WHEREAS, the Westfield High School football team defended its 2015 state title and won the Virginia High School League Group 6A state championship on December 10, 2016; and
WHEREAS, the Westfield High School Bulldogs defeated the Oscar Smith High School Tigers by a score of 34 - 28 in a double overtime thriller, which was also a rematch of the 2015 state championship; and
WHEREAS, early in the season, the Westfield Bulldogs, who finished with a 13 - 2 record, relied on their staunch defense to close out games, until the offense hit its stride and began averaging 38 points per game; and
WHEREAS, in the state championship, quarterback Rehman Johnson went 14 of 26 for 221 yards and four touchdowns, spreading the ball out to five different receivers; the team weathered a surge by the Oscar Smith Tigers and again relied on its defense, which made a crucial goal-line stand on the last play of the game; and
WHEREAS, the victory is a tribute to the skill and determination of all of the student-athletes, the leadership and guidance of the coaches and staff, and the passionate support of the entire Westfield High School community; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Westfield High School football team on winning the Virginia High School League Group 6A state championship; and, be it
RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Kyle Simmons, head coach of the Westfield High School football team, as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the team's athletic achievements.