HOUSE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 296 Offered February 9, 2006 Commending the Hampton High School football team. ---------- Patrons-- Ward and BaCote ----------

WHEREAS, on December 10, 2005, the Crabbers from Hampton High School returned to a familiar place for the first time since 1998: at the top of Virginia's Group AAA, Division 5 high school football teams; and

WHEREAS, the Hampton High School football team won the 2005 Virginia High School League Group AAA, Division 5 state championship by defeating Stone Bridge High School of Loudoun County, 15-8, in a tense game that was not decided until the final moments; and

WHEREAS, the Crabbers won their record 17th state football championship and the 12th state title in the 35-year coaching career of Head Coach Mike Smith; and

WHEREAS, the Crabbers completed their regular season with a record of 9-1, then defeated Lake Taylor High School, 14-7, to reach the Eastern Region championship game against rival Phoebus High School; and

WHEREAS, Hampton avenged a regular season defeat at the hands of Phoebus by winning, 29-7, then advanced to the state title game by defeating Massaponax High School, 21-16; and

WHEREAS, the triumphant performance of the Hampton High School Crabbers is a tribute to the leadership of legendary Head Coach Mike Smith and his staff; the talent, perseverance, and teamwork of the athletes; and the sustained and enthusiastic support of the Hampton community; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the House of Delegates, the Senate concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the 2005 Hampton High School Crabbers on their return to the top among Virginia's high school football teams; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the House of Delegates prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Mike Smith in honor of the exceptional performance of the 2005 Hampton High School football team and the unparalleled success of his Crabbers' teams over the past 35 years.