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2009 SESSION

098840768
HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 800
Offered January 23, 2009
Commending the Phoebus High School football team.
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Patron—Ward and BaCote
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WHEREAS, the 2008 Phoebus High School football team from Hampton, Virginia, capped a perfect season by winning the Virginia High School League Group AAA, Division 5 state championship on December 6, 2008; and

WHEREAS, before enthusiastic fans at Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium in Blacksburg, the Phoebus High School Phantoms (15 - 0) defeated the Dinwiddie High School Generals (12 - 2) in a decisive 37 - 13 victory; and

WHEREAS, to capture the state title, Phoebus High School had to beat Lake Taylor High School, 14 - 0, to clinch the Eastern Region title, and Stone Bridge High School, 38 - 8, to advance to the Division 5 final matchup; and

WHEREAS, after a tough loss in last year’s title game, the Phantoms’ motto all year long was to take care of "unfinished business"; and

WHEREAS, this year, a tenacious Phantoms' team led by senior quarterback Tajh Boyd, who completed 8 of 15 passes for 111 yards, and senior running back Shawne Alston, who rushed for 237 yards and two touchdowns, all took care of business in the Division 5 final game to win the coveted state championship for their school; and

WHEREAS, on Phoebus High School's very first drive down the field, Shawne Alston battled his way into scoring position and quarterback Tajh Boyd capitalized by then connecting with sophomore Daquan Romero for a 3-yard run to take an early 7 - 0 lead; on the Phantoms' next possession, Shawne Alston again struck, this time powering into the end zone for a 14 - 0 lead; and

WHEREAS, with a score of 14 - 6 at halftime, the Phantoms began a long drive ending in a field goal that put them ahead 17 - 6; linebacker Lo Vante’ Battle intercepted a Generals' pass as time expired in the third quarter; Phoebus High School's lead was expanded to 24 - 6 at the end of the fourth quarter when the quarterback found senior receiver Omyn Newkirk on a screen play; and in the final period, Shawne Alston and junior Chaz Robinson both scored, extending the lead to 37 - 13; and

WHEREAS, Phoebus High School shone on defense, giving up fewer than 10 points per game all year, and including the 13 points scored against them by the Generals, the Phantoms allowed only 53 points total over the entire season; and

WHEREAS, all of the talented and hardworking Phantom players made valuable contributions in a tremendous team effort in the championship games and throughout the season; and

WHEREAS, the triumphant performance of the 2008 Phantoms is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and perseverance of the players; the leadership of Head Coach Bill Dee and his assistant coaches and staff; and the support of the parents and fans of Phoebus High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Phantoms from Phoebus High School as the Group AAA, Division 5 state champions; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Bill Dee as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the championship performance of the 2008 Phoebus High School football team.