House Concurrent Resolution 67

(As Adopted by House and Senate)

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE 2014 COLLINS HIGH SCHOOL TIGERS FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH RYAN EARNEST FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION CLASS 3A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Collins High School Tigers Football Team clinched victory 28-20 in an overtime struggle against the Charleston High School Tigers Football Team 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, on December 7, 2014; and

WHEREAS, the Collins High School Tigers had a remarkably ferocious season, beginning as the underdogs, but through motivation and audacity, finished 14-2 to claim their third Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A State Championship; and

WHEREAS, the Collins Tigers, who suffered from an 11-point deficit going into the locker room at halftime, emerged as a different team for the last 24 minutes of regulation football, opening the second half by driving 61 yards on eight plays that culminated in a 32-yard touchdown pass; and

WHEREAS, when the overtime downs began and it looked as though Charleston might win, Collins desperately needed to make an extraordinary play to secure the championship, so quarterback Detric Hawthorn tossed a touchdown pass to Mark McLaurin, the Mississippi State safety commit, and then completed a pass to Calvin Keys for the 2-point conversion that ultimately sealed Collins' victorious fate; and

WHEREAS, when the game was on the line, through hard work and determination, the defense stopped the powerful Charleston High School team when they fervently defended their field and Julius Hawthorn heroically knocked the potential game-winning pass away from the Charleston High School offense on the final play of the game, thereby reiterating the age-old saying, "Defense wins championships"; and

WHEREAS, the efforts of the Collins players were praised after the championship game by countless members in the community, including their coach, each commending the valiant efforts of the players to stand strong and fight even when the game was not going in their favor; and

WHEREAS, the fans, basked in a rainbow of different shades of green and white, rallied behind their beloved Collins Tigers, filling the stands with their bodies as well as their spirit and encouragement each Friday night and never once doubting the competent Collins High School Football Team and their ability to bring home the highly sought after championship trophy; and

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

WHEREAS, the Collins Tigers, who played with nothing but heart and soul all season, have a very talented and distinguished roster, which ultimately catapulted them to the state championship game, where they became the elite and well-deserved champions of Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A football; and

WHEREAS, the 2014 Collins High School Tigers Football Team roster is: John McInnis, Timothy Durr, D'edwin Hawthorn, Calvin Keys, Julius Hawthorn, Kenterrious Rhodes, Dorrean McLaurin, Detric Hawthorn, Rakerian Forrest, Martavious Washington, Mark McLaurin, Yossarries Magee, Derric Hawthorn, Octavius Edison, Kordell McInnis, Malik Phillips, Kacee Hayes, Tavarian McCullum, Joshua Knight, Paris Fairley, Joseph Magee, Corrie Barnes, Juwan Booth, Ladarius Barnes, Tadarius Barnes, Sherman Ratliff, Tee Dossett, Silas Carter, Tydarius Womack, Tristan Johnson, Cory Short, Devion McLaurin, Lee Barnes, Deandre Ducksworth, Jerry Carney, Thomas Crocker, Deon Arrington, Rashad Pope, Saybien Jones, Danny Blanks, Joe Owens, Jabari Goudy, Jaylen Herrin, Andrew Keys, Tykerius Womack and Javin Fariley; and

WHEREAS, the championship triumph would not have been possible without the leadership of Supervising Principal Brian Bagwell and Assistant Principal Turpin Smith, who each helped to ensure 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: Chuck Maxie, Scott Minchew, Kris Thigpen, Terrance Bivens, Arkolloitte Smith, Reggie Johnson, Adam McKenzie and Jan Lewis; and

WHEREAS, Collins High School has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Ryan Earnest, who has broadened the Tigers' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and

WHEREAS, Coach Earnest 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 intelligently strategic plays and by the team's remarkably successful season; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and honor the achievements of student athletes such as the Collins High School Tigers 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 Collins High School Tigers Football Team and Head Coach Ryan Earnest for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 3A 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 Ryan Earnest, Collins Principal Brian Bagwell, members of the Covington County Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.