SJ183: Commending the Buffalo Gap High School football team.

WHEREAS, the Buffalo Gap High School football team capped a perfect season by winning its first Virginia High School League Group A, Division 1 state championship on December 8, 2007; and

WHEREAS, the Buffalo Gap High School Bison, 14–0, defeated the Clintwood Greenwave, to clinch the state title with a final score of 28–19; and

WHEREAS, the first quarter was scoreless, but an interception early in the second quarter got the Bison offense started, and after seven carries by junior tailback Pickle Nuckols, the Bison took the lead on a three-yard run by quarterback Travis Morris; and

WHEREAS, Clintwood responded quickly with two consecutive touchdowns, though the second extra point was blocked by Bison defensive back Ryan Sheridan, and it looked as if the Greenwave would head to the locker room with a 13–7 lead; and

WHEREAS, with a minute and 23 seconds left in the half, the Bison fired up their two-minute offense and reached the Clintwood 15 yard line with 10 seconds on the clock; Travis Morris ripped a pass to Josh Wenger who was alone in the end zone, and with the extra point, Buffalo Gap was up 14–13 at the half; and

WHEREAS, the Bison jumped out to a 21–13 lead on the first play of the third quarter when Travis Morris ran 65 yards for a touchdown, and they extended the lead to 28–13 with just under two minutes left in the game on an impressive series of carries by Pickle Nuckols; and

WHEREAS, the Greenwave had one last gasp, as they scored a touchdown with eight seconds left, but it was too little, too late; they missed the two-point conversion and the Buffalo Gap Bison began their celebration; and

WHEREAS, all of the dedicated Buffalo Gap players worked hard in an outstanding team effort both in the regular season and the postseason, defeating excellent high school teams along the way to win their well-deserved state title; and

WHEREAS, the triumphant performance of the 2007 Bison is a tribute to the talent, commitment, and perseverance of the players; the leadership of Head Coach Rob Maxwell and his staff; and the support of the parents, students, and faculty of Buffalo Gap High School; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend and congratulate the Bison from Buffalo Gap High School on their outstanding 2007 season and Group A state title; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Head Coach Rob Maxwell as an expression of the General Assembly’s admiration for the championship performance of the Buffalo Gap High School football team.