Championship Weekend on the gridiron concludes in Virginia

ARLINGTON, Va. (7News) — The culmination of a long and arduous football season came to a close in Virginia this weekend.

The state championship games for all six classes took place in three cities across the Commonwealth.

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Several area teams were in action, and 7News is On Your Sideline with results and reaction from these games.

Class 6 Final – Oscar C. Smith 21, James Madison 20

James Madison returned to the championship game for the first time since losing in the 2022 finals to Freedom (Woodbridge).

Warhawks running back Dominic Knicely has been key in their run to the title game, including piecing together a two-touchdown game in the second round, and a three-touchdown performance in the first round.

Madison was looking for revenge following a 42-17 championship game loss to Oscar C. Smith back in 2021.

But Saturday evening at James Madison University, the Warhawks' revenge was stifled.

Down 21-20 after scoring a touchdown as time expired, Madison elected to go for the two-point conversion to win the game. However, Yates's pass fell just out of the hands of his receiver, and Oscar Smith held on to win.

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Class 5 Final – Maury 46, Briar Woods 0

Briar Woods returned to the championship game for the first time since losing in the 2013 finals to L.C. Bird.

Senior quarterback Brady Carmical took over the game with four touchdowns in the semifinal.

Head Coach Mike Burnett is no stranger to championships. He won three straight from 2010-2012 at Briar Woods, and back-to-back championships at Tuscarora from 2008-2009.

However, Maury had other plans, Saturday morning in Harrisonburg. The Commodores scored on their opening drive after Au'Tori Newkirk connected with LeBron Bond for a 49-yard touchdown.

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Later in the quarter, Newkirk rolled out of the pocket to hit receiver Jahvon Wiggins from six yards out for another Maury score.

A bright spot for Briar Woods came when Trey Dudley intercepted a Newkirk pass in the end zone, preventing another Commodores touchdown. However, Maury led 14-0 at halftime.

The Commodores poured it on in the second half. Newkirk hit Elijah Moss across the middle and Moss took it the rest of the way for the touchdown. That made the score 22-0 after the two-point conversion.

Maury went on to win its 30th straight game, repeating as champions by winning 46-0.

Class 3 Final – Liberty Christian 42, Kettle Run 6

Kettle Run returned to the championship game for the first time since losing the finals in 2022 to Dinwiddie.

The Cougars backfield duo of running back Colton Quaker and quarterback Jacob Mulhern has been dominant all season. Freshman Dycen Tapscott made a big difference for the Cougars on defense with two interceptions in the state semifinal.

However, in the first play of the championship game, Liberty Christian freshman quarterback Tyler Jackson hit Dalton Nesselrotte for a 53-yard touchdown.

Cougars quarterback Jacob Mulhern had four interceptions on the day, including a first quarter one that led to a LCA touchdown. LCA running back Gideon Davidson had 181 rushing yards and 4 touchdowns, as well.

Liberty Christian won its second state title, 42-6.