House Resolution 42

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE WEST LAUDERDALE HIGH SCHOOL LADY KNIGHTS SOCCER TEAM AND HEAD COACH ALEX GEORGE FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATIONS CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Soccer Team finished the season on Saturday, February 8, 2020, clinching their second consecutive championship, and fourth state title in five years when they reigned victorious at the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A Girls Soccer State Championship; and

WHEREAS, playing with clear eyes, full hearts and unimaginable amounts of strength, the Lady Knights Soccer Team outlasted, outplayed and ultimately overpowered the Florence High School Lady Eagles with a triumphant 5-0 score, finishing the season with an overall 23-1-3 record, which consists of an impressive 22-game winning streak; and

WHEREAS, it was only seven minutes into the game when the Lady Knights got on the board when a cross from senior Lucy Green into the box was kicked into the goal by a Lady Eagles defender hoping to clear the attack, which set the stage for what would be a thrilling trek to victory, and was followed by score from close range by freshman Bailee Fairley, less than two minutes later; and

WHEREAS, at the 13-minute mark, a West Lauderdale thrown-in found senior Anna Aviles, who secured the ball and fired a shot from 20 yards out that curved right to left into the net for the Lady Knights' third tally of the first half, followed by Junior Alice Williamson sneaking a shot into the bottom right of the goal after corralling a pass from Green to make it 4-0 at minute 22; and

WHEREAS, after Fairley had a shot blocked, she countered by stealing a pass and scoring on an open look for her second goal of the day and securing her squad's championship fifth and final mark with less than 10 minutes to play in the first half; and

WHEREAS, needing just two more goals in the second half, and for the clock to strike the 50 minute mark, to trigger the mercy rule and wind up the 4A championship early, but all 80 minutes were played as the two squads kept each other out of the net by erecting stone walls fortified with true grit and determination; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights team statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding headers, strikes, penalty kicks and goals by individual players, the key to this team's consistent success has been the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work, which has allowed them to amass a four-year record of 92-3-8, 16 district championships, a Number 1 state ranking and Number 4 national ranking; and

WHEREAS, the Lady Knights have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Alex George, Assistant Coach Sonja Rowell and Goal Keeper Coach Peyton George, who have broadened the Lady Knights' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach George 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 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 West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Soccer Team, whose excellence on the field brings honor and glory to 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 West Lauderdale High School Lady Knights Soccer Team and Head Coach Alex George for winning their second consecutive 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 Coach Alex George, to the principal of West Lauderdale High School and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.