Several photo images, two of Freedom High School football players mid-play, overlapped on a horizontal rectangular layout with a third image of the a couple smiling adults in coats holding up a plaque and surrounded by applauding hands.

The Freedom High School football team secured the second state title in school history with its 42-34 win over Highland Springs High School on Saturday in the VHSL Class 6 state football championship. The game took place at 11:30 a.m. at the University of Virginia Scott stadium. This caps off another undefeated season for the Eagles with a 2022 season at 15-0 and the 2023 season 14-0.

Both teams in this year’s final competition were state champions last year; the Highland Springs Springers were the VHSL Class 5 champions, and the Eagles were Class 6. 

“We were confident going in, you never want to go into any situation thinking you are not going to win; our opponents had our attention. They are a well-coached and athletic team. They have won five state championships in the last 10 years. Everyone understood they had to play their role and be where they needed to be. Both teams showed up very well prepared, played their best, and left with respect for each other. I am so happy to see the team get the recognition and reward for all their hard work. I am proud to have them as ambassadors of Freedom High School.” said Thomas Annunziata, Freedom High’s director of student activities.

The game was high energy on and off the field. Fans on both sides came to support their team and both sides were expecting a victory. For the players, this game and the season ended the way every season should, with the two best teams competing for the title.

During this season, Tristan Evans-Trujillo, a senior and the Eagle’s quarterback, broke the Virginia scoring record with the most passing touchdowns in a high school career with 121. Last season, he broke the single season passing touchdown record with 61.

“Highland Springs is a well-respected team and based on their history, we knew we needed to be locked in, focused, and execute.” said Evans-Trujillo

Jeff Overton, a junior and the team’s running back, agreed. “It was definitely a battle from start to finish.” 

Congratulations to the Freedom Eagles football team on its second consecutive state championship title.