By Cook                                                 H.R. No. 46
         77R3709 GMW-D                           
                                 R E S O L U T I O N
 1-1           WHEREAS, On December 22, 2000, at Texas Stadium in Irving,
 1-2     the La Grange High School Leopards defeated the Forney High School
 1-3     Jackrabbits 20-17 to claim the 2000 UIL Class 3A Division II state
 1-4     championship; and
 1-5           WHEREAS, In the title game, the Leopards truly demonstrated
 1-6     their championship mettle by staging an impressive 94-yard drive
 1-7     late in the fourth quarter that culminated in the go-ahead
 1-8     touchdown; with time winding down, the Jackrabbits were in field
 1-9     goal range, but the opportunistic La Grange defense forced and then
1-10     pounced on a Forney fumble, a turnover that sealed the victory and
1-11     brought the Leopards their first state championship since 1975; and
1-12           WHEREAS, The Leopards were skillfully led throughout their
1-13     stellar 14-2 season by Head Coach Tony Valastro and his dedicated
1-14     coaching staff; while All-CenTex Offensive MVP quarterback Tye Gunn
1-15     was undoubtedly the team's catalyst, garnering the state crown
1-16     would not have been possible without the contributions of all the
1-17     talented members of the Leopards squad; and
1-18           WHEREAS, The young champions of the La Grange Leopards
1-19     football team distinguished themselves as formidable competitors
1-20     during their triumphant 2000 season; their state victory is an apt
1-21     reflection of their hard work and determination, and it is indeed a
1-22     privilege to honor them at this time; now, therefore, be it
1-23           RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 77th Texas
1-24     Legislature hereby congratulate the 2000 La Grange High School
 2-1     football team on winning the UIL Class 3A Division II state title
 2-2     and extend to it sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be
 2-3     it further
 2-4           RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
 2-5     prepared for the team's players and coaches as an expression of
 2-6     high regard by the Texas House of Representatives.