SACRAMENTO – Today, Assemblymember Devon Mathis (R-Visalia) honors the Strathmore High School Football Team for winning the 2017 California Interscholastic Federation Division 6-AA State Football Championship. Last year, Strathmore also ended the season with a perfect season, a school record of 16-0. These young athletes secured the school’s state title, as well as the first title for all of Tulare County.
“The unparalleled success of the team is the result of not only the devotion and hard work of the team members themselves, but also the experience, dedication, and leadership of Head Coach Jeromy Blackwell and his assistants,” said Mathis. “Their countless hours of devotion, training, and nurturing a competitive spirit and good sportsmanship ensured this astounding victory and success.”
“1 and 0 is all that matters,” said Jeromy Blackwell, Head Coach of the Strathmore Spartans. “Win one game, one assignment, and one situation at a time.”
During the championship game, the Spartans took to the field with 600 loyal fans – from a community with a population of 2,500 – cheering them on against the Orange County Panthers. While the Spartans trailed at the half, the defense forced the Panthers to punt, giving the Spartans the upper hand. In the fourth quarter, the Spartans led by 2 points with 2 minutes left on the clock – they only needed four yards to clinch the title. Running Back/Strong Safety Joseph Garcia, who rushed for 211 yards on 43 carries, moved the ball 5 yards, thus ensuring the teams victory.
“It was an honor to present this resolution to this record-breaking team,” said Mathis. “I am so proud to represent such astounding athletes and hope they continue their success next season.”