House Concurrent Resolution 39

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2014 LAUREL HIGH SCHOOL TORNADOES FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH TODD BRELAND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 5A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Laurel High School Football Team clinched a 29-26 victory in an epic battle against the Oxford High School Chargers that had fans on the edge of their seats until the last down was played in Davis Wade Stadium at Mississippi State University in Starkville, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, the Tornadoes had a remarkably fiery season, one in which motivation and audacity helped them finish their season strong with an incredibly impressive (12-2) record and claim their third Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Tornadoes never trailed in the state championship game and smart play-making in the last seconds of the whirlwind matchup helped the Tornadoes, who deserved to be champions, seal their season with a state championship; and

WHEREAS, with powerful offenses on both sides of the ball, the superior Tornadoes were able to cement the win by capitalizing on the turnovers of the Oxford High School team; and

WHEREAS, the hard work and determination of the defense stopped the powerful Chargers when the game was on the line, reiterating the old saying, "Defense wins championships."; and

WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Tornadoes 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 2014 Laurel High School team's statistics were impressive, and there were outstanding performances by individual players, but the key to the Tornadoes' consistent success is the constant team atmosphere and year-round hard work; and

WHEREAS, the Laurel High School Tornadoes, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, which ultimately catapulted them to become the esteemed Class 5A State Champions; and

WHEREAS, the Tornadoes running backs, who left it all on the field to dominate the Oxford Chargers, are as follows: Kobe Drummer, Malik Terrell, Dante Robinson, Kolby Smith and I Jerrius Nixon; and

WHEREAS, the offense would have been grounded without the speed and agility of the wide receivers, who are comprised of the following: Dontario Drummond, Omar Bayless, Tyquan Ulmer, Anthony Jones, Jevah Jones, Octavious Cooley, Javin Arrington, Tyrek Thigpen, Dayquon Killings, Durriel Breland, Tahj Meadows, Shatwoine Thames and Emmanuel Lindsey; and

WHEREAS, the offensive linemen, who constantly played with clear eyes, full hearts, and unimaginable amounts of strength, are as follows: Chris Pridgen, Danthony Page, Malik Cooley, Mitchell Cross, Robert Jones, Michael Gibson, Byron Bailey, Malik King, Jamarcus Smith, Gervarius Windham, Shaquan Thorns, Kadarius Kennedy, Tabyias Cooley, Vincent McGill, Jaquaveon Watson and Brindon Manuel; and

WHEREAS, an offense is only as good as its quarterback and the Laurel High School quarterback, who handled the ball with accuracy, consistency and vivacity is Keon Howard; and

WHEREAS, the Tornadoes were unparalleled on defense, led by the fierce and powerful defensive backs: Jahmauri Campbell, Kelvin Rogers, Shemar Keyes, Ricky Holden, Tiberious Ellis, Jaylaus Martin, Henry Shade, Daveon Rogers, Jalon Thigpen, Thakarius Keyes, Michael Harris, Landyon Brown, Dezavion Conner and Jamarcus Strong; and

WHEREAS, the linebackers, whose strength and tenacity tautly held opposing offenses to the line of scrimmage, are as follows: Kalyn McGee, Kedarrius Arrington, Terrence Evans, Zadrenod Rhodes, Mario Rogers, Zaquevis Haynes, Lanceton Evans, Anthony Brown, Kenny Jones, Keontae Jones and Daniel Magee; and

WHEREAS, the defensive linemen, whose grind, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of Laurel's victories, are as follows: Darius Townsend, Joshua Townsend, Malik Davis, Kalen Brown, Keelyn Brown, Demant Walker, Dillon Bender, Ledarius Cooper, Adrian Lindsey, Phillip Weathersby, Darrius Porter, James Cooley, Covarsia Bester, Antonio Kirk, Bayete Whigham, Lawrence Collins, Kendall Breland, Tyrese Sims, Nickalous Newell, Jordan Barrett and Samuel Lovett; and

WHEREAS, the kickers', Jonathan Atencio, Joseph Montesdeoca, Yorch Atencio and Jonathan Gonzales, swift and precise legs were a huge asset to the Tornadoes' victorious season; and

WHEREAS, the championship triumph would not have been possible without the leadership of Principal Carl Day, who ensured that the players studied and excelled academically as well as athletically; and

WHEREAS, the assistant coaches, who also helped the players reach their fullest potential on and off the field are as follows: Ronnie Cochran, Buddy Duke, Jerry Fletcher, Cecil Hicks, Tracy Lampley, Ryan Milner, Mason Moss and Ray Pickering; and

WHEREAS, other supporters and assistants who played a huge role in the success of the Tornadoes football team are as follows: Athletic Director, Milton Smith; Superintendent, Dr. Chuck Beningo; and the Managers, Duece Jackson, Bryce Harper, Lajuan Jones, James Pruitt, Nathaniel Emmons, Elijah Pruitt, Chris Taylor, Jon Montesdeoca and Noah Wigington; and

WHEREAS, the Tornadoes have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Todd Breland, who has broadened the Tornadoes' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Breland 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 this Legislature to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the Laurel High School 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 Laurel High School Tornadoes Football Team and Head Coach Todd Breland for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 5A State Championship, their third state title, and extend best wishes to the team and coaches for continued success in all of their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Todd Breland, Laurel Principal Carl Day and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.