N※N

Oscar Smith Wins 7th Virginia Class 6 Football Championship

8

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. -7th-virginia-class-6-football-championship.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, January 9th 2026 at 8:18 GMT by Richmond

• 🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication
• 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source

WILLIAMSBURG, VA - January 9th, 2026 - Oscar Smith High School has reclaimed its place atop Virginia's Class 6 football landscape, defeating Highland Springs 28-14 in a decisive victory at Darrell Stadium in Williamsburg on Saturday. The win marks the seventh state championship in program history for the Tigers, ending a 15-year drought since their last title in 2011. The victory was a testament to a dominant performance on both sides of the ball, solidifying Oscar Smith's reputation as a football powerhouse.

The Tigers controlled the game from the outset, establishing a strong running game and a potent passing attack. Quarterback Ethan Macon orchestrated the offense with precision, finishing with an impressive 197 passing yards and two crucial touchdowns. Macon's connection with wide receiver Johnson proved particularly effective, with the duo connecting for two scores. Complementing the aerial assault was the powerful running of Jamir Demeritte, who amassed 87 rushing yards and a touchdown of his own. Demeritte's consistent gains kept the Highland Springs defense honest and wore them down as the game progressed.

However, the true story of Oscar Smith's triumph wasn't solely about offensive firepower. The Tigers' defense proved to be a game-changer, consistently disrupting Highland Springs' offensive rhythm and limiting their star running back, Kimari Barnette, to a mere 69 rushing yards. Barnette, considered one of the state's top talents, was effectively contained by a relentless defensive line and disciplined linebacker play. Holding Highland Springs to just 14 points was a significant achievement, especially considering the Spring's potent offensive capabilities throughout the season.

Game Breakdown:

The first quarter saw Oscar Smith draw first blood with a 7-yard run by Demeritte, setting the tone for the game. Highland Springs responded early in the second quarter with a 16-yard touchdown run by Barnette, briefly tying the game. However, Oscar Smith quickly regained the lead with two quick touchdowns - both passing plays from Macon to Johnson - before halftime, establishing a comfortable 21-7 advantage.

The third quarter saw Highland Springs claw back within striking distance with another touchdown run by Barnette. However, Oscar Smith extinguished any hopes of a comeback early in the fourth quarter with a 10-yard run from Demeritte.

Looking Ahead for Oscar Smith:

This championship victory isn't just a culmination of a successful season; it represents a resurgence for a program steeped in tradition. For Oscar Smith, the challenge now is to sustain this level of success. The coaching staff will undoubtedly focus on maintaining the program's strong culture and continuing to develop young talent. Macon and Demeritte, as key players, will be focal points for future recruitment and development. The defense, which played a pivotal role in this championship win, will need to consistently perform at a high level to maintain the Tigers' status as contenders.

Impact on Virginia High School Football:

Oscar Smith's victory also underscores the continued competitiveness of Virginia high school football. The Class 6 division, in particular, has seen a rise in talent and tactical sophistication in recent years. Highland Springs, despite the loss, remains a perennial powerhouse and will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the coming seasons. The rivalry between these two programs adds significant excitement to the Virginia high school football scene, and fans can expect continued battles for state supremacy.

The win serves as a reminder that championship teams require a balance of offensive creativity, defensive tenacity, and strong leadership. Oscar Smith exhibited all of these qualities on Saturday, cementing their status as the Class 6 champions and signaling a promising future for the program.