House Concurrent Resolution 50

(As Adopted by House)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE SCOTT CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL REBELS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH DEVIN COOPER FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 2A STATE FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Scott Central High School Rebels Football Team and first-year Head Coach Devin Cooper have completed an amazing regular season and reigned supreme throughout the playoffs to win the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Football Championship, their first state title in 19 years; and

WHEREAS, the Rebels, who had a superior 15-1 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 the defending state champions Taylorsville Bulldogs 21-7 and collect the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, the championship game was a test of the true Rebels 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 at MM Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg; and

WHEREAS, as the old saying goes, "defense wins championships," the Rebels defense erected an impenetrable stone wall that held the Bulldogs, who had averaged 431 yards and 35.3 points a game to just 142 yards of total offense and only seven points, and senior Hydee Barlow was named Most Valuable Player of the game; and

WHEREAS, striving all season long to be the best 2A football program in the state, Scott Central High School put aside the excitement, fanfare and attention to focus on the championship game and prepare as they had throughout the season, and that strategy, along with the monumental support from the entire Forest community, the booster club, the band and the cheerleaders, helped solidify championship status for the Rebels; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Rebels 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 Scott Central 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 Rebels, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster comprised of the following athletes: Henry Butler, WR, DB; Dillon Shaw, WR, CB; Hydee Barlow, DE, RB, MLB; Treyon Wash, OB, DB; Jabrelynn Vivians, RB, NG, DE; Lajavis Patrick, RB, OLB, SB; Navoneteque Strong, RB, MLB; Vontae McDonald, RB, OLB; Patrick Sessums, SB, CB; Elijah Robinson, RB, OLB; Jeremiah Ousley, CB, WR; Javarious McBeath, WR, OLB; Zy Wash, WR, DB, RB; Darion Bobbitt, WR, OLB; Kadevyan Cager, QB, MLB; Jackie Donald, QB, OLB; D'Arius Bender, WR; Trevon Chambers, WR, DB; Kadarrius Johnson, CB, WR; Zechariah Parodi, RB, MLB; Michael Patrick, MLB; Da'Shun Bounds, WR, DB; Jalen Wells, RB; Zaharrie Kincaid, WR; Dee Burks, WR, FS; Martavious Odom, MLB, RB; Devin Burks, WR; Donnovan Phillips, SB, WR, DB; Jody Matheny, WR, OLB; Keshun Hutchinson, WR, DB; Omarion Jackson, RB, OLB; Quenell Archer, WR; D.J. Black, T, DE; Xavier Bobbitt, OL, DL; Hayden Wilkinson, DE; Oshaun McCubbins, OL, DL; Colby Banks, OL, DL; Waylon Crimm; Cameron Lewis, DE; Justin Stewart, OL, DL; Walker Johnson; Edward Patrick, DT; Shane Burnham, C, OL, DL; Patrick Normile, T, DE; Tate Rushing, C; Evan Risher, G; Carson Williams, T; Eli Cooper, T; Manuel Hernandez, K, NG, T; Jay Washington, WR; Cody Gilbert, WR; Darius Bender, WR; and Zachary Boswell, QB, SS; and

WHEREAS, Head Coach Devin Cooper along with Assistant Coaches David Hendershot, Tevin Nickols, Brent Foreman, Marlon Goss and Paul Burtnett have superbly coached and inspired the Rebels and broadened their knowledge of the game while refining their skills in execution, and they 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 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 Scott Central High School Rebels 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 Scott Central High School Rebels Football Team and Head Coach Devin Cooper for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 2A State Football 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 Devin Cooper, Assistant Coaches David Hendershot, Tevin Nickols, Brent Foreman, Marlon Goss and Paul Burtnett, Scott Central High School Principal Steven Overstreet and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.