Salem football team honored by city mayor

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Salem City Mayor Charles Washington Jr., congratulating members of the Salem High School football team, on Monday, Dec. 15, 2014. (Alex Young |South Jersey Times)

SALEM — Mayor Charles Washington Jr., thanked the Salem High School Football last week for inspiring him and the city with their run at the South Group I title this season.

The Rams' season might have ended with their 21-0 loss to Paulsboro High School in the championship game earlier this month, but Washington said the team deserved to be called champions.

"Sometimes winning seems to be the biggest thing on people's minds," he said. "But I wanted to you to know that you are winners, regardless of how the game turned out."

More important than winning, Washington said, was how the team represented themselves, their school and the city.

"Winning doesn't mean you have to bring home the hardware," he said. "I believe when you demonstrate good, positive behaviors, you are champions."

The Rams finished the season with an 8-4 record, and Washington said the team's turnaround and playoff run helped inspire the community to come together.

"The things you have done for the city, you probably didn't realize you were doing it," he said. "You made positive things happen in the community. You brought the community together in support of your efforts.

"You are champions regardless of the score. The city is proud of you, the school district is proud of you, and I'm sure your parents are proud of you."

Alex Young may be reached at alexyoung@southjerseymedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @AlexYoungSJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook.

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