House Resolution 12

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES FOOTBALL TEAM UPON THEIR OUTSTANDING 2019 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE SWAC FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the six-time reigning Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) East Division Champions, the Alcorn State University Braves Football Team, have been crowned victorious once again as they defeated the Southern University Jaguars 39-24 to win back-to-back SWAC Championships; and

WHEREAS, the Braves, 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 take down the competition and take home the SWAC Football Championship; and

WHEREAS, during the championship game, senior wide receiver LeCharles Pringle was named the SWAC Championship Offensive Most Valuable Player, as he hauled in a career-high 145 yards and a touchdown, and the SWAC Championship Defensive Most Valuable Player award went to junior defensive back Juwan Taylor, who matched his career-high with 11 tackles and also tallied an interception, forced fumble and tackle for a loss; and

WHEREAS, dedicated to excellence, the Braves posted their first-ever 7-0 season in stadium history and this was the fifth undefeated home season in stadium history, and junior Felix "Triggerman" Harper was named the SWAC Offensive Player of the Year and finished the championship matchup with 226 yards and a touchdown; and

WHEREAS, the Braves, 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 one of the most historic seasons of the Braves Football Program; and

WHEREAS, the team's statistics were impressive this season, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to the team's remarkable success has been the constant team atmosphere and year round hard work by the following talented student athletes: Tevarrius Adams, Daylon Burks, Felix Harper, De'Shawn Waller, Niko Duffey, Akeem McNair, Tim McNair, Jr., Nigel Wood, Chris Blair, Thaddeus Peyton, Noah Johnson, Calvontay Key, Lazarious Pinder, Asante Griffin, Keyron Kinsler, Jr., Juan Anthony, Jr., Ernest Dixon, Jyron Russell, Chris Green, Corey McCullough, Allen Bruce, Juwan Taylor, Taurence Wilson, Alec Bailey, Jonathon Bolton, Trey Turner, Alvin Edney, E.J. Thomas, Chris Hart, Augustin Avouwadan, Jaaron Jackson, Makenzie Black, Qwynnterrio Cole, Mikail Webb, Greg Blue, Nichel Herron, Elmer Johnson, Kahleab Hill, Creo Argue, Jr., Mohamed Bakayoko, Jamaskian Chapman, Jaylon Pitts, Daimen Anderson, Kevon Marsh, Jacorian "Kobe" Wren, Javen Morrison, Trevor James, Jordan Richo, Brelion Hollis, Solomon Muhammad, Aurelius Hardy, Darrell Henderson, Jayden Barfield, Wanya Morris, Dylan Taylor, Michael Ajumobi, Kodi Travis, Malik Holbert, Steve Carter, Jerome Boulden, II, Chris Monroe, Kevin Hall, Greg White, Franklin Smith, Joshua Brown, Vance Heidelberg, Jemar Nunley, Braxton Spells, Deonte Brooks, Steffon Savage, Darius Smith, Will Ready, Antonio Patterson, Columbus Willis, Darius Davis, Mustaffa Ibrahim, Joseph Milburn, Eric Sherrod, Ryan McKenzie, Hakeim Warren, Raidarious Anderson, LeCharles Pringle, Kendrick Brown, Jerimiah Green, Jordan Hart, Kyontez Everett, Brandon Campbell, Demetrius Lewis, Zyrion Thompson, Darron Sims, Colten Menges, Kee Wayne Jones, Quadry Daniels, Tre' Huntley, Trevor Vines, Theron Bonds, Myron Means and Christopher Epps; and

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

WHEREAS, Head Coach and SWAC Coach of the Year Fred McNair has superbly coached and tremendously inspired the Braves 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 the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding Mississippi student athletes, especially those such as the Alcorn State University Braves Football Team, whose hard work and perseverance brings 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 recognize and commend the Alcorn State University Braves Football Team upon their outstanding 2019 season and for winning the SWAC Football Championship, and extend to them best wishes for continued success in all of their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Fred McNair and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.