Democracy Dies in Darkness

Tightknit Madison’s first trip to football state title game ends in loss to Oscar Smith

Tigers 42, Warhawks 17

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Madison's Jake Green, right, and Ethan Lanier reach to sack : Oscar Smith quarterback Ethan Vasko in the second half of the Class 6 state championship game Saturday in Norfolk. (Amber Searls/For The Washington Post)

NORFOLK — The four friends walked to midfield with their arms linked, a chorus of cheers at their backs.

Quarterback Connor Barry, running back Alex Jreige, defensive back John Hurley and linebacker Ryan Salvosa have known one another since elementary school. They grew up together, playing a different sport every season. They excelled in football, working their way to this picture-perfect moment: senior captains of the No. 4 Madison football team, approaching the coin toss of the program’s first Class 6 championship appearance.