Bill Text: MS SC524 | 2015 | Regular Session | Engrossed
Bill Title: Recognize Alcorn State University Braves Football Team and Coach Jay Hopson for first SWAC title in 20 years.
Sponsorship: Bipartisan Bill
Status: (Passed) 2015-02-10 - Enrolled Bill Signed [SC524 Detail]
Download: Mississippi-2015-SC524-Engrossed.html
MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2015 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) Simmons (13th), Butler (36th), Hopson
Senate Concurrent Resolution 524
(As Adopted by Senate)
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND CONGRATULATING THE ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY BRAVES FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH JAY HOPSON FOR WINNING THEIR FIRST SOUTHWESTERN ATHLETIC CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP IN 20 YEARS AND FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2014 SEASON.
WHEREAS, for the first time in 20 years, the Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship Trophy will make "The Reservation" its home. The Alcorn State University Braves (10-3, 7-2) capped off their dream season at NRG Stadium, home to the National Football League's (NFL) Houston Texans, with a 38-24 victory over the Southern University Jaguars (9-4, 8-1) in the SWAC season finale in Houston, Texas. Both Alcorn and Southern attracted an enormous crowd, as 38,969 people flooded the enclosed stadium; and
WHEREAS, in the regular-season meeting this season, Alcorn State demolished Southern University by 40 points. On December 6, 2014, the Braves became the undisputed Champions of the Southwestern Athletic Conference with another victory over the Jaguars; and
WHEREAS, the Braves got off to a quick start with a 13-yard touchdown pass from quarterback John Gibbs, Jr., to Jordan Payne that put them on the board in the first quarter. Alcorn kicker/punter Haiden McCraney added a 27-yard field goal later in the quarter that gave the Braves a 10-0 lead. After a field goal by Southern University's Greg Pittman in the second quarter, Alcorn running back Anthony Williams III sprinted for a 12-yard touchdown that increased the Braves lead to 17-3. Southern scored their first touchdown on an 86-yard punt return by wide receiver Willie Quinn that decreased Alcorn's lead to one touchdown. Alcorn stopped Southern's momentum when Gibbs threw a 3-yard touchdown to wide receiver Billy Shed, giving the Braves a 24-10 lead going into the second half. Southern came out swinging in the third quarter with two touchdowns that tied the game at 24. Malcolm Crockett ended an impressive drive by the Jaguars with a 2-yard touchdown. Moments later, the Jaguar defense came up big when Craig Dennis scored a 9-yard touchdown off of a blocked punt. The Braves gained control of the game when Williams III rushed for a 4-yard touchdown that put the Braves ahead 31-24. Alcorn put the game away in the fourth quarter when Gibbs completed a 51-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Brandon Vessell that gave the Braves a 38-24 lead; and
WHEREAS, Gibbs, who was named Offensive MVP, completed 20-of-30 passes for 245 yards and threw three touchdowns. He also rushed for 132 yards on 16 carries becoming the first quarterback in Alcorn history to rush for 1,000 yards. William Thomas II was named Defensive MVP after recording nine tackles and a fumble recovery; and
WHEREAS, the Braves finished the 2014 season with a 10-3 record which was the first 10-win season in school history; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn State's accomplishments were not limited to the Southwestern Athletic Conference. For the first time in 30 years, the Braves captured the SBN Sports Black College Football National Championship. And it doesn't stop there. Alcorn State also claimed the BOXTOROW Historically Black Colleges and University's (HBCU) National Championship for the first time and the Heritage Sports Radio Network Black College Football National Champions for 2014. Alcorn State received an overwhelming amount of first-place votes (22) in the SBN final voting; and
WHEREAS, for the second consecutive season, the Alcorn State Football Team has produced the most players on the Southwestern Athletic Conference All-Conference teams and earned the Co-Offensive Player of the Year Honor. Junior quarterback John Gibbs, Jr., shared the Co-Offensive Player of the Year Honors while 11 Braves were awarded with All-SWAC Honors. Gibbs led the Braves in rushing yards, and completed 169-of-294 passes for a total of 2,237 yards, 18 touchdowns and was intercepted only six times. His quarterback and playmaking abilities helped the Braves clinch their first SWAC Eastern Division crown and he ranks third in the SWAC in passing efficiency. Gibbs (QB) was also named to the All-SWAC 1st team offense along with Isaac Sampson (OL) and Jordan Payne (TE). Defensive lineman Deion Roberson and Darien Moody and defensive backs Warren Gatewood and Devon Francois each earned 1st team All-SWAC Defensive Honors. Anthony Williams III (RB) and Detonio Dade (OL) made the All-SWAC 2nd team offense and Damon Watkins (LB) was named to the All-SWAC 2nd team defense. Sophomore kicker Haiden McCraney was named the All-SWAC 2nd team kicker and punter; and
WHEREAS, Alcorn is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States and the second-oldest state-supported institution of higher learning in Mississippi. Alcorn University was founded in 1871 as a result of the people of Mississippi's efforts to educate the descendants of formerly enslaved Africans. It was named in honor of the sitting Governor of Mississippi, James L. Alcorn; and it is with great pride that we commend this team of university athletes who have brought honor to their university, their community and to the State of Mississippi:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and congratulate the Alcorn State University Braves Football Team, and Intercollegiate Athletic Director Derek Horne and Head Coach Jay Hopson for winning their first Southwestern Athletic Conference Championship in 20 years and for their outstanding 2014 season, and extend the best wishes of the Legislature for future success.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Coach Jay Hopson, Intercollegiate Athletic Director Derek Horne and Alcorn State University President Alfred Rankins, Jr., for the team, forwarded to the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.
