HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 756 Offered January 16, 2007 Commending the Goochland High School football team. ---------- Patron-- Janis ----------

WHEREAS, the 2006 Goochland High School football team capped a perfect season by winning the Virginia High School League, Group A, Division 2 state football championship on December 9, 2006; and

WHEREAS, before an enthusiastic crowd at James Madison University, the Goochland High School Bulldogs (14-0) won the state football crown 28-14 by defeating the Giles High School Spartans (12-2) of Pearisburg; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs, who are highly respected for their talented offense of running backs D.J. Coles and John Austin Hicks and quarterback Brian Jordan, played a commendable game; but it was the Goochland defense that made the difference by playing tough for the third straight week, shutting down a powerful Giles offense; and

WHEREAS, the Bulldogs' defense shut out Gretna High School in the Region B final game and allowed Essex High School only eight points in the state semifinal game; and

WHEREAS, in the state championship matchup, the Giles Spartans played well in the first half, but Goochland dominated in the second half, scoring three touchdowns, allowing only 34 yards offense and no scores, and Bulldogs Brian Jordan, who doubles as a safety, Jeray Dobson, and Michael Ware snagged three interceptions; and

WHEREAS, D.J. Coles gained 118 yards and two touchdowns on 13 carries and took the second-half kickoff 48 yards to the Spartans' 43-yard line; and

WHEREAS, the triumphant performance of the 2006 Bulldogs is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and perseverance of the players; the leadership of Head Coach Joe Fowler and his staff; and the support of the students and faculty of Goochland High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Goochland High School Bulldogs on their outstanding 2006 season; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Joe Fowler as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the championship performance of the 2006 Goochland High School football team.