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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, In an inspiring display of solidarity with a fallen |
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teammate, the Gilmer High School football team capped an undefeated |
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season by winning the University Interscholastic League 4A Division |
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2 state title at AT&T Stadium in Arlington on December 19, 2014; and |
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WHEREAS, The Gilmer players began the year with heavy hearts, |
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as they coped with the tragic death of junior wide receiver Desmond |
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Pollard in March 2014; dedicating the season to their friend and |
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teammate, the Buckeyes dominated their regular season opponents to |
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capture the District 5-4A crown and secure a spot in the UIL state |
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playoffs; and |
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WHEREAS, An unstoppable juggernaut on offense, Gilmer |
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averaged more than 60 points a game in its first five postseason |
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contests; in the championship final, the Buckeyes fell behind early |
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in the game and trailed the squad from West Orange-Stark High School |
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25-7 at halftime; refusing to give up on its championship dream, the |
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team responded with 28 unanswered points in the second half; wide |
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receiver Blake Lynch led the way with two fourth-quarter touchdown |
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runs to clinch a 35-25 victory and the third state championship in |
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school history; for his efforts, Mr. Lynch was named the game's |
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Offensive Most Valuable Player, and teammate Demarco Boyd earned |
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Defensive MVP honors; and |
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WHEREAS, In their march to the state title, the Buckeyes |
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received valuable contributions from each member of the roster; |
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these determined athletes were guided by head coach Jeff Traylor |
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and his staff, whose expertise and leadership were essential to the |
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players' exceptional performances all year long; and |
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WHEREAS, The members of the Gilmer High School football team |
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demonstrated admirable skill and dedication in winning the state |
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crown while paying tribute to one of their own, and they will |
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forever treasure the memory of their outstanding accomplishments; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas |
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Legislature hereby congratulate the Gilmer High School football |
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team on winning the 2014 UIL 4A Division 2 state championship and |
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extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best |
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wishes for continued success; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the team as an expression of high regard by the Texas |
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House of Representatives. |