16-0 regular season and reigned supreme throughout the playoffs to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates, who had a superior season that was driven by more than just the yearning to succeed, intensely amplified all of their hard work, motivation and audacity, which were so apparent all through the season, for the game that ultimately separated the men from the boys to edge out Starkville High School and collect the school's first Mississippi Association of Independent Schools Class 6A State Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, the championship game was a test of the true Pirate stamina, as it consisted of brutal physicality in the trenches and back and forth scores that kept fans on the edge of their seats until the last down was played in Vaught-Hemingway Stadium; and

WHEREAS, with the Pirates trailing 14-9 at halftime, Coach Perry challenged his players to give their best in the second half, and that is exactly what they did, as Johnny Winston put his team back on top in the fourth with a 5-yard touchdown run; and

WHEREAS, after a late field goal, Starkville went up 17-15, and likely would have won if the best football player in the state did not play for Pearl, so when coach put the ball in the hands of Tylan Knight, he rushed up the middle and into the end zone with just 1:06 remaining on the clock to bring the score to 21-17 and ultimately solidify the dreams of the Pirate family; and

WHEREAS, since they were in eighth grade, the Pirate seniors have been told that they would be the best class to ever play football for the navy and old gold, and on Friday, December 1, 2017, they proved everyone right when they held the Gold Ball trophy high after a well fought battle; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Pirates 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; and

WHEREAS, the Pearl High School Pirates' statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Pirates, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, and each player made a substantial contribution that led to the most historic season in the history of Pearl High School; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach John Perry has superbly coached and inspired the Pirates and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and he 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 Pearl High School Pirates 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 Pearl High School Pirates Football Team and Head Coach John Perry for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 6A State Football Championship, their first state title, 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 John Perry and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.