H*5071 Resolution, By McCraw, Phillips and Littlejohn
 A HOUSE RESOLUTION TO CONGRATULATE THE GAFFNEY HIGH SCHOOL INDIANS VARSITY
 FOOTBALL TEAM OF CHEROKEE COUNTY ON ITS MOST AMAZING AND IMPRESSIVE BIG
 SIXTEEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, AND TO HONOR ITS PLAYERS AND THEIR COACH,
 PHIL STRICKLAND, ON ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY SEASON.

   05/02/06  House  Introduced and adopted HJ-4

TO CONGRATULATE THE GAFFNEY HIGH SCHOOL INDIANS VARSITY FOOTBALL TEAM OF CHEROKEE COUNTY ON ITS MOST AMAZING AND IMPRESSIVE BIG SIXTEEN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP TITLE, AND TO HONOR ITS PLAYERS AND THEIR COACH, PHIL STRICKLAND, ON ANOTHER EXTRAORDINARY SEASON.

Whereas, all good teams have the determination, discipline, and skill to perform well and compile remarkable winning percentages, but true championship teams have something more; and

Whereas, all true championship teams possess the belief that no matter what happens they will win, combined with the heart and desire to play their best and give it their all--leaving nothing on the field; and

Whereas, the Gaffney Indians had just that as they faced an all too familiar foe in the championship game where they displayed one of the greatest and most thrilling come-from-behind victories in recent history to win the state football championship; and

Whereas, just two weeks after a stunning win over Spartanburg, the Indians turned around a disappointing first half by scoring two touchdowns in the final four minutes against Summerville to earn the school's fifteenth state title with an electrifying 33-32 victory in the Big Sixteen state championship game; and

Whereas, Gaffney quarterback Malcolm Long had a John Elwayesque performance running the two-minute offense to perfection with the Indians taking possession at their own ten yardline with only 2:12 remaining on the clock; needing a touchdown to win, Long drove ninety yards in eleven plays for the winning score; and

Whereas, he completed six of eight passes on the drive, connecting with Tyson Petty for a forty-yard gain, and Terry Barnes twice, including a clutch ten yard reception on fourth-and-seven from the Summerville twenty-two yard line; and

Whereas, like a reflection of the Hall of Famer, Long spiked the ball to stop the clock and on the ensuing play, threw a perfect strike to Quinton Hemphill, who went untouched into the end zone with twenty-one seconds left in the game, sealing the Indians' triumph; and

Whereas, Coach Strickland did a tremendous job leading this team and instilling into each one of his young players the importance of never giving up and always believing in each other and in themselves; and

Whereas, the House of Representatives take great pride in honoring the players and coaches of Gaffney High School football team on its fantastic performance on the field capturing one of the Palmetto's finest awards and on the student-athletes' performances in the classroom as well. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the House of Representatives of the State of South Carolina, by this resolution, congratulate the Gaffney High School Indians Varsity Football Team of Cherokee County on its most amazing and impressive Big Sixteen state championship title, and honor its players and their coach, Phil Strickland, on another extraordinary season.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the 2005 Gaffney High School Football Team and Head Coach Phil Strickland.