SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 97 WHEREAS, The Mineola High School football team brought the 2016 season to a triumphant close by winning the University Interscholastic League Class 3A Division 1 state championship on December 15 at AT&T Stadium in Arlington; and WHEREAS, The victory marked the first state title for the team, which completed a remarkable turnaround early in the year; after losing their first two games, the Yellowjackets went on to sweep their remaining eight district games to secure a spot in the playoffs; Mineola's march to the championship included decisive postseason wins over Gladewater Sabine, Whitesboro, Howe, Pottsboro, and Wall High Schools before facing off against Yoakum High for the title; and WHEREAS, In the Class 3A Division 1 championship game, the Yellowjackets continued their gridiron dominance, outscoring their opponent 35-14; the team's potent offense was supported by a stout defense that shut down the Yoakum passing game and did not give up a single point in the second half of the game; and WHEREAS, The success enjoyed by Mineola in 2016 was the result of an exceptional team effort; under the able leadership of head coach Joe Drennon and his staff, each player on the roster made valuable contributions that enabled the Yellowjackets to realize their long-awaited goal of winning a state championship; and WHEREAS, In proving itself one of the finest football teams in Texas, Mineola has won not only the state championship but also the admiration of its many supporters in the community, and the players may indeed reflect with pride on this admirable achievement; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the Senate of the State of Texas, 85th Legislature, hereby congratulate the Mineola High School football team on winning the 2016 University Interscholastic League Class 3A Division 1 state championship and extend to the team's players, coaches, and staff sincere best wishes for continued success; and, be it further RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be prepared for the team as an expression of high regard from the Texas Senate. Hughes ________________________________ President of the Senate I hereby certify that the above Resolution was adopted by the Senate on February 8, 2017. ________________________________ Secretary of the Senate ________________________________ Member, Texas Senate