Skip to main content

Oscar Smith Wins Virginia High School Football Class 6 State Championship

Lawrence Andrew Fernandezby: Lawrence Fernandez12/16/24lawandfern
Jahmari DeLoatch - Virginia High School Football
Oscar Smith Tigers cornerback and Virginia Tech commit Jahmari DeLoatch (Credit: Ryan Snyder | Blue White Illustrated)

The Oscar Smith Tigers edged the Madison Warhawks in an exciting Virginia high school football Class 6 state championship game. While Madison enjoyed home-field advantage, Oscar Smith overhauled a 14-7 deficit to complete a 21-20 shocker.

The Warhawks had a seven-point lead with one minute and 35 seconds left in regulation. However, Lonnie Andrews found Travis Johnson for a 27-yard touchdown pass that tied the game. Brandon Nesbit converted a Madison fumble into a two-yard touchdown in the succeeding drive. That fumble is the Warhawks’ third in the game, while the Tigers had none.

CLICK HERE to watch your high school’s games on NFHS Network now!

Despite the clock not on their side, Madison had another shot at forcing overtime. They nearly did, as Dominic Knicely caught a Hail Mary touchdown with no time left. Unfortunately, a 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct in their celebration moved the ball back.

Worse yet, Madison’s placekicker was nursing an injury, forcing the Warhawks to attempt a two-point play. The home team failed, and Oscar Smith won their fifth Virginia high school football state championship. The Tigers were also victorious in 2008, 2011, 2020, and 2021.

The victory also secured Oscar Smith’s perfect 15-0 record, ranking them second in the Virginia On3 Composite Team Rankings. Meanwhile, Madison finished the season ranked 17th with a 14-1 record. The defeat marked the Warhawks’ third loss in four Class 6 state championship game appearances.

The loss is a disappointing ending for Knicely, who led Madison with six catches for 160 yards and 17 carries for 89 yards. After finishing high school football, he will play college football for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

Conversely, the state championship is a fitting ending for Oscar Smith’s seniors. Wideout Trey Jones will compete for the Buffalo Bulls, while cornerback Jahmari DeLoatch will play for the Virginia Tech Hokies. Jaden Dabbs will enroll at the United States Military Academy and play for the Black Knights.