Bill Text: VA SJR348 | 2025 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Commending the Oscar Smith High School football team.
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Engrossed) 2025-02-07 - Laid on Speaker's table [SJR348 Detail]
Download: Virginia-2025-SJR348-Introduced.html
2025 SESSION
INTRODUCED
25106414D
SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 348
Offered February 5, 2025
Commending the Oscar Smith High School football team.
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Patron—Craig
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WHEREAS, on December 14, 2024, the Oscar Smith High School football team, representing Chesapeake, capped off an undefeated season by winning the Virginia High School League Class 6 state championship in dramatic fashion, scoring twice in the final two minutes of the game to secure the victory; and
WHEREAS, led by head coach Chris Scott and his exceptional coaching staff, the Oscar Smith High School Tigers defeated the James Madison High School Warhawks by a score of 21–20 to finish the season with a perfect 15–0 record; and
WHEREAS, the Oscar Smith Tigers took an early 7–0 lead and held it until the third quarter, when the James Madison Warhawks responded with a touchdown of their own, then added another in the fourth quarter; and
WHEREAS, the Oscar Smith Tigers maintained their composure, and quarterback Lonnie Andrews led the team on a 91-yard drive culminating in a 27-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Travis Johnson that tied the game at 14–14 with only 1:45 remaining; and
WHEREAS, the Oscar Smith Tigers' defense took to the field and rose to the occasion, forcing a fumble that brought the offense back out in good field position, allowing running back Brandon Nesbit to reclaim the lead with a two-yard rushing touchdown; and
WHEREAS, a Hail Mary pass brought the James Madison Warhawks within two points of a win, but the Oscar Smith Tigers' defense got the job done and prevented a two-point conversion to close out the game; and
WHEREAS, Brandon Nesbit led the Oscar Smith Tigers with two touchdowns and gained 84 rushing yards, while Lonnie Johnson went 18 of 31 in the air for 180 yards and the touchdown pass to Travis Johnson, who pulled in five receptions for 61 yards; and
WHEREAS, the 2024 championship is the fifth state title for Oscar Smith High School's football program, adding to victories in 2008, 2011, 2020, and 2021, and further solidifying the team's legacy as a powerhouse in Virginia high school football; and
WHEREAS, the successful season was a testament to the skill, hard work, discipline, and commitment of all the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of coaches and staff, and the unwavering support of school administrators, family members, friends, and the entire Oscar Smith High School community; and
WHEREAS, Oscar Smith High School continues to foster excellence in both academics and athletics, and the Oscar Smith Tigers have upheld the values of teamwork, perseverance, and sportsmanship; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Oscar Smith High School Tigers on winning the Virginia High School League Class 6 state championship; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Chris Scott, head coach of the Oscar Smith High School Tigers, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's exceptional athletic achievements.
