House Resolution 77

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE FLORENCE HIGH SCHOOL EAGLES FOOTBALL TEAM AND HEAD COACH STEVE PRUETT FOR THEIR OUTSTANDING 2011-2012 SEASON AND FOR WINNING THE MISSISSIPPI HIGH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATION DIVISION 4A, REGION 6 CHAMPIONSHIP.

WHEREAS, the Florence High School Eagles Football Team finished the 2011-2012 season with an outstanding 10 victories, and the Eagles set a school record for scoring the most points in a single season in the history of the school's football program; and

WHEREAS, being incredibly well-disciplined young men, the Eagles performed extremely well in the 2011-2012 season, and in becoming the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A, Region 6 Football District champions, the Florence High School Football Team invested hard work above and beyond the level of other teams; and

WHEREAS, adding to the trophy case, the Eagles not only set a record with scoring the most points in one season, they also emerged victorious in two key games, defeating McLaurin High School in the Egg Bowl and defeating Richland High School in the Black and Blue Bowl; and

WHEREAS, these talented young athletes have been superbly coached and inspired by Head Coach Steve Pruett, whose team also boasts five players who have committed to continue their education and playing careers at an institution of higher learning; and

WHEREAS, among the many accolades of the 2011-2012 Eagles Football Team, numerous athletes marked personal records and achievements of note, including: Sam Vincent, as the Most Valuable Offensive Player in Region 6-4A, and with the most total passing yards by a quarterback in Eagle football history; Jorell Thurman, as a South State All Star player, as the Most Valuable Player in Region 6-4A and with the most total touchdowns scored by an individual player in a single season in school history; Brandon King, as the Rudy Award Semi-Finalist and as All-District Kicker in Region 6-4A for two years in a row; and Gavin Callahan, as the Most Valuable Offensive Lineman for Region 6-4A; and

WHEREAS, Florence High School is home to several All District Region 6-4A football players, including: D.J. Liddell; Zach Traylor; Aaron McGruder; Dominique Carrington; Caleb English; Chris Yarbrough; and Jason West, who is also a Scholar Athlete; and

WHEREAS, in their tireless dedication, the Eagles have developed a winning, cooperative spirit and a high degree of sportsmanship, and their activities and attitudes reflect great credit upon the individual players and their coach, bringing honor to Florence High School; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend excellence, especially when evidenced by the youth of our state, who are its future:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Florence High School Eagles Football Team and Head Coach Steve Pruett for winning the Mississippi High School Activities Association Class 4A, Region 6 District Championship and extend our best wishes to the team and coaches for success in all their future athletic and academic endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be furnished to Coach Steve Pruett, Florence High School Principal Tony Martin, the Rankin County School Board and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.