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2017 SESSION


HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 591
Commending the Highland Springs High School football team.

 

Agreed to by the House of Delegates, January 13, 2017
Agreed to by the Senate, January 19, 2017

 

WHEREAS, the Highland Springs High School football team of Henrico County won an emotional victory in the Virginia State High School League Group 5A state championship on December 10, 2016; and

WHEREAS, the Highland Springs High School Springers defeated the Stone Bridge High School Bulldogs of Ashburn in a 35 - 29 nail-biter to win their second consecutive state title; and

WHEREAS, during the postseason playoffs team members wore purple ANGIESTRONG T-shirts under their jerseys and stickers on their helmets to honor Angela Johnson, the beloved president of the Highland Springs Springers’ Booster Club, who died of cancer on November 12, 2016; and

WHEREAS, senior wide receiver and defensive back Chris Thaxton, Angela Johnson’s son, scored the game-winning touchdown with 26.6 seconds left in the game, providing a storybook ending to the Highland Springs Springers’ 14 - 1 season and a poignant moment for the entire Highland Springs community; and

WHEREAS, the Highland Springs Springers faced one of the toughest rushing attacks all season from the Bulldogs, but their strike offense came alive in the fourth quarter when they completed three touchdown drives that lasted less than a minute each; and

WHEREAS, the Highland Springs Springers were led by senior quarterback Juwan Carter, who finished the game 14 of 26 for 196 passing yards and three touchdowns; he rushed for a fourth touchdown; and

WHEREAS, every member of the Highland Springs Springers team contributed to the championship victory, boosted by the unwavering support of the Highland Springs High School student body, teachers, and staff, many of whom donned purple T-shirts in solidarity with the team; and

WHEREAS, Highland Springs Springers’ head coach Loren Johnson and his staff pushed the players throughout the season to reach their full potential and motivated the team to continue their pursuit of another state championship despite facing family tragedy and the loss of their “team mom”; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend the Highland Springs High School football team on winning back-to-back Virginia High School League Group 5A state championships; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Loren Johnson, head coach of the Highland Springs High School football team, as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the team’s exceptional season and extraordinary effort in the face of adversity.