CHESAPEAKE, Va. - On December 14, 2019, Oscar Smith High School came up short in the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Class 6 state football title game. Nobody expected the Tigers to have to wait this long to get back on the field and get that bitter taste out of their mouths.
Monday, for the first time in more than 14 months, Oscar Smith's varsity football team was scheduled play a football game. February 22nd was the first day VHSL teams are permitted to play games as part of their 2021 six-game regular season. The Tigers, however, slated to take on Southeastern District rival Hickory at 6:15 p.m., had their season-opening contest moved to Tuesday as a result of sloppy conditions.
Due to COVID-19, the VHSL delayed the fall sports (football, volleyball, golf, competition cheer, sideline cheer, cross country & field hockey) seasons until now. Only football teams are permitted to play games this week, as the other sports must wait until March 1st for their first contest date.
Other varsity contests slated for Monday in our area were Grassfield at Deep Creek and Great Bridge at Western Branch. Deep Creek defeated Grassfield, 14-6. Great Bridge knocked off Western Branch, 3-0.
Most other VHSL programs begin their seasons Friday or Saturday.
