House Concurrent Resolution 59

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST POINT HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH CHRIS CHAMBLESS FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2017 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THEIR SECOND STRAIGHT MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION (MHSAA) CLASS 5A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the West Point High School Green Wave Football Team completed an outstanding 2017 season with a resounding victory in the MHSAA Class 5A State Football Championship game on December 2, 2017; and

WHEREAS, playing at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on the campus of the University of Mississippi, with full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, West Point High School outplayed, overpowered and ultimately outlasted Hattiesburg High School by a score of

41-15 to capture the championship trophy; and

WHEREAS, the victory over Hattiesburg was the Green Wave's 28th consecutive victory, their second consecutive MHSAA Class 5A State Football Championship, an exclamation point to a perfect

15-0 season; and

WHEREAS, the Green Wave, who finished the season ranked Number 1 in Mississippi and Number 39 in the nation, reigned down on their opponents like a destructive storm of fire during their championship drive, scorching the dreams of each of their foes during their undefeated season on their way to the ultimate victory in Oxford; and

WHEREAS, as many veterans of the game have said, "Defense wins championships," this age-old saying defined the immaculate strategy and skill of the Green Wave's defense, whose grit, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure the final victory, while the dedication and athletic prowess of the offensive players helped them become game changers during the championship match, ensuring that the revered trophy found its home in the West Point High School trophy case once again; and

WHEREAS, the West Point High School Football Team's statistics were most impressive, and there were countless outstanding plays by individual players, but the key to this team's consistent success throughout the season has been the outstanding team spirit and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the West Point High School Football Team is comprised of the following exceptionally talented and distinguished young men: Jason Brownlee, Marcus Murphy, Chris Calvert, Tyler Rupert, Antrayvious Brownlee, E.J. Bush, Ledarius Glover, Brandon Lairy, Nate Montgomery, Ryan Melton, Brentt Cunningham, Shun Crawford, Jerni White, Gray Berry, John Facella, Kentavious McMillian, Je'quan Young, Jake Chambless, Tyson Davidson, Stededric Griffis, Quantaze Powell, Brandon Harris, Archie Jones, Terence Cherry, Rasson Carr, Cortez Shaw, Jaylen Cungious, Macorte Hoskins, Jimothy Mays, Travion Stennis, Tyrese Johnson, Dantariyus Cannon, Xavier Fair, Jaylun Eggerson, Kameron Martin, Tyron Orr, Jaquan Pool, Tysean Darden, Brian Crawford, Rasheed Harris, Latarius Embry, Traevon Banks, Cameron Johnson, Cassius Walker, Lapriest Starks, Jamel Banks, Jaylon Webb, Dewayne Smith, Thomas Robinson, Leundra Thompson, Jamarquez Petty, T.J. Anderson, Jylis Penson, Donte Smith, Jamaris Ewing, Deundra Thompson, Ezekiel Head, Bryson Thomas, Timothy Mays, Miller Conn, Draylon Rieves, Jacarius Harper, Kendall Coleman, Iverion Cungious, Emmanuel Head, Zameek Price, Jameek Price, Dontavius Pargo, Rakim Parker, Dontavius Myers, Tyler Brownlee, Jose Lemus, Jeremiah Walker, Nehemiah Walker, Pistol Smith, Tyjai Matthews, Kameron Dyson, Jonquez Roby, David Rush, Laderrick Mallard, Daveion Rieves, Calvin Montgomery, Shunn Cooperwood, Darius Quinn, Kurtis Bradford, Sema'j Harris, Tyren Warren and Chris Chandler; and

WHEREAS, the Green Wave has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Chris Chambless, who has broadened the players' knowledge of the game, refined their skills in execution and helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field; and

WHEREAS, Coach Chambless continues to build upon the legacy of superior play and true sportsmanship forged by the tenacious and fearless spirit of each team member, as evidenced in his ability to produce high caliber players, excellent plays and a tremendously successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the West Point High School Football Team, whose excellence on the field brings honor to their school, the West Point community and 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 West Point High School Football Team and Head Coach Chris Chambless for their outstanding 2017 season and for winning their second straight Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State Football Championship, and extend best wishes to the team for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to West Point High School, Head Coach Chris Chambless and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.