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Virginia high school football teams to play out final 39 seconds of game

IMG_8358by: Andy Villamarzo10/14/25Andy_Villamarzo
generic sunset image EDGYTIM 1200x630
generic sunset image EDGYTIM 1200x630

Reports of gunfire near the I.C. Norcom-Churchland football game last week prematurely ended the Virginia high school contest with 39 seconds remaining, giving the Greyhounds the 11-10 win. Or so coaches, players on both sides thought.

After more deliberation by the Virginia High School League (VHSL), the governing body has decided the game needs to play out the waning moments.

Confirmed by I.C. Norcom High School’s football program, both the Greyhounds and Churchland will be taking the field this evening at 5 p.m., closed off to fans, to finish out the game. SportsPlug757 first reported the redo of the final 39 seconds on Monday.

Per a WAVY 10 News report,  I.C. Norcom principal Teesha Sanders and Churchland principal Brandi Smedley had released a joint statement after Friday’s game regarding the gunshots reported nearby.

“This evening, during the final seconds of the Churchland/I.C. Norcom High School football game, gunshots were fired in the streets near the I.C. Norcom campus. In partnership with the Portsmouth Sheriff’s Office, we were able to safely and efficiently clear the stadium. We will now continue to work with law enforcement as they investigate and search for those responsible. We are sorry to see this end to an otherwise peaceful night of sportsmanship, but we thank you for your continued support of both our schools.

Thank you,
Principal Teesha Sanders and Principal Brandi Smedley

How to Follow Virginia High School Football

For Virginia high school football fans looking to keep up with scores around the state, staying updated on the action is now easier than ever with the Rivals High School Scoreboard. This comprehensive resource provides real-time updates and final scores from across the Old Dominion, ensuring you never miss a moment of the Friday night frenzy. From nail-biting finishes to dominant performances, the Rivals High School Scoreboard is your one-stop destination for tracking all the gridiron excitement across the state of Virginia.