[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 45]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO THE CELINA BOBCATS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 15, 2008

  Mr. HALL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 2007 
Celina Bobcat football team.
  On December 22nd, 2007, the Celina Bobcats defeated the China Spring 
Cougars by a score of 21 to 14 to win the Class 3 AAA Division II State 
Championship at Texas Stadium. Under the leadership of Coach Butch 
Ford, the Bobcats finished the 2007 season with a perfect 16-0 record 
to claim a new state record 8th State Championship. This is a 
remarkable accomplishment that merits recognition.
  With a record eight state titles and wins in two out of the last 
three championship games, the Bobcats have a heritage of excellence in 
football. This tradition of winning is proven by their historical 
rankings with more wins in the last 10, 20 and 40 years than any other 
team in Texas.
  By halftime the Bobcats found themselves in their first halftime tie 
of the season with a close 7-7 game, and by the end of the third 
quarter it was still tied at 14-14. However, by the end of the fourth 
there was no doubt which team was champion. In a close game where every 
play counted, the Bobcats pulled ahead at the end to win by 7 points. 
This State Championship win marks another tremendous milestone in the 
continued excellence of Bobcat football, and I am proud of their 
accomplishment.
  Madam Speaker, I want to congratulate the Bobcat players as well as 
their coaches, trainer, cheerleaders, the Las Gatitas dance squad, band 
members, teachers, school administration, and other community 
supporters for their success in both championship and regular season 
play. I ask each of my colleagues to join me in honoring Celina High 
School in their record-breaking 8th State Championship.

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