Bill Lee: “Let me first say how happy I am today to acknowledge the extraordinary accomplishments of two high school football teams…”

“Let me first say how happy I am today to acknowledge the extraordinary accomplishments of two high school football teams in my beautiful congressional district. Until now, Oakland, California, never held a State championship, but now we have two. On December 17, Bishop O'Dowd clinched the CIF State Division 5-AA Championship. They beat Valley View High School 43-24, with former Oakland Raiders running back Coach Napoleon Kaufman leading them to victory. The same day, McClymonds' Warriors claimed the CIF State 5-A Championship with a 20-17 victory, becoming the first Oakland Athletic League team to win a State championship. McClymonds is a public historic high school in the West Oakland community of my district. Coach Michael Peters has coached McClymonds since 1992 and has shown his commitment over the years to ensuring his athletes succeed both on the field and in the classroom. Bishop O'Dowd, a Catholic high school, has been an athletic force for years, and I am so proud of their team. They have achieved the historic accomplishment of their championship also. These young athletes have embodied the spirit, the passion, and the sportsmanship of Oakland and the entire East Bay. Please join me in congratulating them on these championships. ____________________”