[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18733]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE CARSONVILLE-PORT SANILAC FOOTBALL TEAM ON WINNING 
           THE INAUGURAL 8-PLAYER MICHIGAN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CANDICE S. MILLER

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, December 2, 2011

  Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to 
recognize a special achievement recently accomplished by the 
Carsonville-Port Sanilac (C-PS) Tigers High School Football Team. C-PS 
capped off a remarkable and extremely memorable season by taking home 
to Sanilac County the first ever Michigan High School Athletic 
Association (MHSAA) 8-Player State Championship. After the necessary 20 
high schools announced they would be fielding teams in 2011, the MHSAA 
was able to implement an official playoff schedule. This was more than 
welcomed news to CP-S since they had gone undefeated the previous year 
winning an ``unofficial'' title. But with this new opportunity on the 
horizon, C-PS demonstrated what real team work is to reach the pinnacle 
of this historic season.
  With Head Coach Tim Brabant entering his second season in charge, the 
Tigers played strong hard-nosed football focusing on the basic 
fundamentals and taking each play one at a time. This meant players 
executing their designated assignments and beating the man in front of 
him. This also included playing sound defense with solid tackling and 
an implementing offense scheme that would make an NFL playbook look 
elementary. The Tigers kept constant pressure on their opponents 
forcing them to commit untimely errors and more importantly 
capitalizing on those mistakes.
  After making the eight hour trek to Marquette in the Upper Peninsula 
to face-off against their opponent, the Rapid River Rockets, in the 
finals at the Superior Dome, the team brushed aside any potential 
distractions and solely focused on winning. Despite the best efforts of 
Rapid River, C-PS would not to be denied. Tigers had the proper 
preparation and were eager to seize the day.
  Jumping out front quickly in the first quarter to a 27-6 lead, the 
Tigers saw that margin reduced by halftime to a 39-20 score. One 
important note is that unlike 11-man football, a 19 point lead is 
anything but safe. Similar to arena football, points can come quick and 
they can come often. But once again, the Tigers were up to the 
challenge and simply closed the door on the Rockets by shutting them 
out in the second half. This amazing feat is rarely accomplished in 8-
player football. There is an old adage in sports which I think holds 
true for the Tiger's season, ``Offense wins games, but defense wins 
championships.'' I am proud to say the Tigers capped off this 
outstanding season with a 59-20 win and an overall record of 12 wins 
and only one defeat.
  The Tigers throughout the year exhibited the intangible ingredients 
which make up a winning football team: heart, discipline and a positive 
attitude. As legendary Hall of Fame Green Bay Packers Coach Vince 
Lombardi once said, ``A man can be as great as he wants to be. If you 
believe in yourself and have the courage, determination, the dedication 
and the competition drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the 
little things in life and pay the price for the things that are 
worthwhile, it can be done.''
  I applaud these young men for remaining both mentally and physically 
ready to compete. In addition, I want to commend the Tigers for staying 
energized and focused each time they stepped on to the gridiron. I 
understand this can be extremely difficult considering the numerous 
pressures and distractions high school student-athletes can encounter.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the hard work and 
sportsmanship displayed by all the team members. These individuals are: 
Danny Rickett, Justin Mackey, Sam Washe, Hayden Adams, Ryan Davis, 
Garrett Salsbury, Ismael Pacheco, Chase Munro, Steven Koehler, Tom 
Nantz, Aaron Smith, Tim Smith, Jon Childers, Chris Drescher, Levi 
Hurley, Tim Sherman, Nick Swift, Devin Adams and Trevor Adams along 
with Head Coach Tim Brabant, Defensive Coordinator Scott Steele, and 
Assistant Coaches Eugene Binder and Joe Rickett.
  I also wish to acknowledge the administrators, teachers, 
cheerleaders, parents, students and fans alike for their assistance and 
support in making this an unforgettable season. The Tigers proved they 
had the talent, fortitude and resilience to rise to the challenge and 
accomplish their ultimate goal--a State Championship. Teamwork, 
perseverance and friendship all contributed to this title. I know the 
community and the entire Thumb Region takes great pride in what these 
young men were able to achieve.
  In closing Mr. Speaker, I share that same pride. I want to offer my 
personal congratulations and best wishes. All the accolades, awards and 
trophies are rightfully deserved. Way to go Tigers!

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