The Group 3, Division AA state champion Northside High School Vikings football team was recognized last Thursday by the General Assembly and met Governor Bob McDonnell who posed with them on the steps of the State Capital in Richmond. The Viking’s win over Bruton in the state final delivered Roanoke County’s first football title ever. Northside (12-2) trailed in three playoff games this season but won them all and defeated Cave Spring the week before to advance to the State Championship game. It was also the first appearance by a Roanoke County school in the championship game since Andrew Lewis lost to T.C. Williams in 1971 – a game that has become famous for being portrayed in the 2000 movie “Remember the Titans” which was played at Roanoke’s Victory Stadium. A blocked field goal by Northside on the final play of the game against Bruton gave head coach Burt Torrence and the school its 2009 VHSL State Championship.