News: Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Seeks Public's Assistance to Help Locate Missing Leesburg Woman

Missing: Leyla Mastova McCullagh

(Aug. 30, 2012) - The Loudoun County Sheriff's Office is asking for the public'™s assistance to help locate a missing Leesburg woman. Leyla Mastova McCullagh. 36, was last seen with a family member at her home on Evergreen Mills Road on August 13th.

At the time she appeared to be suffering from an unknown medical condition.

Detectives with the Loudoun County Sheriff'€™s Office are concerned for her well-being and are asking anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office immediately by calling 703-777-0475.

Photo Gallery: Football - Broad Run vs. Park View by Dan Sousa

(Aug. 30, 2012) - Viva Loudoun editor Dan Sousa shot the Broad Run vs. Park View high school football game last week. Check out all the photos here!

Photo Gallery: Football - Dominion Freshman vs. Handley by Scott Shepherd

(Aug. 30, 2012) - Scott Shepherd was on the sidelines for the Dominion High School football game against Handley last week. Check out all 147 shots here!

Week 2: Viva Loudoun You Pick'Em Football Contest 2012 - Sponsored by Gayle King of CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty

(Aug. 30, 2012) - We had a record 176 fans play in Week 1 ... do you have what it takes to win in Week 2 of the Viva Loudoun high school football You Pick'Em contest?

The contest is simple, you pick the winner's of the local high school football games (complete the form below!) and if you win for the week ... you get an awesome Viva Loudoun t-shirt that recently was spotted on Justin Timberlake ... (er, time out, we know for a fact that Timberlake does NOT have a T so you can actually be cooler than him!)

Each week we will keep your record and at the end of the year the top player will get $100 in their pocket and $100 given to their local Loudoun high school of choice (hey, our site is called Viva Loudoun ... not Viva Fairfax County ...). Runner-up gets $50 and third place gets $25.

How do we have these cash prizes to give out ... because passed the boot at a stoplight last week ... just teasing ... it is because Gayle King of CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty is our sponsor. If you see her ... THANK her!

Fine print: Our last 3 Employees of Viva Loudoun (if there were any) are not eligible ... Using a crystal ball is allowed but we will disqualify any pickers on EPO (do ya hear that Lance!?!) ... Our contest is rated a 10.0 if you throw out the 6.0 from the Romanian judge ... Little known fact that one of the RNC planks is for ALL Americans to play You Pick'Em ... While I have your attention we are still searching for 3 glue sticks, a mechanical eraser and 76 6-subject notebooks for our Back to School supplies ... If you do well in this contest, you can actually receive high school credit!

News: Loudoun County Offers New Homeless Prevention Program

(Aug. 29, 2012) - While Loudoun is one of the richest counties in the United States, there are those locally in need and with that ion mind the Loudoun County Department of Family Services is administering a new program aimed at preventing homelessness in Loudoun.

Photo Gallery: Football - Woodgrove vs. Jefferson County by Jeff Vennitti

(Aug. 28, 2012) - The Mike Skinner head football coach era got off to a winning start Friday at Woodgrove High School and Jeff Venitti was on hand to shoot photos of the Wolverines win over Jefferson County. See all 111 shots here!

Golf: Independent Girls Prep Team Opens Play Today

(Aug. 28, 2012) - A new high school golf option for girls teed off today with an independent Cascades team, comprised mostly of girls from Potomac Falls High School, facing Chantilly in a match.

Currently Loudoun County public high schools do not field separate girls golf teams. Girls that want to golf, play on the co-ed teams with boys with the majority of spots on rosters taken up by the boys.

Redskins: Tight End Chris Cooley Released

(Aug. 28, 2012) - The Washington Redskins released veteran tight end Chris Cooley Tuesday, one of the most popular players since joining the team in 2004 and a fixture in the Loudoun community where he owns The Cooley Gallery in downtown Leesburg.

You Pick'Em: 20 Fans Go a Perfect 10-0 in Week 1 -- Beating All the LoCo Media Experts!

(Aug. 28, 2012) - Week 1 of Viva Loudoun's You Pick'Em high school football contest saw a record 176 fans and 20 of them were a perfect 10-0 on the week -- beating the LoCo Media Experts, a panel of 11 local sports journalists!

The LoCo Media Experts are playing not only for glory but the overall season winner will have $100 donated to their favorite charity! The defending champion is Washington Post prep guru Matt Brooks.

Our fans are playing for an overall season prize of $100 to the winner (plus $100 to their favorite Loudoun high school) with second place netting $50 and third place $25. Last year our champion was Roger James with Broad Run collecting money for his win. Jane Baker was runner-up and Potomac Falls state champion basketball coach Jeff Hawes was third!

Our weekly winners collect a cool Viva Loudoun t-shirt and this week we have two t-shirt winners with identical picks in the tiebreaker -- both Big Ed and Everett of Sterling were 10-0 and called Broad Run's 35-0 win at Park View as 35-6. See the leaderboard below for the other 18 perfect pickers. Week 2's picks will be released shortly so tune back in!

And a super big shout out to the sponsor of our You Pick'Em Gayle King of CENTURY 21 Redwood Realty ... her generous support allows us to fund the cash prizes! So give her a thumbs up the next time you see her at a local game!

Football: Broad Run Shuts Out Park View, 35-0, to Start Season

Broad Run QB Brady Reitzel Postgame

By Dan Sousa
Viva Loudoun Editor
(Aug. 28, 2012) - For a quarter in Friday's opener at Park View High School it looked as if visiting Broad Run was stuck in preseason scrimmage mode but sophomore quarterback Brady Reitzel and a stout Spartan defense soon shifted into midseason mode with three touchdowns in the final 4:39 of the first half on the way to a 35-0 shutout.

The long-time rivals -- Broad Run (1969) and Park View (1976) were the third and fourth high schools opened in Loudoun which now has 13 high schools total -- were in a scoreless deadlock when Reitzel, making his starting QB debut, got in the groove, capping off drives with TD runs of 2 and 8 yards and then finding junior Corey Hilberath all alone down the left sidelines for a 40-yard TD.

Broad Run kept the momentum going in the second half, scoring on their first two drives, to make it five consecutive touchdowns and a 35-0 lead. At that point, Broad Run emptied the bench and the game finished quickly with a running clock due to the VHSL "slaughter rule".

The Spartan defense, led by new defensive coordinator Chris Brown who previously coached at Briar Woods and replaced Jason Dawson who left Broad Run to start the new program at John Champe High School, held the Patriots to just 94 total yards (67 rushing on 30 attempts and 27 yards passing) and Park View did not advance the ball into Broad Run territory until late in the game.

News: Loudoun County Sheriff's Office Expands D.A.R.E. Program into County Middle Schools

(Aug. 27, 2012) - The Loudoun County Sheriff'€™s Office will expand the Drug Abuse and Resistance Education (D.A.R.E.) Program into Loudoun County Middle Schools during the 2012-2013 school year.

The six-week program, consisting of ten lessons will be provided to all 6th graders in the spring during health and PE classes. A follow-up instructional class will also be taught to all 8th graders. The expansion of the program comes at no extra cost as the classes will be taught by current members of the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office School Resource Officer Unit who are assigned to county middle schools. Previously, the program was offered only to all 5th graders at county elementary schools.

News: VHSL Details Six Classification Playoff Configuration for Each Sport

(Aug. 27, 2012) - The Virginia High School League is nearing a complete overhaul of how public high school playoffs work in the state with a move to a six classification system for almost all sports. The proposed changes will result in an "all in" playoff system where schools advance to a conference level to start their road towards a state championship.

Here is a look at specifics on how playoffs would work for different sports:


Six Classification Playoff Configuration by Sport – 8/2/12
The default for all championships shall be:
• “All in” for each conference.
• Conference champion and runner‐up advance to regional play.
• Top two teams in regional play advance to state play.

NFL: Washington Redskins Make Roster Moves

Ashburn (Aug. 27, 2012) - The Washington Redskins announced today that they have waived the following players:  RB Antwon Bailey,OL Chris Campbell, RB Lennon Creer, QB Jonathan Crompton, WR Samuel Kirkland, WR Lance Lewis (Waived-Injured), LB Monte Lewis, G Nick Martinez, TE Beau Reliford, CB and Morgan Trent (Waived with Injury Settlement)

In addition, the Redskins released the following veterans: OL James Lee, OL Tony Moll, and K Neil Rackers Additionally, the team has dealt cornerback Kevin Barnes to the Detroit Lions via trade. Offensive tackle Jammal Brown was placed on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list from the Active/Physically Unable to Perform list.

The team has until 9 p.m. ET on Saturday, Sept. 1 to trim its roster to 53 players. Teams may build a practice squad of eight players beginning at noon ET on Saturday, Sept. 1.

Photo Gallery: Cross Country - Great Meadow Invitational by Scott Shepherd

(Aug. 27, 2012) - Scott Shepherd was busy this weekend, covering the first cross country meet of the year at Great Meadow. Check out the 229 shots he has put up!

Photo Gallery: Football - Tuscarora vs. Millbrook by Gary Sousa

(Aug. 27, 2012) - Gary Sousa (dude with a very cool last name!) was at Millbrook High School Friday night to capture the football season-opener with Tuscarora. View all 78 shots by the talented Mr. Sousa here!
 

Photo Gallery: Football - Loudoun County vs. Freedom by Craig Sterbutzel

(Aug. 27, 2012) - Veteran photographer Craig Sterbutzel was on hand at the varsity football season opener Friday in South Riding as Freedom High School took on former Dulles District foe Loudoun County. View the gallery!

Photo Gallery: Football - Dominion Freshman vs. Potomac Falls by Scott Shepherd

(Aug. 27, 2012) - Football is back on all levels and super shooter Scott Shepherd captured some wonderful images from the Dominion High School freshman football scrimmage with neighboring Potomac Falls. See all 151 shots!
 

News: Loudoun Public Schools Open Today to 68,170 Students

(Aug. 27, 2012) - The 82 public schools of Loudoun County will open this morning, August 27th, welcoming an estimated 68,170 students for the 2012-13 school year. This year, students again start before Labor Day. The earlier start will allow schools to close on June 6th. This year, LCPS will welcome the addition of one new high school and one new elementary school. The new schools are:

Fall Sports: 2012 Schedules for Loudoun

Fall 2012 Sports Schedule

(This schedule is subject to change ... check with your school before heading out!)

Thurs. Nov. 1
Cross Country
Region II Meet at Tuscarora HS, 3 and 3:45
Northwest Region Meet at Panorama Farms
Northern Region Meet at Burke Lake

Volleyball
Dulles District Semifinals, 7 p.m.
Loudoun Valley at Loudoun County
Heritage at Potomac Falls

Cedar Run District Finals at Broad Run
3rd Place: Battlefield vs. Patriot, 5 p.m.
Finals: Broad Run vs. Freedom, 30 minutes after 1st match

Liberty District Semifinals at Stone Bridge
Stone Bridge vs. Fairfax, 5:30
Madison vs. Langley, 7

Fri. Nov. 2
Football
Briar Woods at Loudoun County, 7 p.m.
Freedom at Broad Run, 7:30 p.m.
Madison County at John Champe, 7 p.m.
Potomac Falls at Dominion, 7 p.m.
Tuscarora at Heritage, 7 p.m.
Woodgrove at Loudoun Valley, 7 p.m.
Fairfax at Stone Bridge, 7:30 p.m.

Sat. Nov. 3
Competitive Cheer
Region II Meet at Champe
Northern Region Finals at Fairfax, 5 p.m.

Girls Volleyball
Dulles District Final at high seed, 3 p.m.
Liberty District Final at Stone Bridge, 2 p.m.
Northwest Region First Round

Football
Valley Forge Military Academy at Virginia Lions

Tues. Nov. 6
Volleyball
Region II Tournament Quarterfinals

Thurs. Nov. 8
Volleyball
Region II Tournament Semifinals

Fri. Nov. 9
Football
Playoffs Week 1

Sat. Nov. 10
Competitive Cheer
State Meets at VCU

Cross Country
State Meets at Great Meadow in The Plains

Volleyball
Region II Tournament Finals

Tues. Nov. 13
Volleyball
State Quarterfinals

Fri. Nov. 16
Football
Playoffs Week 2

Volleyball
State Semifinals

Sat. Nov. 16
Volleyball
State Finals

Fri. Nov. 23
Football
Playoffs Regional Finals

Fri. Nov. 30 - Sat. Dec. 1
Football
State Semifinals

Sat. Dec. 8
Football
State Finals

Volleyball: Class of 2013 Trio Makes Choices - Loudoun County's Huewe (Towson), Loudoun Valley's Hammer (Coastal Carolina) & Stone Bridge's Ackermann (Rider)

(Aug. 24, 2012) - The 2012-13 school year doesn't start until Monday but there are already 32 seniors committed to play NCAA Division I athletics with a trio of girls volleyball players making verbals including Loudoun County's Taylor Huewe to Towson University, Loudoun Valley's Morgan Hammer to Coastal Carolina and Stone Bridge's Ryan Ackermann to Rider Univesity.

Football: Friday Night Scoreboard

Viva Loudoun Friday Night Football Scoreboard

(The most fun you can have in Loudoun after 10 p.m. ...)

Friday Aug. 24

Football
Briar Woods 42, Patriot 14
Broad Run 35, Park View 0
Osbourn Park 42, John Champe 0
Loudoun County 53, Freedom 21
James Wood 30, Heritage 27
Fauquier 16, Loudoun Valley 13 (OT)
Liberty 23, Potomac Falls 7
Tuscarora 41, Millbrook 21
Woodgrove 52, Jefferson County WV 7

Other Scores from Around the State
Amherst County 32, Northside 6
Battlefield 42, Gar-Field 0
Chancellor 25, Riverbend 6
Christiansburg 35, Floyd 21
Clarke County 40, Berkeley Springs 0
Eastern View 23, Louisa County 14
E.C. Glass 49, Charlottesville 28
Fluvanna 43, Prince Edward 14
Franklin County 35, William Fleming 0
George Washington-Danville 16, Petersburg 0
Harrisonburg 13, Turner Ashby 7
James Monroe 44, Tabb 6
Jefferson Forest 42, Halifax County 19
King George 34, Manassas Park 12
Kettle Run 50, Brentsville 6
Lord Botetourt 26, James River 6
Martinsburg 38, Sherando 0
Massaponax 26, Courtland 15
Mountain View 52, Freedom-PW 0
Ocean Lakes 60, Tallwood 0
Osbourn 40, Brooke Point 0
Patrick Henry-Roanoke 24, Hidden Valley 21
Poquoson 20, Southampton 0
Potomac 28, Stafford 10
Skyline 41, Musselman 28
Stonewall Jackson 29, Forest Park 14
Washington and Lee 21, Spotsylvania 17
Western Albemarle 21, Albemarle 12
William Byrd 27, Cave Spring 24

Girls Lacrosse: Loudoun County Assistant Megan Kerns Moves up to Head Coach

Leesburg (Aug. 24, 2012) - Loudoun County High School girls lacrosse assistant coach Megan Kerns has been promoted to head coach of the Raiders girls program. Also, former Loudoun County boys coach Dennis O'Hara will join the girls staff as an assistant coach.

O'Hara stepped down from the boys program after the spring due to a potential conflict with his schedule. With that conflict now cleared up, O'Hara is returning to Loudoun County on the girls side.

Raider AD Ken Wright: "Those conflicts look like they are not going to materialize after all, and so we keep his knowledge and leadership at LCHS, something I could not have envisioned in June. A great gain for our girls lax program, and the whole athletic program."

Redskins: Clinton Portis Announces Retirement; Exits as Franchise's Second-Leading Rusher

Special to Viva Loudoun via Washington Redskins

Ashburn (Aug. 23, 2012) -– Clinton Portis, a nine-year NFL veteran running back responsible for the two most prolific single seasons in rushing yardage in Washington Redskins history, announced his retirement Thursday at a news conference at Redskins Park.

Portis — who became revered in Washington not only for his production, but also for his colorful personality and his tenacity in pass protection — exits the NFL as the Redskins’ second-leading rusher in team history. Portis ranks second in team history in rushing yardage (6,824), carries (1,667) and rushing touchdowns (46). His 1,516-yard and 1,487-yard seasons in 2005 and 2008, respectively, represent the highest single-season rushing yardage totals in franchise history. Including his 2004 and 2007 seasons, Portis is responsible for four of the top 10 single-season rushing performances in the franchise’s 80-year history.

Girls Volleyball: Battle of Ashburn Features 9 Matches Saturday

(Aug. 23, 2012) - The girls volleyball season will kick into high gear quickly with Saturday's Battle of Ashburn tournament which features nine matches between Briar Woods, Broad Run and Stone Bridge on the freshman, JV and varsity levels.

Broad Run High School is the host this year with $6 admission gaining entrance to:
9 a.m. JV Stone Bridge vs. Broad Run (main)
9 a.m. Freshman Stone Bridge vs. Broad Run (aux gym)
10:15 a.m. Freshman Briar Woods vs. Stone Bridge (aux)
10:30 a.m. Varsity Stone Bridge vs. Broad Run (main)
11:30 a.m. JV Briar Woods vs. Stone Bridge (aux)
Noon Varsity Briar Woods vs. Stone Bridge (main)
12:45 p.m. Freshman Briar Woods vs. Broad Run (aux)
1:30 p.m. Varsity Broad Run vs. Briar Woods (main)
2 p.m. JV Briar Woods vs. Broad Run (aux)

Golf: Milestone! Champe Secures First Victory for New School in Any Sport!

(Aug. 23, 2012) - The John Champe High School golf team made history this week when the Knights became the first team in the new school's "history" to win an athletic contest with a 190-193 win over Park View at Algonkian golf course.

Champe opens on Monday in Aldie, becoming Loudoun's 13th public high school and 8th to open since 2000.