What a game .... and what a season for JM.

This crop of James Monroe seniors will be a group I'll remember for some time. No  Fredericksburg-area player has made more big plays in the last three years than DeVontae Atkins. How many times can you throw a guy a short hitch, only to see him break it into a long touchdown?

Or all the busted plays back in his quarterbacking days, when he would scramble left, come back to his right, and then find an open man down field or break a long run ...

And John Jackson - the first-year starter whose name will be in the VHSL record books for the five touchdown passes he threw here tonight - outshining folks like Ronald Curry and Washington & Lee's Joe Taylor. Jackson was barely on the radar in his junior season, when he started just one game at QB. Now he's a state champion.

And Andrew Carter and Gage Ford - the collective heart of JM's defense .... and Farkeem French, who made more rediculous interceptions this season than I can count?

... and there's more. Not just the guys who are celebrating right now, but the ones that came before and didn't have a chance to complete the ultimate high school dream.

 "It's their trophy too," coach Serbay said after the game. "I have this saying: 'We play for those who came before us, and you set the standard for those who come after.' And that's what it's all about."

Coach Serbay is a hard guy to "get" - he'll be mad as heck at you one second, and then put on a smile and thank you for coming to see his team play. He's firey, and he wears his emotions on his sleave.

But his players love him, and they play hard for him. And for that, he's worthy of your respect and admiration.

.... and as for next year, JM's sophomores were counting empty fingers, figuring out how many state championship rings they could wear at one time.

Here's looking forward to the next time Fredericksburg can celebrate a state football championship. (perma-link)

The snow is coming down pretty good - the field's got a dusting of white on it - but you can be pretty sure JM's players are plenty warm right now.

 The Jackets' defense made an adventure of it - Brookville looked unstoppable on that last drive.

But it was pretty fitting that Atkins clinched the win with his interception.

Most of JM's players were shocked by the way the Bees defended the JM offense. The Jackets couldn't recall the last time they faced single coverage across the board.

 In the end, that was probably the Bees' undoing. JM's got too many weapons to hope to cover them all man-to-man.

 Gotta do some work now ... more later.

A heckuva game, and a heckuva season for the Jackets.

Wherever you are - stay warm! (perma-link)

They need a TD .... JM's defense yet to show up.

Thomas on first down for six yards - Bees can run the ball and shorten the game AND try for the winning TD - thus denying JM a last-second chance.

But they've got 37 yards to go.

Second carry for Thomas - this one's a first down at the JM 32.

2:41 to play.

Brookville's fans are pumped up while they measure a first down (wasn't even close - did they really need to measure that one?).

Option left for Thomas for an eight-yard gain.

Less than 2 minutes to play.

Back to Houston now for another first down .... now at the JM 16. 1:50 left and counting. JM needs a big play.

Thomas stopped for short yardage - he ran himself out of his shoes .... second and seven at the 14.

1:26 to play. JM timeout.

Good run by Thomas, but a CRUCIAL holding call on Brookville. Second and 21 from the JM 27. 1:15 left to play.

Interception, DeVontae .... JM's going to have the ball at the 1.

1:01 left to play. Heading down to the sidelines ... (perma-link)

Run it or throw it? I think JM needs to score again.

Bees hit a line-drive kick into the end zone. That's a good way to stop Atkins. First down JM at the 20.

I bet we see Jamal Smith here. .... and I was right (first bet I've won today), but he's thrown for a three-yard loss.

Four minutes to play.

Jackson goes deep for Farkeem French - incomplete. Where has Atkins gone? I don't feel like Brookville has done anything different to take him away. Maybe his shoulder hurts.

And just like that, Atkins catches a slant ... but four yards short of a first down.

JM punt team takes the field.

Short kick, Thomas has a nice run back. First down Brookville at the JM 42. (perma-link)

The Bees returner tried to cut back across the field .... and Brookville will start at their own 6.

JM's 50 points is a Division 3 state championship record. Previous best was 2003.

Brookville's driving - first and 10 at the 35. Thomas is really poised and has a nice delivery. Bees are no-huddle now with 4:40 to play.

Hook and latteral for Bees to get it to their own 49. .... 4:34 to play.

Thomas throws up a prayer and Chad Mason is WIDE OPEN .... touchdown Brookville.

Bees' kick is good .... Brookville within 6.

50-44 JM, 4:24 to play. What a game. (perma-link)