Sports

One Town, One Team, One Dream

James Monroe High School wins region 3A East; moves to state semi-finals.

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James Monroe beat previously undefeated Lafayette High School 34 - 28 in overtime Saturday, earning the Yellow Jackets the Region 3A East Championship Trophy.  "One town, one team, one dream, that's what it's all about," Head Coach Richard Serbay told Nation's Best Football after the game.

"I like the way our kids responded to the adversity.  I like the way our kids didn't quit," Serbay said.  "They deserved to win that ball game because they played really hard and they played with a lot of heart."

Coach Richard Serbay YouTube Interview with Nation's Best Football

One night after practice last week Serbay couldn't sleep, so he went back to Maury Stadium and scooped a little dirt from the field into a baggie to take with him to Williamsburg.  "I wanted to bring Maury with me.  I wanted to bring that magic with me."  Serbay spread some of that dirt on the field during the pregame.  "It was corny, but it made me feel good."

Serbay, who has coached the Yellow Jackets for over 30 years, called the team's win Saturday one of the biggest of his career.  "It was one of the hardest working efforts for a game," he said.  "The kids came to practice everyday through the Thanksgiving break and they were really focused.  That's what makes this win so satisfying."

The win moves the Yellow Jackets (9-4) into the state semifinals against Heritage of Lynchburg (13-0).  It's another David versus Goliath match-up.

"You want to be able to walk on the field knowing you can beat anybody you play against," Serbay said.  "That's the attitude we have here at James Monroe.  We will be ready.  We will give Heritage all they can handle and then we will see what happens."

The game will be played 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7, at Lynchburg City Stadium, 3176 Fort Ave., Lynchburg.

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