[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 16, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E23]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO KATY HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 16, 2008

  Mr. McCAUL of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Katy High School football team of Katy, Texas, on their Class 5A, 
Division II Texas State football championship on Saturday, December 22, 
2007.
  Katy High School became the Class 5A, Division II State champions 
after defeating Pflugerville High School, 28 to 7, at the Alamodome in 
San Antonio, Texas.
  Starting the season as the second-ranked team in Class 5A and ending 
the regular season as the top-ranked team, the Katy Tigers were a team 
expected to do great things, and they did. When the senior players were 
freshmen, they made it their goal to win a State championship game and 
with much hard work and determination this objective was accomplished. 
Always tough to live up to expectations, the Tigers did so and then 
some in claiming the Class 5A, Division II title in 2007 with a perfect 
16-0 season record.
  Throughout the season, both the offense and defense were dominant. 
Offensively, the Tigers scored over 43 points per game. Defensively, 
Katy allowed an average of only 8 points per game.
  The Katy Tigers advanced to the championship game by easily defeating 
Strake Jesuit College Preparatory 51-18 in the bi-district playoff 
game, by defeating Houston Madison High School 42 to 8 in the Region 3 
semi-finals, by defeating Pasadena Memorial High School 30 to 14 in the 
Region 3 championship, by defeating Fort Bend Clements High School 42 
to 0 in the quarterfinal playoff game, and by defeating San Antonio 
Madison High School 66 to 21 in the State semi-final game.
  The Katy Tigers rose to the challenge during the championship game 
against the Pflugerville Panthers, in San Antonio at the Alamodome. 
Katy scored 28 unanswered points after being down 7 in the first half. 
A hail mary at the end of the first half changed the momentum for the 
Katy Tigers to finish out the State championship game with a final 
score of 28-7, a truly outstanding accomplishment.
  The win is Katy's fifth title all-time and fourth since 1997. More 
significantly, it is the first for head coach Gary Joseph, who ran his 
all-time win-loss record to 55-4 with the victory. It was not just a 
State title however, as the Tigers would find out about 30 minutes 
after the game's final whistle. Coach Joseph announced to a packed home 
locker room that the Tigers had been voted the No. 1 team in the Nation 
by ESPN. A roar of shouts, whistles and cheers filled the underground 
corridors of the Alamodome following that announcement as Katy returned 
to the top of the charts in Texas for the first time since 2003. In 
addition, Katy is ranked No. 4 in the USA Today Super 25 football 
rankings.
  The success of these fine young athletes of Katy High School serves 
as an inspiration for their school and community. I know from my own 
experience how high school football teaches you not only how to win on 
the field but also how to succeed in life. It teaches you that through 
hard work, discipline, dedication, and teamwork you can dream any dream 
and achieve any goal. I know that these fine athletes will apply their 
success on the football field to their lives after high school to 
accomplish great things.
  I officially recognize and honor the outstanding achievements and 
contributions by the 2007 Katy High School Varsity Football Team, 
coaches, school and loyal fans, for their exemplary representation of 
our community. Congratulations Katy Tigers. I commend you on a 
spectacular football year and wish you the best next season and beyond.

                          ____________________