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.