Girls Basketball: Loudoun County Opens Season with Big Win over Heritage

Leesburg (Dec. 7, 2010) - The Loudoun County High School girls basketball team opened the 2010-11 season with a 67-39 victory at Heritage in head coach Derek Fisher's debut.

Fisher takes over for Kevin Reed who left Leesburg to take the Sherando job.

After leading 21-18 at the half Monday, the Raiders went on a 30-8 run in the 3rd quarter to put the game out of reach.

LC junior guard Erica Linnemann scored a career-high 27 points (15 in the 3rd Quarter) to lead the scoring. Senior guard Brittany Batts scored 23 points, and junior guard Alex Lapple added 14. Haley Knudsen led the way on the boards with 15.

The Raiders will play this season without junior standout Jenna Strange who helped the team to a state title her freshman year as she is concentrating on volleyball where she has helped the Raiders to three consecutive state titles, the latest coming last month.

College Signing: Raiders Celebrate Three Athletes Who Sign

Brantley Kushner (golf/Miami of OH), Samantha Dormio (volleyball/Keene State) and Tyler Saleck (baseball/Air Force Academy) celebrate their college signings.

Leesburg (Dec. 6, 2010) - Leesburg High School recently celebrated the signings of three athletes headed to college next fall.

Brantley Kushner will golf at the Miami of Ohio; Samantha Dormio will play volleyball at Keene State in New Hampshire and Tyler Saleck will play baseball at the Air Force Academy.

Read more about their signings of Dormio and Saleck and more about Kushner's signing here.

Girls Lacrosse: Freedom's Megan Gluck to Play at Mount Saint Mary's

South Riding (Dec. 6, 2010) - Freedom High School senior Megan Gluck celebrated with family, friends and teammates last week the signing of her NCAA Division I Letter of Intent to play lacrosse at Mount Saint Mary's next fall.

Gluck was first team All-Dulles District at attack last year for the Eagles. Gluck helped Freedom win its first ever postseason game -- see her video interview after the big victory.

Mount Saint Mary's, which plays in the Northeast Conference, went 8-9 in 2010.

Football: Stone Bridge to Sell State Title Tickets to General Public on Tuesday and Wednesday Evenings

Ashburn (Dec. 6, 2010) - Advance tickets for the VHSL Division 5 state title football game will be available to the general public from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesday and Wednesday in the school's lobby. The $10 tickets are for the Bulldogs championship appearance against Phoebus set for Saturday Dec. 11 at UVa's Scott Stadium. Kickoff is noon.

The school will sell advance tickets to students during all lunch shifts on Tuesday and Wednesday, as well as bus tickets for students to ride down to the University of Virginia on a pep bus.

Stone Bridge has arranged for three charter buses and it will cost $10.00 per person, round trip. The buses will be available for students, their families and Stone Bridge staff members only and will have chaperones on board. All students will need to turn in a signed parent permission form when purchasing a bus ticket. Permission forms can be picked up in the main office of the school. The deadline for ordering a bus ticket will be Wednesday afternoon.

The VHSL will not be selling advance parking permit this year. There will be some $5 cash parking lots near the stadium. Other parking will be available for free throughout the campus, but it may be in more remote, outlying areas.

Directions to the University of Virginia and Scott Stadium, along with a map of the campus, can be found on the Stone Bridge main website and at the Athletic Booster website at www.stonebridgesports.org

TRAVELING ON PEP BUS
8:30 am Buses Arrive at Stone Bridge High School
9:00 am Depart School for University of Virginia
11:15 am Arrive at UVA
12:00 pm Game at Scott Stadium
3:15 pm Depart UVA for Stone Bridge High School
5:00 pm Return to Stone Bridge High School

TRAVELING ON OWN – SEE SCHOOL WEBSITE FOR PARKING MAP
10:00 am Parking lot available
10:30 am Gates open

SPECTATORS
Spectators are encouraged to purchase Pre-sale tickets at their own school. Tickets can be purchased at the stadium East Gate ONLY. Those spectators that are using an APPROVED PASS from VHSL”S list can enter at the PASS GATE located by the East Gate. Spectator busses may drop off fans by the gates and then be directed to parking areas. Spectators with Pre-Sale tickets may enter the West Gate. There will be no tickets sold at the West Gate

All spectators are to find seats on the lower levels of both sides of the stadium on their TEAMS side. NO SPECTATORS WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE UPPER SECTIONS OF THE STADIUM.

Spectators with Disabilities can to enter the Stadium at both gates and there is seating around the entire concourse for the handicapped.

The University of Virginia does not allow the following items to enter their stadium: containers, weapons, audio recorders, tripods, items that can be thrown such as balls or Frisbees, strollers (except umbrella strollers, food, beverages, coolers & glass bottles. *All bags are subject to inspection by stadium personnel. Additional items may be prohibited from entering.

*NO TAILGATING will be allowed in any of the parking lots at anytime.

Football: Briar Woods Senior Scott Rolin Named Region II Player of the Year, Falcons Pierce is D4 Coach of the Year

(Dec. 6, 2010) - Briar Woods High School senior Scott Rolin has been named the Region II Defensive Player of the Year and his coach, Charlie Pierce, has been named Division 4 Coach of the Year in a vote of region coaches. The Falcons have advanced to the Division 4 state title game where they will face Harrisonburg on Saturday at Liberty University.

2010 REGION II
ALL-REGION FOOTBALL TEAM
FIRST TEAM
OFFENSE
Patrick Derrickson Center Briar Woods Senior
John Dennis Guard Louisa Junior
Derek Dowrey Guard John Handley Junior
Trevor Jenkins Tackle Goochland Senior
Tommy Payne Tackle Louisa Senior
Jack Reimers Tight End Loudoun County Senior
Scott Rolin Wide Receiver Briar Woods Senior
Amir Waller Wide Receiver Orange County Senior
Garret Diehl Quarterback Fauquier Senior
Jordan Hartman Running Back Millbrook Senior
Trae Peck Running Back John Handley Senior
Deandre Reaves Running Back Dominion Senior
Colby Cooke Kicker Goochland Junior
Isaiah Ferguson Kick Returner Orange County Freshman
Rayshawn Jackson Player at Large Louisa Senior

DEFENSE
Jayme Perry Defensive End Warren County Senior
Wyatt Teller Defensive End Liberty Sophomore
Justin Baker Defensive Line Briar Woods Junior
Derek Dowrey Defensive Line John Handley Junior
DeAndre Johnson Defensive Line Millbrook Junior
Cortez Carter Linebacker Liberty Senior
DeVontae O’Bannion Linebacker Briar Woods Senior
Brandon Ornduff Linebacker Louisa Senior
Gage Steele Linebacker Warren County Senior
Chad Cieslewicz Defensive Back Monticello Senior
Boomer Kaczmarzewski Defensive Back Millbrook Junior
Trae Peck Defensive Back John Handley Senior
Scott Rolin Defensive Back Briar Woods Senior
Boomer Kaczmarzewski Punter Millbrook Junior

REGION II OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Garret Diehl Quarterback Fauquier Senior

REGION II DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Scott Rolin Defensive Back Briar Woods Senior

SECOND TEAM
OFFENSE
DeAngelo Johnson Center Louisa Senior
Ryan Garrity Guard Broad Run Senior
Zach Pierce Guard Briar Woods Senior
Justin Baker Tackle Briar Woods Junior
AJ Bolden Tackle Millbrook Sophomore
Zach Duperey Tight End William Monroe Junior
Ryan McCarter Wide Receiver Park View Junior
Darius Stanford Wide Receiver Fauquier Junior
Trace McSorley Quarterback Briar Woods Freshman
Anthony Hunter Running Back Louisa Senior
Joseph Ojo Running Back Sherando Junior
Gage Steele Running Back Warren County Junior
David Clements Kicker Briar Woods Junior
Basil Rynestad Kick Returner Liberty Senior

DEFENSE
Zach Pierce Defensive End Briar Woods Senior
Luke Pingley Defensive End Skyline Senior
Jack Morris Defensive Line Sherando Senior
Gabe Sosa Defensive Line Briar Woods Senior
LB Williams Defensive Line Orange County Senior
Chris Colvin Linebacker Louisa Senior
Eric Palma Linebacker Park View Senior
Joe Walter Linebacker Broad Run Senior
Kevin Vallejos Linebacker Sherando Senior
Rayshawn Jackson Defensive Back Louisa Senior
Mike Lee Defensive Back Liberty Junior
Tre’Porter Defensive Back Sherando Junior
Amir Waller Defensive Back Orange County Senior
Matt Malacane Punter Freedom Junior


REGION II DIVISION THREE COACH OF THE YEAR
Tony Rayburn John Handley

REGION II DIVISION FOUR COACH OF THE YEAR
Charlie Pierce Briar Woods

Weekend Scoreboard: Basketball, Swim, Wrestling and Football

Sat. Dec. 4
Football
Division 4 State Semifinal
Briar Woods 52, Courtland 8

Division 5 State Semifinal
Stone Bridge 21, Osbourn 0

Boys Basketball
Broadway Tournament
Potomac Falls 77, Broadway 69

Herndon Tip Off Tournament
Herndon 74, Briar Woods 62

Tip Off Classic at Dominion
Fairfax 66, Dominon 42
Osbourn 95, Falls Church 25

Girls Basketball
Kettle Run/Liberty Tournament
Stafford 86, Briar Woods 76
Freedom 73, Kettle Run 11

Fairfax Tournament
Heritage 63, Stuart 40

Swim
Broad Run vs. Briar Woods at Claude Moore
Briar Woods Girls 196, Broad Run 87
Broad Run Boys 160, Briar Woods 126

Park View vs. Loudoun County at Claude Moore
Loudoun County Girls 171, Park View 99
Loudoun Couty Boys 211, Park View 71

Wrestling
Raider Duals at Loudoun County
1, Loudoun County
2, Briar Woods
3, Brooke Point

LC Scores:
Rd 1 (pool): Loudoun County 54 George Mason 15
Rd 2 (pool): Loudoun County 51 Woodgrove 21
Rd 3 (Pool): Loudoun County 45 Brooke Point 30
Quarterfinals (Bracket): LoudounCounty 45 Heritage 33
Finals (Bracket): Loudoun County 58 Briar Woods 18

Woogrove Scores:
Round 1: Brooke Point 48 - Woodgrove 27
Round 2: Loudoun County 51 - Woodgrove 21
Round 3: Woodgrove 48 - George Mason 30
Round 4: Woodgrove 60 - Tuscarora 18
Round 5: Clarke County 48 - Woodgrove 27

Other Scores
Brooke point 70 George Mason 8
Briar Woods 45 Clarke County 33
Briar Woods 51 Heritage 28
Briar Woods 78 Tuscarora 0
Briar Woods 39 Brooke Point 39 (tie breaker went to BW for a unsportsmanship call on BP)
Clarke County 50 Tuscarora 15
Clarke County 22 Heritage 53
Brooke point 56 Woodgrove 27

Potomac Falls Duals
PFalls 5-0 vs. Freedom (B), TC Williams, James Madison, Woodson, and Stone Bridge

Dominion at Orange County Duals
Freedom at Skyline Elite Opener
Loudoun Valley at North Stafford Duals

Fri. Dec. 3
Boys Basketball
Broadway Tournament
Potomac Falls 82, Liberty 74

Herndon Tip Off Tournament
West Springfield 58, Briar Woods 56

Loudoun County Tip Off
Broad Run 70, George Mason 48
Heritage 49, Loudoun County 47

Freedom Tournament
Brentsville 57, Freedom 42
Woodgrove 67, Manassas Park 49

Park View 89, Kettle Run 47

Girls Basketball
James Wood 43, Woodgrove 38
Herndon 58, Potomac Falls 43

Liberty/Kettle Run Tournamnet
Liberty 58, Freedom 42
Briar Woods 78, Culpeper 16

Tip Off Classic at Dominion
Marshall 43, Dominion 36 (2OT)

Fairfax Tournament
Fairfax 78, Heritage 43

Swim
Dominion vs. Freedom at Claude Moore
Freedom Girls 158, Dominion 128
Freedom Boys 174, Dominion 112

Potomac Falls vs. Woodgrove at Ida Lee
Potomac Falls Girls 178, Woodgrove 104
Potomac Falls Boys 201, Woodgrove 64

Stone Bridge vs. Marshall at Claude Moore
SBHS Boys 153, Marshall 136
SBHS Girls 173, Marshall 112

Tuscarora vs. George Mason at Ida Lee
George Mason Girls 176, Tuscarora 101
George Maosn Boys 166, Tuscarora 111

Football: Smash-Mouth Stone Bridge Shuts Out Osbourn in State Semifinals

Marcus Harris dives across the goal line for one of his three TDs

By Dan Sousa
VivaLoudoun Editor

Manassas (Dec. 5, 2010) - In Stone Bridge High School's 2007 run to the VHSL Division 5 state football title the signature moment was a smash-mouth drive in the semifinals against Phoebus with Jeron Winslow-Gouveia running behind two big defensive linemen lined up in the backfield -- Brian Slay and Zach Thompson.

The 2010 Bulldogs might just have found such a signature smash-mouth moment Saturday in the state semifinals when senior Marcus Harris tucked in behind the bruising blocking off two defensive linemen-turned fullbacks -- 6-foot-8, 235-pound senior Rob Burns and 6-3, 215-pound Jon Allen -- on an 18-play, 80-yard march that ate up almost seven minutes off the clock.

That bone-crushing, morale-sapping drive -- which featured12 Harris runs including nine straight at one point, almost all on an identical off tackle play -- resulted in a Harris TD dive with 19 seconds left in the first half that broke a scoreless tie and sent Stone Bridge on its way to a 21-0 shutout over the high-octane Osbourn offense.

"Teams win football games and that was a team effort today," said Stone Bridge coach Mickey Thompson to his players.

Football: Falcons Devour Cougars to Advance to First Ever State Finals

By Andy States
VivaLoudoun "Hired Gun"

Asbhurn (Dec. 5, 2010) - After one play from scrimmage in Saturday’s VHSL Division 4 state football semifinal at Briar Woods High, there was plenty of reason for optimism on the Courtland Cougars sideline.

The Cougars Maha Williams ripped off a 25-yard run to get the visitors off to an auspicious start. Unfortunately for them, there probably wasn’t another play in the first half worth remembering.

Williams’ run proved to provide the only first down of the opening half for Courtland, while the host Falcons forced one turnover after another and scored on each of their seven first-half possessions. By the time the first half reached its end, Briar Woods led 45-0 and went on to a 52-8 win to clinch its first state final appearance.

The Falcons will play for the Division 4 state championship against unbeaten Harrisonburg (13-0)at 4:15 p.m. Dec. 11 at Liberty University.

Through the opening 24 minutes, Briar Woods (12-2) dominated about as thoroughly as a team could.

“The first play you wouldn’t have known,” Briar Woods coach Charlie Pierce said. “After that, our defense played like they’re supposed to, and set the tone.”

The Falcons blocked a punt, recovered a fumble and intercepted two passes in the first half to consistently create short fields for the offense -- and the offense capitalized.

After stalling inside the five and settling for a 20-yard David Clements’ field goal on their first possession, the Falcons scored touchdowns on six straight possessions.

Photo Gallery: Football - VHSL Division 5 Semifinals - Courtland vs. Briar Woods

(Dec. 5, 2010) - Check out the awesome photos by Jeff Scudder from Briar Woods' big 52-8 win over Courtland Saturday in the VHSL Division 5 state semifinals. Click on any photo to view the gallery with 103 shots.

Football: Ashburn Sends Two Schools to State Finals as Briar Woods and Stone Bridge Win!

(Dec. 4, 2010) - For the second straight year, Ashburn will send two teams to the VHSL state football finals as Briar Woods destroyed Courtland, 52-8, Saturday in the Division 4 semifinals and Stone Bridge shutout high-scoring Osbourn, 21-0, in the Division 5 semifinals.

Briar Woods (12-2), on a 10-game winning streak, will face undefeated Harrisonburg next Saturday, Dec. 11, at 4:30 p.m. at Liberty University. This is the school's first ever trip to the state finals as Briar Woods, which opened in 2005, had never won a playoff game coming into this season.

Stone Bridge (14-0) faces state nemesis Phoebus (14-0) for the fourth straight year, with game time set for Saturday, Dec. 11, at 12:07 p.m. at UVa. In 2007 Stone Bride beat Phoebus in the state semifinals and went on to win the state title. The Phantoms have not lost since, winning 44 straight games and two state titles, including wins over Stone Bridge in the 2008 semifinals and in the 2009 finals.

The Ashburn area has now sent six teams to the state finals since 2007: Stone Bridge (2007), Broad Run (2008), Broad Run (2009), Stone Bridge (2009), Briar Woods (2010) and Stone Bridge (2010).


State Semifinal Scoreboard
Division 6
Hermitage 42, Bayside 27
Battlefield 35, Lake Braddock 27

Title Game
Saturday, Dec. 11
Hermitage vs. Battlefield, Scott Stadium, 4:07 p.m.

Division 5
Phoebus 21, Dinwiddie 13
Stone Bridge 21, Osbourn 0

Title Game
Saturday, Dec. 11
Stone Bridge vs. Phoebus, Scott Stadium, 12:07 p.m.

Division 4
Briar Woods 52, Courtland 8
Harrisonburg 28, Christiansburg 21 (2OT)

Title game
Saturday, Dec. 11
Briar Woods vs. Harrisonburg, Liberty University, 4:30 p.m.

Division 3
Poquoson 10, Handley 3
Richlands 44, Brookville 7

Title Game
Saturday, Dec. 11
Poquoson vs. Richlands, Liberty University, Noon

Division 2
Gretna 35, King William 21
Gate City 27, Radford 21

Title Game
Saturday, Dec. 11
Gretna vs. Gate City, Salem City Stadium, 4:30 p.m.

Division 1
Riverheads 35, Franklin 8
Eastern Montgomery 26, Clintwood 21

Title Game
Saturday, Dec. 11
Riverheads vs. Eastern Montgomery, Salem City Stadium, 12 p.m.

Football: VHSL Division 5 State Semifinal - Stone Bridge at Osbourn

(Dec. 4, 2010) - The Stone Bridge High School football team is once again just one win away from a trip to the state playoffs but the Bulldogs will have to beat an undefeated Osbourn team today on the road to make their fourth trip to Charlottesville in six years.

Today's 2:30 p.m. match-up is epic with Stone Bridge (13-0) ranked No. 1 in the Washington Post (yes, they still print that baby with ink and everything) metro poll and Osbourn (12-0) is ranked No. 2.

Both teams have high-powered offenses with Osbourn averaging 44.6 points per game and Stone Bridge 43.9. The Bulldogs defense has been stingier, giving up just 6.0 points per game while Osbourn has allowed 15.8.

What Others are Saying About the Big Game
Potomac News: Osbourn Prepares for Stone Bridge (great insight here from Ben Trittipoe ... did you know the Eagles coach used to be an assistant at Loudoun County?!?)
Potomac News feature on Osbourn's Corey Nelson (inspirational story by editor David Fawcett who can still do the long takeout feature!)
Washington Post's Paul Tenorio profiles SB D-lineman Jonathan Allen
Washington Post Video preview (didn't even know they had this!)
Washington Post quick preview on game (love how they use The Skinny now ... hmmmm)
Loudoun Times-Mirror previews the game
VirginiaPreps Preview (but you have to be a paid member ... don't you love that Viva is free!)

VivaLoudoun Editor Dan Sousa will be at the game in Manassas today ... check out the column on the right on this page for the latest Twitter updates or sign up to receive the updates on your cell phone (www.twitter.com/vivaloudoun).


Dan's prediction: Stone Bridge will have to bottle Osbourn's speed and contain Dominique Terrell who can take any snap 80 yards for a score and has a strong arm and can chuck it down the field. Think Michael Vick. Bulldogs will want to eat some clock behind Marcus Harris who carried the ball 276 times in last year's state title loss to Phoebus (OK, not that many times but you get the point). It seems like the last time I covered a SB game where both teams were over 20 points was back when Mickey Thompson's twins were still in middle school (they now play at Wake Forest) .... but here goes my prediction: Stone Bridge 24, Osbourn 21 ... Could it be a Spenser Rositano 41-yard field goal to win it?

Football: VHSL Division 4 State Semifinal - Courtland at Briar Woods

Ashburn (Dec. 4, 2010) - The Briar Woods High School football team had never won a playoff game entering this season but the Falcons, who have won nine straight games after opening the year 2-2, are just one win from a trip to the VHSL Division 4 state finals.

Briar Woods (11-2) hosts Courtland (8-4), a team that has won eight straight games after an 0-4 opening, today at 1:30 p.m. VivaLoudoun will have full coverage with Andy States and Chris Anderson on hand.

What others are saying about the big game:
Loudoun Times-Mirror: Stone Bridge, Briar Woods Aim for Success in State Football Playoffs
Washington Post: Matt Brooks Takes a Quick Look at Game
Washington Post: Matt Brooks Feature on BW freshman QB Trace McSorley
Ashburn Patch: Can Falcons Fly Over Cougars to the State Finals?
Gameday Magazine: George Khalsa Previews the Game
Freelance Star: Falcons Pierce Knows Cougars (interesting take and background here!)
VirginiaPreps: Briar Woods vs. Courtland preview (must be a paid member of VirginiaPreps to read)

VivaLoudoun Editor Dan Sousa Predicts: Briar Woods run defense halts Courtland but it may take a late field goal to secure 13-10 win and move Falcons on to first state final. Look for BWoods RB Michael Brownlee to get stronger as the game goes on and he should be key in the fourth quarter.

Mini-Profiles by Lisa Karl


Scott Rolin, Dulles District Defensive Player of the Year and WR
Scott Rolin has been a little nervous about the playoff games at Briar Woods this year. However, it’s not the most nervous he’s been. “I was very nervous about the Broad Run and Loudoun County games (regular season games),” says the Dulles District Defensive Player of the Year.

Scott has many reasons to love this year, among those is he is playing with his brother, Matt, who is a sophomore this year. “We’ve always played together and our dad coached us,” he says. “It’s good having him on the team for my last year in high school.”

The Rolins moved here from Texas the summer before Scott’s junior year. When asked about the difference playing in Texas and here, he talks about high school stadiums that seat 20,000 people (Briar Woods holds 3,000) and playoff games in Texas Stadium. Here though, he loves the atmosphere. “There weren’t as many people here last year,” Scott says, “but this year the community support is much better.”

Scott’s Texas team had enough depth that he only played wide receiver. Once here, Coach Pierce asked him to also play defense. Scott was more than glad to take the challenge. “I like to hit people,” he grins. He speaks about the all the work he’s put into the game. “It feels good to play – all my hard work paid off.”

What is in the future for Scott? He’s looking at several colleges, including the University of Alabama. He’s also looking at Wofford College, Shepherd University, among others, hoping he might have a chance to continue his football career. “I’ve always dreamed about playing college football,” Scott says. “I feel I can contribute to a team.”

Michael Brownlee, Senior Running Back
Michael Brownlee was excited and full of confidence approaching his senior year at Briar Woods High School. As running back for the football team, he felt he had come on strong at the end of the previous season and worked hard during the off-season.

Then, on the first play of the first game, Michael ran up the middle, was tangled and twisted up with a lot of other players. “I heard or felt a pop,” Michael says, “but I could walk, so I didn’t think it was that bad.” Michael was injured, breaking a bone in his right leg.

The trainers from both Briar Woods and Milbrook thought Michael could walk it off. But after trying to run, Michael heard a crack and the swelling and pain began. That’s when he knew. Michael’s mother went to the fence that separates the crowd from the team to check on her son. Michael hobbled over, put his head on her shoulder and cried. “I trained and worked hard all summer,” he says,” to get ready for this season.”

But Michael was lucky. The break was clean and it healed in time for him to rejoin the team. Cutting up the field was hard at first. And driving up the middle – the same play that caused the injury – was tough mentally. “I just wanted to play,” Michael says. “I was a little timid – a little scared. It was more emotional than physical.” Michael took the field, eased into more plays and now there’s no pain in the leg.

Michael was named to the Dulles District 2nd team offense, an honor he treasures. Next year he hopes to attend Shepard University, as he likes the smaller campus and class sizes. And he hopes, of course, to play football.

Trace McSorley, Freshman Quarterback, Dulles District Offensive Player of the Year
Trace McSorley played soccer before he played football. His father, Rick, says all the good football players he knew were also soccer players. However, there came a time – in 4th grade, when Trace wouldn’t be put off any longer, and so began his football career.

Trace’s football career at Briar Woods High School began as an 8th grader, when he played on the freshman team. As a freshman, he prepared to join the varsity team. The plan was to work with junior quarterback Mark Leith and senior running back Michael Brownlee to set two of them in shotgun formation for either a quarterback play or direct snap to Brownlee. Then, on the first play of the first game this season, Brownlee was hurt.

At first, Trace thought Michael had a leg stinger. Then, he wasn’t back in the game. Trace listen in shock as the coaches told him Michael had broken his leg. The other running back, Ryan Bumbray, stepped up his role. Then Ryan went out with an ankle injury.

Trace didn’t have time to think about it, though, there was a game to be won. He concentrated on executing plays and not being intercepted. Briar Woods went on to win that game – and seven more under his leadership. That first game was a confidence-booster. “After that,” Trace says, “I knew I could do it.”

For a freshman, it could be heady times. Quarterback of the varsity team, voted to freshman homecoming court, and named as Dulles District Offensive Player of the year. Trace is cautious about it all. He says when people start talking to him about all the success, he tries to downplay it. “I don’t want to be the big-headed kid,” he says. He just wants to play – and win.

Football: Beat the LoCo Experts - Playoff Week 3 - Michael of Ashburn Takes One Game Lead!

(Dec. 3, 2010) - Our contest is down to the final two weeks of the season with Michael of Ashburn going 2-0 last week to take over first place by himself in the race for $100 (holiday spending money!). Plankster of Ashburn can climb back in it with two games to pick this week!

On the Experts side, they were mostly LoCo for Broad Run last week and that cost them as Carl Lukat of the LTM pulled into second by himself, one game behind VivaLoudoun editor Dan Sousa who has vowed: "I will win this contest .. heck I run the contest so I can fix it so that I win ... if I don't win this contest ... that would be about as crazy as Qatar getting the 2022 World Cup ... what?!?"

So play on ... it is state semifinal time and this week you have to pick the final scores for both games! Good luck!

Last week we had 4 lucky winners ... as 4 players came within 4 points of the tiebreaker in the BWoods 24-21 win over BR. Jay of Ashburn, Justin of Harrisonburg, ValleyVikes2011 of Lovettesville and WeaselVT of Brambleton ... all get the cool Viva T-shirts ... envy of your neighborhood for sure!

The fine print: Now that the Leesburg Police is following me on Twitter ... I feel like I should text slower ... My wife says the clothes in my closet are "coming back in style" ... I believe this is not a compliment ... the hardwood floor guys busted a lamp in our living room but claimed "it just fell over by itself" ... which is the same excuse I used in 1974 in a tragic marble meets antique vase accident ... I was grounded until 18 ... In the Portuguese language, the word for "foot" also means "bloody monkeys" ... I felt good running my first 5K until midrace when I was passed by a 6-year-old girl wearing a Dora the Explorer hoodie ... I did catch up to her after yelling that "Boots" had just been hit by a car back on Claiborne Parkway ... Falcon fans do know that there really is no downtown Brambleton ... If the WashPost reporters do the same thing each week could it be called a "Post Pattern" ... Mickey Thompson last called for his team to punt in 1997 ... look it up ... If I had a Time Machine I would go back in Time and make this Fine Print a little bit shorter ... But I don't have one ... 






View each week-by-week picks here!

Boys Basketball: Spartans Secure Early Lead Against Pride and Never Look Back in Opener

By Owen Gotimer
Heritage High School student journalist

Leesburg (Dec. 3, 2010) - The Broad Run High School boys basketball team opened its 2010-11 season on a 21-0 run and went on to beat Heritage, 74-63, in the opener of the Loudoun County Boys Tipoff Tournament.

Not only did Broad Run outscore the Pride in the first quarter, 30-10, but Spartan sophomore Nigel Johnson dropped 13 of his 31 in the first, single-handedly beating Heritage in the opening period. Most of the Spartan points came off of Pride turnovers, which allowed Broad Run to go on a 21-0 run to start the game.

Midway through the first quarter Heritage pulled all five of its starters, and the Pride bench came in and held Broad Run to only four points to end the quarter.

The second quarter started with both Heritage and Broad Run primarily fielding bench players. In a more evenly contested quarter, with both the Pride and Spartans scoring 17, Heritage juniors Junaid Karim and Corey Gray, off the bench, controlled the offensive flow for Heritage.

Still, Heritage had no cure for the sharp shooting Johnson -- who played at Paul VI last season, who put up an additional nine points in the second, leading Broad Run into the locker room up 47-27.

As the third quarter began, there was no surprise that Heritage once again started largely bench players, who had proven to be better organized against the Spartans. The quarter was once again evenly played, and the Pride got support from junior starter Austin Nelson, who had reentered halfway through the 3rd, and junior Eric Counts who racked up multiple steals, points, and rebounds to keep the Pride somewhat in the game, going into the 4th, 63-41.

The show in the fourth quarter was a change of tempo, as Heritage’s sophomore twin brothers, Erik and Bryan Launi, took over. Both Launi brother’s shot over 50 percent from the field and combined for 21 points. Erik scored the Pride’s final 10 and grabbed six rebounds in the fourth, drawing the Pride back into a game they once trailed 21-0. Yet, Johnson and his fellow Spartans continued to poor on the points and defeated the Pride 74-63.

Broad Run Scoring
Nigel Johnson – 31 points
Taylor Johnson – 16 points
Zach Rawson – 8 points
Eric Hiatt – 7 points
Michael Ellington – 5 points
Ryan McNamee – 4 points
Tyler Jasper – 2 points
Markas Anderson – 1 point

Heritage Stats
Bryan Launi – 6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, 3 for 6 from the field
Erik Launi – 15 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 6 for 11 from the field, 3 of 4 from the line
Courtland Arbogast – 5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 steals, 1 assist
Corey Gray – 2 points, 1 steal, 1 assist
Owen Patterson – 5 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, 1 assist
Austin Nelson – 7 points, 3 rebounds, 1 steal, 4 assists
Eric Counts – 7 points, 7 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 for 6 from the field, 1 assist
Joe Cavan – 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block
Dion Swanson – 3 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block, 1 assist
Junaid Karim – 5 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 1 assist
Aaron Summers – 6 points, 1 rebound, 1 block, 1 assist
Totals – 63 points, 33 rebounds, 14 steals, 7 blocks, 43% FG, 73% FT, 11 assists

Gymnastics: Stone Bridge Opens Season Strong with 136.4 Points

(Dec. 3, 2010) - A Stone Bridge High School gymnastics squad with a lot of talent returning this season opened strong with 136.4 points Thursday night to capture a 5-team meet at home.

Lake Braddock was runner-up at 129.075. Also competing: South Lakes 76.4, Annandale 72.85 and Madison 64.65.

Tori Severin scores a 9.3 to win the beam and Amy Fissmer scored 9.1 to take the floor. Severin also won the bars (8.975) and Fissmer tied for second on the vault (8.9).

Top Bulldog Finishers:

Vault:
Tie 2nd: Amy Fissmer (8.9)
Tie 5th: Tori Severin and Tricia Grywatch (8.6)

Bars:
1st: Tori Severin (8.975)
3rd: Tricia Grywatch (8.525)
6th: Reagan Lashlee (7.825)

Beam:
1st: Tori Severin (9.3)
5th: Amy Fissmer (8.3)
6th: Katie Crawford (8.1)

Floor:
1st Amy Fissmer (9.1)
2nd Tori Severin (8.95)
Tie 3rd: Shelby Keye (8.875)
6th: Chelsea Fonseca (8.45)


VivaLoudoun gymnastics coverage sponsored by APEX Gymnastics! Please thank them for supporting VivaLoudoun!

Basketball: Thursday Night Scoreboard

(Dec. 3, 2010) - Area boys took to the courts in three tournaments Thursday with Broad Run, Dominion, Freedom and Woodgrove all wining games -- it was the Wolverines first ever varsity contest.

And we have some late scores in from Wednesday including two-time defending state champion Freedom girls opening with a blowout win at Fauquier.

Thurs. Dec. 2
Boys Basketball
Loudoun County Tip Off
Broad Run 74, Heritage 63
George Mason 51, Loudoun County 47

Tip Off Classic at Dominion
Dominion 63, Falls Church 53
Osbourn 82, Fairfax 76

Freedom Tournament
Freedom 66, Manassas Park 45
Woodgrove 67, Brentsville 48

Girls Basketball
Broad Run 52, Loudoun Valley 31
Lee 77, Middleburg 54

Wed. Dec. 1
Boys Basketball
Heritage 76, Tuscarora 42

Girls Basketball
Tip off Tournament at Dominion
Dominion 42, Falls Church 38

Handley 45, Potomac Falls 42
Heritage 52, Tuscarora 39
Middleburg Academy 64, Wakefield School 46

Tip Off Tournament at Fauquier/Kettle Run/Liberty
George Mason 55, Briar Woods 38
Freedom 55, Fauquier 11

Youth Sports - Softball: AGSL to Hold Pitching, General Skills and Hitting Clinics

(Dec. 3, 2010) - The Ashburn Girls Softball League will be holding pitching, general skills, and hitting clinics in January, February, and March.

Each session runs for four Sundays during each month, one session is $90, and will be held at the Elmwood Facility. Please visit the AGSL website at www.agsl.org to register. Registration starts on Dec. 6. Spaces are limited, so please register early.

Girls Basketball: Heritage Opens with Win over New Crosstown Rival Tuscarora

By Owen Gotimer
Heritage High School student journalist

Leesburg (Dec. 2, 2010) - The 2010-11 girls basketball season officially got underway Wednesday night with Heritage High School tipping off with a 52-39 win over new crosstown rival Tuscarora.

Starting off the game on an 8-0 run, Heritage looked good early on controlling both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. The first basket in Tuscarora girl’s basketball history came late in the 1st quarter, as junior point guard Darrian Pickett hit a fade away jumper from inside the paint.

After that, the first quarter was all Pride, and Heritage went into the 2nd up 16-4.

The second quarter was won by the Huskies as junior forward Amirah Al-Bayyinah scored three easy layups off intercepted passes; however, the Pride still went into the half up 24-14.

A change of defensive strategy at the beginning of the second half, including a press and zone defense, threw off the Pride for the first couple of minutes and the Huskies drew within six points.

The Pride’s offense, however, woke up, led by freshman Breana Smart (11 points), junior Sydney
McDonald (9 points, 6 rebounds), senior Erika Grabbi (8 points, 11 rebounds), and junior Kayla Whoolery (8 poinst, 6 rebounds), and Heritage expanded the lead back to a comfortable 13 points.

Down by 15 going into the final quarter of the play the Huskies still had fight in their eyes, but the deficit was too big. Needing to foul late in the quarter to stop the clock, Tuscarora ended up fouling the Pride’s Smart all three times. She knocked down 5 of the 7 free throws, ultimately icing the game for Heritage.

Tuscarora Scoring
Darrian Pickett – 13 points
Amirah Al-Bayyinah – 7 points
Chanelle Wideman – 2 points
Gozi Mickles – 5 points
Janai Mitchell – 2 points
Alex Lang – 6 points
Roxanne Orr – 4 points

Pride Stats
Erika Grabbi – 8 points, 11 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists
Sydney McDonald – 9 points, 6 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 assists
Mackenzie Moore – 5 rebounds
Laura Nibbelink – 4 points, 12 rebounds, 2 assists
Debbie Reilly – 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals
Breana Smart – 11 points, 2 rebounds, 3 steals, 3 assists
Kayla Tibbs – 4 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals, 3 assists
Kelsey Tidgewell – 2 points, 2 rebounds, 3 blocks
Kayla Whoolery – 8 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist

Do you want to cover your high school's favorite team for VivaLoudoun? Drop us an email at dan.sousa@vivaloudoun.com

Football: Stone Bridge Senior Kyle Gouveia Named Northern Region Defensive Co-Player of the Year

(Dec. 2, 2010) - Stone Bridge High School senior linebacker Kyle Gouveia has been named the 2010 Northern Region Defensive Co-Player of the Year in a vote of coaches.

Gouveia has helped the Bulldogs to four straight regional titles in his varsity career and will lead Stone Bridge Saturday against Osbourn in the Division 5 state semifinals at 2:30 p.m. in Manassas.

View entire selections:

News: Cash Prizes Await Loudoun Teens that Answer the Call to Action

Leesburg (Dec. 2, 2010) Registration is now open for Step Up Loudoun 2010-2011, the competition that challenges middle and high school students to identify a problem facing Loudoun teens, develop a solution and implement their plan. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three entries. Students may submit entries as an individual or a team.

“At various events and meetings, teens in the County have listed a number of challenges they face including bullying, academic stress, peer pressure and more,” said Kevin Turner, Chair of Loudoun County’s Advisory Commission on Youth (ACOY). “The Call to Action is an opportunity for youth to take initiative and address the issues.”

Interested teens must submit written proposals identifying their issue and solution to www.stepuploudoun.org by January 7, 2011. Implemented plans will be presented and awards given at Step Up Loudoun on April 4, 2011. There will be plenty of support for the contestants. A peer review session is scheduled for January and resources will be available at www.stepuploudoun.org.

“This competition gives self motivated youth the opportunity to make a real, tangible difference in the community,” said Christina Druther, Executive Director of Loudoun Youth, Inc. “Instead of just talking about the problems, they will put a solution in place.”

Students are encouraged to be creative. “Entries could be anything; a blog, artwork, a rally, a video, whatever best addresses the issue identified by the youth,” said Druther.

At Step Up Loudoun in April, teens will present their proposal and a summary of the implementation. Presentations will be judged on the depth of issue analysis, quality of the solution, effectiveness of implementation, originality (in issue selection and treatment), and thoroughness of preparation. The winning team or individual will receive $1,000 and recognition at Youth in Government Day and YouthFest 2011. The second place entry will receive $500 and third place will receive $250. All cash prizes are provided via Loudoun Youth, Inc.

Step Up Loudoun is sponsored by the Advisory Commission on Youth (ACOY), Loudoun Youth, Inc., the Youth Advisory Council and the Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.

Wrestling: Park View Readies for 32nd Annual McGowan Invitational Wrestling Tournament on Dec. 18

Sterling (Dec. 2, 2010) - Park View high school is pleased to announce the 32nd annual McGowan Invitational wrestling tournament will be held on Saturday, December 18, 2010 at the school. The tournament was started at Park View in 1978 and has been a wonderful partnership with the Sterling Lions Club.

This tournament gives talented wrestlers a forum in which to practice their skills, in addition to generate money to support the service efforts of the club. Funds raised here help support the needy of the Sterling community, Virginians in general, through Lions organizations on the state level, and people worldwide through the efforts of Lions Club International. All members of Lions Clubs serve on a voluntary basis and receive no remuneration whatsoever. All funds raised, beyond the expense of the tournament, will go to the community in the form of eye care and glasses for the needy, hearing aids, support for the Leader dog program for the blind, drug and diabetes programs and more.

This year’s tournament features the following teams: Park View, West Potomac, Clarke Co., Sherando, Charlottesville, Loudoun Valley, Herndon, Bishop O’Connell, Woodgrove, Potomac Falls, and Broad Run.

Wrestling will begin at 9 a.m. with the finals scheduled for approximately 7 p.m.

Admission for the day’s action will be $7 for all -- $5 if attendee brings in a pair of old eye glasses, hearing aid or an old cell phone for recycling.

Football: Northwest Region Team Released

(Dec. 2, 2010) - The Northwest Region 2010 football team has been selected by coaches with Osbourn High School's Dominque Terrell, who will lead his team against Stone Bridge on Saturday in a match-up of undefeated teams and the top two ranked Washington Post teams, named as Offensive Player of the Year.

NORTHWEST ALL-REGION TEAM - OFFENSE

SPORT: FOOTBALL YEAR: 2010

PLAYER OF THE YEAR DOMINIQUE TERRELL SR OSBOURN

COACH OF THE YEAR: Division 6: STEVE SCHULTZE OSBOURN
Division 5: MARK COX BATTLEFIELD

FIRST TEAM:

NAME POSITION YEAR SCHOOL

FREDDIE POTTER CENTER SR BATTLEFIELD

NICK EASTER GUARD SR COLONIAL FORGE
DAVID RISOLDI GUARD SR BATTLEFIELD

MARCUS MATTHEWS TACKLE SR OSBOURN
SEAN GREER TACKLE JR FRANKLIN

ERIC FROHNAPFEL TIGHT END SR COLONIAL FORGE

TIM SCOTT WIDE RECEIVER SR COLINIAL FORGE
LUCKY WHITEHEAD WIDE RECEIVER SR OSBOURN
SHANE PRESTON WIDE RECEIVER SR FRANKLIN COUNTY

NAGEE JACKSON RUNNING BACK SR BATTLEFIELD
TYLER WILSON RUNNING BACK SR COLONIAL FORGE
JAYLEN AVENT RUNNING BACK SO WOODBRIDGE

DOMINIQUE TERRELL QUARTERBACK SR OSBOURN

SHANE PRESTON KICK RETURNER SR FRANKLIN COUNTY

CHRIS BOTELER KICKER JR OSBOURN

SECOND TEAM:

NAME POSITION YEAR SCHOOL

JOHN AMANT CENTER SR WOODBRIDGE

IBRAHIM KARGBO GUARD JR OSBOURN
JORDAN HAIRSTON GUARD SR WOODBRIDGE

CHAZ WRIGHT TACKLE SO HYLTON
DONTA WILKINS TACKLE SO POTOMAC

MIKE HERITY TIGHT END SR WOODBRIDGE

ANTHONY JOHNSON WIDE RECEIVER SR MOUNTAIN VIEW
DEANDRE SANGSTER WIDE RECEIVER SR HYLTON
BOBO BEATHARD WIDE RECEIVER SR BATTLEFIELD

DESMOND SPATES RUNNING BACK SR POTOMAC
DEANDRE HONSTON-CARSON RUNNING BACK SR MASSAPONAX
D.J. BENION RUNNING BACK SR GW DANVILLE

DOMINIQUE MILLER QUARTERBACK SR HYLTON
BLAKE FORHNAPFEL QUARTERBACK SR COLONIAL FORGE

BOBO BEATHARD KICK RETURNER SR BATTLEFIELD

REMINGTON HINSHAW KICKER SR PATRICK HENRY


NORTHWEST ALL-REGION TEAM - DEFENSE

SPORT: FOOTBALL YEAR: 2010

PLAYER OF THE YEAR TREY PRESTON FRANKLIN COUNTY


FIRST TEAM:

NAME POSITION YEAR SCHOOL

ZAVIER STRINGFELLOW DEFENSIVE LINE SR BATTLEFIELD
SIDNEY BLUE DEFENSIVE LINE SR MASSAPONAX

DIMITRI MACK DEFENSIVE END SR OSBOURN
PARRISH KELLEY DEFENSIVE END SR HYLTON

TREY PRESTON LINEBACKER SR FRANKLIN
CHRIS WENDLE LINEBACKER SR BATTLEFIELD
CHRISTIAN HARRIS LINEBACKER SR HYLTON
KEVIN WILEY LINEBACKER SR LOUDON VALLEY

TIM SCOTT DEFENSIVE BACK SR COLONIIAL FORGE
IRIC HARRIS DEFENSIVE BACK SR HYLTON
BOBO BEATHARD DEFENSIVE BACK SR BATTLEFIELD
LUCKY WHITEHEAD DEFENSIVE BACK SR OSBOURN

REMINGTON HINSHAW PUNTER SR PATRICK HENRY

SHANE PRESTON RETURN SPECIALIST SR FRANKLIN COUNTY

CHRIS BOTELER KICKER JR OSBOURN

DOMINIQUE MILLER UTILITY SR HYLTON


SECOND TEAM:

NAME POSITION YEAR SCHOOL

MARCUS MATHEWS DEFENSIVE LINE SR OSBOURN
KOBI AMAMKWAH DEFENSIVE LINE SR GARFIELD

ALEX FIGUEROA DEFENSIVE END JR BROOKE POINT
TURNER MEEKS DEFENSIVE END SR BATTLEFIELD

FRED FULTON LINEBACKER SR MOUNTAIN VIEW
DARIUS PARSON LINEBACKER JR WOODBRIDGE
AUSTIN COPELAND LINEBACKER SR GARFIELD
MIKE BAILEY LINEBACKER JR OSBOURN

DAQUAN STEWART DEFENSIVE BACK JR MOUNTAIN VIEW
TREY REED DEFENSIVE BACK JR COLONIAL FORGE
BRANDON MATTOX DEFENSIVE BACK SR FRANKLIN
DOMINIQUE MILLER DEFENSIVE BACK SR HYLTON

JOSH WEST PUNTER SR BROOKE POINT

BOBO BEATHARD RETURN SPECIALIST SR BATTLEFIELD

REMINGTON HINSHAW KICKER SR PATRICK HENRY

DEANDRE HOUSTON-CARSON UTILITY SR MASSAPONAX

Volleyball: Heritage Sweeps Northwest Region Awards - Yokoyama Named Player of the Year, Keilty is Coach of Year

(Dec. 2, 2010) - The Heritage High School volleyball team swept the Northwest Region postseason awards with junior setter Stephanie Yokoyama named Player of the Year in a vote of coaches and Carmel Keilty was tabbed as Coach of the Year.

NORTHWEST ALL-REGION TEAM
SPORT: VOLLEYBALL
YEAR 2010
PLAYER OF THE YEAR STEPHANIE YOKOYAMA HERITAGE
COACH OF THE YEAR: CARMEN KEILTY HERITAGE

FIRST TEAM:
NAME YEAR SCHOOL POSITION
STEPHANIE YOKOYAMA JR HERITAGE S
LIAN BERNETT SR HERITAGE RS
LIZ BRAILSFORD SR PATRICK HENRY OH
NIKKI MCMILLAN SR OSBOURN PARK S
ARICQUEL PAYNE SR OSBOURN PARK OH
BROOKE KELLEY SR COLONIAL FORGE RS
KATRINA HOUSTON JR NORTH STAFFORD OH
TAYLOR MADDOX SR LOUDOUN VALLEY OH
ALYSSA SANCHEZ JR OSBOURN PARK LIBERO

SECOND TEAM:
NAME YEAR SCHOOL POSITION
MEGAN NAPOLITANO SR ALBEMARLE OH
JORDAN TEMPLIN SR FRANKLIN COUNTY OH
GABBY MYERS JR COLONIAL FORGE S
ERIKKA DAVIS SR OSBOURN PARK OH
STEPHANIE STRAUSS SR ALBEMARLE MH
CHRISTINA KAMIS JR HERITAGE OH
SARAH JONES SR FOREST PARK MH
BRITTANY BROWN SR LOUDOUN VALLEY S/RS
SAM BOHN SR STONEWALL JACKSON LIBERO

Basketball: Wednesday Night Scoreboard

(Dec. 2, 2010) - Ready or not ... the winter sports season tipped off last night. Here is the Wednesday night scoreboard:

Wed. Dec. 1

Boys Basketball

Heritage 76, Tuscarora 42

Girls Basketball

Dominion 42, Falls Church 38

Handley 45, Potomac Falls 42

Heritage 52, Tuscarora 39

Middleburg Academy 64, Wakefield School 46

Photo Gallery: Football - Northern Region Title Game - Hayfield vs. Stone Bridge by Craig Sterbutzel

(Nov. 28, 2010) - Click on any photo to view all 47 shots by Craig Sterbutzel from the Northern Region Division 5 football title game Friday at Stone Bridge, won by the Bulldogs, 35-7 over Hayfield.