Senate Resolution 16

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST COMMUNITY COLLEGE "BULLDOGS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JACK WRIGHT FOR WINNING THE 2019 NJCAA NATIONAL TITLE.

WHEREAS, the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs Football Team defeated Lackawanna College 21-13 on December 5, 2019, to claim the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) National Title in Pittsburg, Kansas; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Head Coach Jack Wright became the second coach in National Junior College Athletic Association history to win a national title at two different schools after winning at Northwest Mississippi in 2015; and

WHEREAS, on December 6, 2019, the Bulldogs were welcomed back to the Perkinston campus by a giddy group of fans. "Man, it was an amazing ride back knowing we were bringing a national title back to Mississippi," Gulf Coast sophomore running back Austin Bolton said. "It was a blessing to go up and win it like we did." Bolton ran 23 times for 74 yards and two touchdowns to earn the MVP selection from CBS Sports Network. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College went ahead 17-13 following a 1-yard touchdown run by Bolton with 10:03 remaining. The score capped off a 13-play, 59-yard drive that broke open what had been a defensive stalemate in the second half. The Gulf Coast defense followed with a quick stop and the next drive was much quicker, a one-play possession that involved a 47-yard touchdown run by Deondre House. The Bulldogs ended a 22-game winning streak for Lackawanna. House provided the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College offense with a much-needed spark in the second half, running nine times for 78 yards and a touchdown. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College sophomore quarterback Chance Lovertich completed 10 of 25 passes for 118 yards and an interception, finishing his Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College career 18-0 as a starter. Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College defensive backs, T.J. Ficklin and Jackie Matthews, both had late interceptions to help close out the victory; and

WHEREAS, the 2019 Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Bulldogs Football Roster: Jadarrius Perkins, DB; Jaxon Orr, QB; Tim Steward, DB; Deondre House, RB; T.J. Ficklin, DB; Jymetre Hester, WR; Austin Bolton, RB; Diwun Black, DB; Travis Isaac, WR; Jackie Matthews, DB; Navonteque Strong, LB; Omni Wells, RB; Perry Keyes, WR; Tre Lawson, DL; Marquise Bridges, WR; Jamie Sheriff, DL; Tadrian LeFlore, DB; Mike Smith, LB; Jalen Bracey, WR; Chance Lovertich, QB; Chris Mathis, WR; Terrance Newell, DB; Malik Jones, DB; Bernard Thomas, DB; Myron Stewart, DB; Shaun Anderson, WR; Leon Jones, DB; Solomon Landrum, LS; Trey Arrington, LB; Caden Davis, K/P; Tijuane Bolton, DE; Isaac Gowdy, DB; Shelvin Hudson, LB; Donald Hall, DL; David Carter, DB; Hydee Barlow, DL; Thomas Holford, TE; C.J. Williams, LB; Oliver Moreman, FB; Jammie White, DL; Jace McCoy, DL; Jarious Newsome, OL; Brian Merritt, DL; Cole Freeman, OL; Jimmy Bennett, OL; Gavin Bradford, OL; Quincy McGee, OL; Hayden Shook, OL; Maljon Joor, OL; Brandon Tartavoulle, OL; Hayden Burton, OL; Keshawn Moore, OL; Antwone Bailey, OL; La'damion Boudreaux, OL; Demonde Harris, DL; Lamar Morgan, TE; Ronell Burbank, DL; Tylan Jones, DL; and Jae'Vien Gill, DL; Jack Wright, Head Football Coach; Bam Bryant, Wide Receiver Coach; Randal Agee, Running Backs Coach; and Brett Shufelt, Defensive Coordinator; and

WHEREAS, it is with pride that we recognize and commend the superb accomplishments of the student-athletes whose efforts on and off the course bring honor to their school, their families and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College "Bulldogs" Football Team and Head Coach Jack Wright for winning the 2019 National Junior College Athletic Association National Title, and extend to the team members, coaches and sponsors our heartiest wishes of success in all their future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Head Coach Jack Wright for the Team, forwarded to Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College President Dr. Mary S. Graham, Athletic Director Steven Campbell, Jr., the Board of Trustees of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.