TO CONGRATULATE THE ABBEVILLE HIGH SCHOOL VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM, SCHOOL OFFICIALS, AND COACHES AND TO CELEBRATE THEIR WIN OF THE 2016 CLASS AA STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE.
Whereas, on Friday, December 16, 2016, the Abbeville Panthers football team defeated Batesburg-Leesville to win the Class AA state title; and
Whereas, with the jubilant roar of the crowd resounding in their ears, the Abbeville players clinched their eighth state trophy, cruising to a 44-21 win at Benedict College in Columbia; and
Whereas, boasting an enviable twenty-two-game unbeaten streak, Abbeville wished to attain the additional prestige of securing back-to-back championship titles after having won their last state title in 2015; and
Whereas, the Panthers rushed for a total of 293 yards that Friday night. With a deficit of 14-3 early in the game, the team rallied together, pushed harder, and finished the second quarter with a score of 24-21. Abbeville then went on to dominate Batesburg-Leesville in the second half of the game and ended by capturing the Panthers' eighth state title in school history; and
Whereas, Coach Jamie Nickles forged a championship-caliber football team that refused to settle for anything less than the best. Through rigorous and diligent practice, Coach Nickles set a standard of excellence and encouraged a depth of character that will always remain in the lives of these young men; and
Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives value the esteem and recognition that the Abbeville High School football players have brought to their school and community and look forward to hearing of their further achievements in the future. Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, congratulate the Abbeville High School varsity football team, school officials, and coaches and celebrate their win of the 2016 Class AA state championship title.
Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to Principal Dr. Charles Costner and Coach Jamie Nickles of Abbeville High School.