Bill Text: MS HR12 | 2018 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: East Central High School "Hornets" Football Team; commend upon successful season and winning the South State Championship.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed - Dead) 2018-01-18 - Immediate Release [HR12 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2018-HR12-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2018 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Representative Barton
House Resolution 12
(As Adopted by House)
A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE EAST CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL "HORNETS" FOOTBALL TEAM AND COACH SETH SMITH FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST SOUTH STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE AND MAKING ITS FIRST APPEARANCE IN THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION'S CLASS 4A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.
WHEREAS, the East Central High School "Hornets" Football Team buzzed through a remarkably difficult season, and with motivation and audacity, they successfully finished the 2017-2018 season with an outstanding 13-1 new school record, culminating with their first District Championship win in 24 years, first appearance and winning a South State Championship title and first appearance at the Mississippi High School Activities Association's Class 4A State Championship title game; and
WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 Hornets Football Team clawed their way through numerous Friday night games and sweated through hundreds of hard-hitting hours on the field and in the weight room, hoping to solidify their dreams of becoming champions, and their dedication paid off, as they were handed the game-winning trophies after the District Championship game and the South State Championship game; and
WHEREAS, in addition to the trophies added to their sports display case this season, the 2017-2018 Hornets became the first team in school's history to win four postseason games in one season, setting a new school record, and ultimately establishing their spot as an elite program and proving they are a force to be reckoned with; and
WHEREAS, throughout their season of play, the Hornets 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 underneath the Friday night lights, only to fall short of the State Championship title in an epic match of superior athletes as they faced off against the formidable Noxubee County High School Tigers, played at the University of Mississippi's famed Vaught-Hemingway Stadium on December 2, 2017; and
WHEREAS, the 2017-2018 Hornets' senior athletes created a storied legacy of firsts which will be difficult to overshadow by any succeeding senior class, including: appearing in more than five postseason games, with nine postseason appearances; winning more than two postseason games, with a total of six postseason wins; finishing with a winning postseason record of 6-3; having a winning season for the first time in 22 years; becoming the most winning senior class in the school's 59-year history with 28 wins; winning more than 10 games in a season; winning a second-round playoff; and appearing in a third-round playoff game; and
WHEREAS, the Hornets were unparalleled on defense, which was commanded by the fierce and powerful defensive backs, the linebackers, overflowing with strength and tenacity, the defensive linemen, whose grind, fortitude and determination erected a stone wall that helped secure each of East Central's 13 victories, the defensive ends, whose tackles and sacks were fierce and will not soon be forgotten by the opponents they met, and the safeties and cornerbacks, while bursting with wit and athleticism, duped more than one quarterback this season and defended long passes with ease; and
WHEREAS, the kickers and long snappers were a huge asset to the Hornets' excellent season, as they brought more than one game out of the clutches of defeat and into the hands of victory; and
WHEREAS, basked in a flurry of maroon, white and gray, the fans provided glowing support to the East Central Football Team come wind, rain, heat or frost, rallying behind their beloved Hornets each Friday night and filling the stands with their bodies as well as their spirit and encouraging chants; and
WHEREAS, the East Central High School Hornets Football Team has been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Seth Smith, who has broadened the Hornets' knowledge of the game and refined their skills in execution; and
WHEREAS, Coach Smith 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 that we recognize and commend this team of student-athletes 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, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the East Central High School "Hornets" Football Team and Head Coach Seth Smith for winning their first South State Championship title and making their first appearance in the Mississippi High School Activities Association's Class 4A State Championship game, and extend to the team, coaches, parents and sponsors our best wishes for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Head Coach Seth Smith, East Central High School Principal Mike Ray, the Calhoun County Board of Education and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.
