SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 414 Offered January 12, 2007 Commending the Amherst High School football team. ---------- Patrons-- Newman and Ruff; Delegates: Cline and Valentine ----------

WHEREAS, the Amherst High School football team won the Virginia High School League Group AA, Division 4 state football championship on December 9, 2006, defeating Louisa County High School, 35-27; and

WHEREAS, the Amherst Lancers' win capped a 13-1 season and erased the disappointment of the 2005 championship game, which they lost in overtime; and

WHEREAS, the Lancers used that 2005 loss as motivation in the off-season, working hard on their physical and mental toughness to guarantee a different outcome in 2006; and

WHEREAS, in the hard-fought championship game the Lancers had great success with their powerful triple-option rushing threat, featuring fullback Jonathan Rose, who rushed for 146 yards, tailback Alonzo Poe, who gained 127 yards on the ground, and quarterback Peter Rose, who added 63 rushing yards; and

WHEREAS, the team's blitzing defense took away the Louisa County Lions' running game, forcing them to change their tactics and pass the ball more; and

WHEREAS, the defining play of the game came in the fourth quarter when the Lancers executed a halfback option pass that turned into a 51-yard gain, and two plays later they scored a touchdown, followed by a successful two-point conversion play, which gave them a 35-20 advantage; and

WHEREAS, the outstanding victory of the 2006 Amherst High School football team is a tribute to the talent, dedication, and perseverance of the players; the leadership of Coach Scott Abell and his staff; and the support of the students, parents, and faculty of Amherst High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Amherst High School Lancers on their triumphant 2006 season; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Coach Scott Abell as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for the championship performance of the 2006 Amherst High School football team.