[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 174 (Monday, December 5, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1587]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     BEST OF LUCK TO TEXAS 02'S FOOTBALL TEAMS AT STATE SEMI-FINALS

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                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 5, 2016

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, sweet tea, BBQ, and football--these 
are just some of the things Texans love dearly. From high school 
football to college football, Texans will come out to every game no 
matter what the temperature and weather are. Our commitment to our 
football teams is so strong that preachers will find a way to mention 
the local team in their sermons and make sure you get home just in time 
to watch the game with friends and family.
  Football is a very special part of the culture in Texas. From the 
stadiums to the food to the different student clubs that gather in the 
stadiums, football games unite Texans. The bands, the drill teams, the 
cheerleading teams, the students that form it all--they are an 
extraordinary group that make the culture and character of Texas so 
unique in the United States. More than just uniting families and 
friends, football allows our community to share in the joy of victory 
and the sadness of temporary defeat; it teaches our children to keep 
working hard for their goals both individually and with their 
teammates.
  Although professional and college football receive the most national 
attention, high school football is just as important in Texas. I still 
remember going to my son's football games, from his start at pee-wee 
leagues to his career playing for my alma mater, Abilene Christian 
University. Those memories make me even more proud to say that two high 
schools in my district have met their goals and broken records this 
season.
  Atascocita High School is fighting for a chance to compete in the 
state championship. Last year they had a record-setting playoff run, 
reaching the Region II-6A Division I final. This year, they raised the 
bar even higher. With the outstanding sportsmanship of their players, 
the football team of Atascocita High School has exceeded expectations. 
I know how proud the players, their parents, and their school must be. 
Ranking at Number 18 in the state, the Eagles have some of the most 
promising players on their team.
  Quarterback Daveon Boyd, now a senior, has received four awards 
throughout his high school football career. He has surpassed the 
national average in number of yards, yards per game, touchdown passes, 
completion percentage, attempts, and interceptions. This season alone, 
he's had a 63 percent pass rate for 4,139 yards and 46 touchdowns.
  But Boyd is not the only outstanding player in Atascocita High 
School. Samuel Cosmi, the offensive tackle, is a University of Houston 
pledge. Defensive tackles De'Marius Brooks and Kendrix Burford, along 
with defensive backs Justin Campbell, Alerick Soularie, and Travian 
Blaylock give the Eagles an edge in size and speed.
  Another high school in my district, Klein Collins, won its first 
regional semi-finals at Baylor's McLane Stadium in the Division II 
Region II-6A playoffs. While all the players have done outstanding 
work, senior running back D'Anthony Doyle rushed 167 yards and got a 
couple of touchdowns, making him the hardest working player that game. 
His teammate, Josh Powell, also earned the team two more scores. At the 
end of the game, the team's hard work left the team with a 54-16 
victory over John Tyler. As a proud dad who beamed in the stands 
watching his son play, I know how thrilled their parents will be 
watching them play against Spring Westfield on December 2.
  I am incredibly proud of the students of the Atascocita and Klein 
Collins High School football teams for their successes this season. It 
is great to see students in my district represent us so well with their 
hard work and talent. I look forward to their upcoming games and seeing 
them succeed and exceed expectations for years to come. Best of luck at 
State Semi-Finals.
  And that's just the way it is.

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