Formatting necessary for an accurate reading of this text may be shown by tags (e.g., <DELETED> or <BOLD>) or may be missing from this TXT display. For complete and accurate display of this text, see the PDF.
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1581]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE ODESSA FOOTBALL TEAM
_____
HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, December 12, 2019
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Missouri
Class 3 State Championship won by the Odessa High School football team.
Such an achievement is the result of strong leadership and continued
dedication by both players and coaches alike. It is truly an honor to
recognize this exemplary group of athletes from Missouri's Fifth
Congressional District.
For the first time in a quarter of a century and only the second time
in school history, Odessa High School earned the state championship
title in a 49-28 win over Cassville High School at the University of
Missouri's Faurot Field on Saturday, December 7, 2019. This victory was
the culmination of their unwavering perseverance and excellence on and
off the field.
Building upon their undefeated record and averaging 55 points per
game, the Bulldogs entered the championship game eager and focused. The
Bulldogs took the lead, 6-0, in the first twelve seconds after Senior
Bryley Ray's 93-yard kickoff return. Capitalizing on their early
advantage, Odessa covered 80-yards in six plays on its third drive of
the game. Not giving into Odessa's pressure, Cassville brought the
score at the end of the first quarter to 14-7. In the second quarter,
quarterback, Josey Meirerend and Ray led Odessa to a 21-7 lead before
Ethan Uhrlaub's 1-yard score made it 28-7. Leaving nothing to chance,
junior Brett Duncan's 27-yard post pattern completed a five-play, 52-
yard drive, sending the Bulldogs into halftime with a 35-14 advantage.
But the Bulldogs never became complacent and continued to push
themselves.
Going into the second half of the game, Odessa remained singularly
focused on their goal of becoming state champs. Carter Westerhold
caught an 18-yard pass for a score to complete their first drive of the
half while Luke Malizzi led the way on the second to provide the final
margin of victory. In a true display of unity and willpower, the Odessa
Bulldogs defeated the Cassville Wildcats 49-28.
This momentous accomplishment was achieved not by individuals, but as
a united group of young men with guidance from a devoted group of
coaches: Mark Thomas, head coach; Barry Blank, assistant head coach;
Jeremy Helton, defensive coordinator; Chuck Clemens, special teams
coordinator; Kiefer Kratz, JV head coach; and Miles Hoshard, JV
offensive coordinator. The accolades of Odessa's football team and
coaching staff are a testament to what they have built through their
hard work and collaboration.
It is my honor to congratulate each member of the team that have
helped Odessa High School to claim this prestigious title. I encourage
each player to continue challenging themselves to always give their
best on and off the field.
Madam Speaker, please join with Missouri's Fifth Congressional
District in celebrating the Missouri Class 3 State Championship victory
of the Odessa Bulldogs, and I encourage all of us to unite together
under the same spirit of perseverance, collaboration, and hard work
that led this remarkable team to their first state championship win in
over twenty-five years.
____________________
