House Resolution 48

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL LADY EAGLES SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH BILL HOOD FOR WINNING THEIR THIRD MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Lady Eagles Soccer Team finished the 2017-2018 season with their third state title when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association (MHSAA) Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Lady Eagles Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the West

Lauderdale High School Knights despite trailing 2-0 at halftime; and

WHEREAS, after a scoreless first half left fans on the edge of their seats, Head Coach Bill Hood gave an inspirational, go-get-em speech during halftime that brought about an energized second half, where the Eagles scored two goals and pushed the game into overtime; and

WHEREAS, ninth-grader Madison Carroll netted the equalizer in the 60th minute when she got into a one-on-one situation and scored for an easy goal, and the Lady Eagles' defense fought off a fierce comeback attempt from West Lauderdale, which had its opportunities to regain the lead in regulation but could not break through the stone wall erected by the grit, fortitude and determination of the Lady Eagles' defense; and

WHEREAS, then, finally, after an overtime period that left the score tied up, Sophomore Taylor Ford duped the Knights' goalie and drilled home the game-winning goal in sudden death, double overtime to seal a 3-2 win; and

WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 Lady Eagles team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals 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 2018 Florence High School Lady Eagles Championship roster is comprised of the following athletes: Taylor McBay, GK; Mikaela Morrison, GK; Hayden Sullivan, C; Addie Grace Barnard, MF, D; Madeline Edwards, MF, F, D; Maddie Cox, MF, F, D; Jordan Patrick, MF, F; Macey Spencer, C; Sammie Steen, MF, F; Jessie Heflin, D, MF; Grace Giglio, MF, D; Caseigh Hickman, C; Olivia Burnham, GK; Morgan Phillips, D; Taylor Ford, MF, F; Christina Guzman, MF; Hannah Herren, MF, F; Meghan Sims, MF, F, D; Madison Carroll, MF; Addison Jordan, D, F, MF; Kaitlin Hubbard, D, MF; Riley Neely, D, MF; Karley Woods, D, MF; Shaelyn Quick, D, MF; Sadie Woods, MF; Angel Evans, F; and Allyson Goza, MF; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Eagles have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Bill Hood, who has broadened the Lady Eagles' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution, and Assistant Coach Josh Cavanaugh helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field and played a huge role in the success of the Florence High School Girls Soccer Team; and

WHEREAS, Coach Hood and Coach Cavanaugh continue 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 their ability to produce high caliber players and plays and the team's successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of Mississippi student-athletes, especially those such as the Florence High School Lady Eagles Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field and in the classroom bring honor to their school, their community 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 Florence High School Lady Eagles Soccer Team and Head Coach Bill Hood for winning their third Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A State Championship, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Bill Hood, Florence High School Principal Tony Martin, the Rankin County Board of Education and to the Capitol Press Corps.