Monday Night Basketball Scoreboard

Mon. Dec. 20
Boys Basketball
Park View 84, Briar Woods 78
Potomac Falls 80, Broad Run 69
Woodgrove 64, Freedom 57
Westfield 69, Heritage 47
Loudoun Valley 62, JEB Stuart 39
Loudoun County 78, Tuscarora 47

Updated boys standings

Girls Basketball
Park View 48, Briar Woods 46
Potomac Falls 38, Broad Run 29
Freedom 47, Woodgrove 23
Loudoun County 68, Tuscarora 41

Updated Girls Standings

Volleyball: Heritage's Lian Bernett Verbally Commits to Coastal Carolina

Leesburg (Dec. 20, 2010) - The Virginia Elite volleyball club is reporting that Heritage High School senior standout Lian Bernett has verbally committed to play next year NCAA Division I Coastal Carolina.

Bernett, an opposite hitter and a member of VA Elite 18s Team, is the sixth member of the VA Elite 2011 Class to commit and will play in the Big South for the Coastal Carolina Chanticleers.

Bernett helped the Pride to a Northwest Regional title this season and was named first team all-state.

Volleyball: Four Loudoun Players Pick Up AAA First-Team All-State Honors

(Dec. 20, 2010) - Loudoun girls were well-represented on the Virginia High School Coaches Association 2010 AAA All-State Girls Volleyball team with two from Heritage -- Stephanie Yokoyama and Lian Bernett -- and two from Stone Bridge -- Christine Beckham and Amy Christensen -- selected to the first team.

In addition, Loudoun Valley's Taylor Maddox and Stone Bridge's Amanda Miller were chosen for the second team.

VHSCA 2010 AAA All-State Girls Volleyball
First Team
Cheyanne James - Kellam - Player of the Year
Stephanie Yokoyama - Heritage
Lian Bernett - Heritage
Chaney LaReau - Deep Run
Gaby Smith - Princess Ann
Susie Murach - Robinson
Christine Beckham - Stone Bridge
Amy Christensen - Stone Bridge

Second Team
Taylor Maddox - Loudoun Valley
Brooke Kelley - Colonial Forge
Suzy Rosser - Deep Run
Karlie Suber - Atlee
Hailey Brooks - Atlee
Kristina Cascio - Kellam
Simone Antwi - South County
Amanda Miller - Stone Bridge

Honorable Mention
Katrina Houston - North Stafford
Alyssa Sanchez - Osbourn Park
Liz Brailsford - Patrick Henry
Nikki McMillan - Osbourn Park
Aricquel Payne - Osbourn Park
Sarah Long - Midlothian
Gabrielle Holt - Cosby
Megan Reichart - Midlothian
Taylor Pahno - 1st Colonial
Aubree Little - Great Bridge
Katie Jarrett - Hickory
Brooke Barnes - Princess Anne
Kathryn Caine - Langley
Kyra Rodi - Lake Braddock

Visit Cheers Sports and thank them for supporting VivaLoudoun!

News: First Annual Team Joe Raffle Set

Join Us for the 1st Annual Team Joe Raffle  Raffle Drawing Party Knights of Columbus "Barn" 401 West Holly Avenue Sterling, VA 20164 February 19, 2011 ~ 6:00 - 10:00 PM

Team Joe Raffle $100 per ticket $5,000 Grand Prize ~ One $500 prize ~ Nine $100 prizes Other chances to win! Act now ~ these tickets will sell out.  And don't forget to mark your calendars for the raffle drawing party on February 19, 2011.  Each raffle ticket will get two people into the party for free.  Those without raffle tickets will be asked to donate $25 to Team Joe to get in.  Free beer, wine, sodas, and food all night.  Don't miss the fun!  Need not be present to win, but this is one event you don't want to miss.  We'll have other raffle prizes and games throughout the night.  Get your tickets now! If you can't make the party we'd still like for you to buy a ticket.  Your chances of winning the $5,000 grand prize, $500 prize, and $100 prizes will be the same as those at the party.  We'll notify you after the drawing party if you win.  With that said, please come to the party! Click here to email us to purchase a ticket, or to get more information.  We'll post details and updates for the event at our Team Joe website. Where & When Knights of Columbus "Barn" 401 West Holly Avenue Sterling, VA 20164 February 19, 2011 6:00 - 10:00 PM

Team Joe Charities was formed in 2007 to raise funds for the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.  The namesake of our charity, Joe Petrella, was born 12 weeks early, and weighed only 1.5 pounds.  He spent 104 days in the NICU where the wonderful, caring staff helped save Joe's life.  He's now a healthy, happy, normal 4 year old!  To date, Team Joe Charities has raised $125,000 for the NICU.  This money will help fund the completion of a family lounge that will be part of the new NICU that will be built by Inova Fairfax Hospital for Children.  Please help us raise even more money for this outstanding facility and the amazing staff that helps care for many of the high risk births throughout Northern Virginia. Buy your tickets today!

Event Sponsors Denny Petrella ~ Cheers Sports Bill Thomas ~ Keller Williams Realty Steve Jacobus ~ Loudoun Valley Floors Jim Consagra ~ United Bank Dan Sousa ~ VivaLoudoun.com Suzanne Kim & Molly Carr ~ BB&T Wealth Management Dr. Chad Parsons ~ Advanced Corrective Chiropractic Fairfax Neonatal Associates The Petrella Family Team Joe Website   ~   Email Us  Team Joe Charities 113 Misty Pond Terrace Purcellville, VA 20132

Youth Sports - Gymnastics - APEX Brings Back 15 Gold Medals from Christmas on the Chesapeake

(Dec. 19, 2010) - The APEX gymnastics teams struck gold Dec. 10–12 in Baltimore at the Christmas on the Chesapeake meet. The meet had over 2,000 competitors and APEX brought back 15 gold medals and top team finishes at levels 5, 6 and 7.

Highlights:
Level 9 - – Madison O’Braitis -3rd place bars, 5th vault , Rebecca Henry -8th place beam, Kylie Klokis – 6th floor Alex Cocozza – 7th beam, Bridgette Schaal – 4th vault, 5th floor, 6th all around

Level 8 - Caitlin Villavicencio – 1st beam, 4th bars, 4th all around, Victoria Miner -2nd vault, 1st beam, 2nd bars, 3d floor, 1st all around, Cassidy Gagnon -4th vault, 2nd bars, 1st beam, 3rd floor, 3rd all around, Courtney Walker - 1st floor, 4th all around, Kat Friberg – 5th bars, 5th floor, Madison 3rd vault, 3rd beam , Abby Reid – 1st bars, 1st floor, 2nd all around, Shannon Daily 3rd bars, 3rd floor, 3rd all around

Boys Basketball: Broad Run Aces "Character Check" as Spartans Erase Big Deficit to Beat Briar Woods

(Dec. 18, 2010) - Broad Run High School coach John Costello called it a "Character Check" Friday night as his Spartans trailed on the road to neighborhood rival Briar Woods by 16 points, 34-18, midway through the second quarter. Led by senior Taylor Johnson and sophomore Nigel Johnson, with 23 points apiece, the Spartans stormed back for a 78-69 Dulles District win.

"I am real proud of my kids the way they came back," said Costello.

With the "Character Check" passed, now comes the "gut check" for Broad Run as the unbeaten Spartans (2-0 in district, 5-0 overall) host long-time hoops rival, unbeaten Potomac Falls (2-0, 6-0) Monday night in a December showdown between the top two area teams from a year ago. The Panthers handed the Spartans three of their four losses last season and knocked Broad Run out of the playoffs, in the Region II semifinals, on the way to winning Loudoun's first ever VHSL boys basketball state title.

"Can't wait! We are so excited to play them. We've been waiting for them since last year," "We are the best team nobody knows about," said Costello.

6-foot-3 Taylor Johnson keyed the second quarter comeback as he scored 11 of his 23 points after being shut out in the first quarter as Briar Woods' triangle-and-2 defense on Johnson and Nigel Johnson gave the Spartans fits and led to a Falcons 25-15 lead after the first.

"While it is disappointing only scoring 15 points in the first quarter, it was more upsetting them having 25," said Costello.

For Falcon coach Mike Benson, the fast start for his squad was all about a balanced attack -- six Briar Woods players scored in the first quarter -- and commitment to the game plan. In the remaining three quarters, Briar Woods lost focus a little and junior sparkplug Myles Tate, with a game-high 28 points, accounted for 24 of the team's 44 points after the first.

"We let them back in the game, we lost our patience," said Benson. "We play a little bit out of control sometimes and when you do that you can't beat teams like Broad Run."

Briar Woods still led, 43-36, at the half but Broad Run came out energized and was able to pound the ball down low, utilizing their size advantage.

"We told them, 'win this quarter and we will win the game'," said Costello.

The Spartans not only won the quarter but took the lead at the buzzer in dramatic fashion as Taylor Johnson fielded a length of the court pass with just two seconds left, made the basket and was fouled with no time showing on the clock. He sank the free throw, part of his perfect 9 for 9 night from the line, to put the Spartans up 56-54 heading into the final quarter.

"That long pass was a dagger in their heart," said Costello.

With Broad Run remaining in control and making almost all of their free throws -- 25 of 30 including eight straight in the final minute to stay ahead -- the Falcons were unable to mount a comeback despite the urging of a spirited home crowd as the stands were filled with a large-sized crowd for an early season contest.

For the Spartans, the final three quarters showcased what their style will be this season, a ball-hawking, trapping team that wants to run the floor at every opportunity.

"We play small ball -- score fast and then it's 94 feet of defense," said Costello.

Senior Eric Hiatt, who kept Broad Run in the contest early with eight points in the first quarter, finished with 10 as did junior Ryan McNamee, who was a factor in the paint. 

Senior Andre Evans scored eight points for Briar Woods in the first quarter and finished with 13. 

Broad Run 78, Briar Woods 69
Broad Run    15  21  20  22 - 78
Briar Woods 25 18  11  15 - 69

Broad Run (2-0, 5-0)
TJohnson 7 9-9 23, NJohnson 6 10-11 23, Rawson 2 0-0 4, Hiatt 3 2-4 10, McNamee 3 4-4 10, Ellington 3 0-0 6, DeWitt 1 0-1 2. Totals 25 25-30 78
Briar Woods (3-1, 3-4)
Evans 5 1-2 13, Faciane 3 2-2 9, Tate 8 10-12 28, Kouame 2 2-5 6, Calder 3 1-1 8, Rolin 2 1-4 5. Totals 23 17-26 69
3-Pointers: Broad Run 3 (Hiatt 2, NJohnson 1), Briar Woods 6 (Evans 2, Tate 2, Faciane 1, Calder 1).

Girls Basketball: Record-Breaking Batts Leads Raiders to 51-46 Win Over Heritage

By Alanna Dvorak
VivaLoudoun College Intern

Leesburg (Dec. 17, 2010) - The Loudoun County High School girls basketball survived a second half surge by visiting Heritage Friday night to win the “Battle of Leesburg”, 51-46.

The evening, however, belonged to Raider senior Brittany Batts, who after two early free throws, was honored by the school for breaking the Loudoun County High School girls record for career points. Batts was the high scorer for the game with 16 points to increase her career scoring total to 1,480 points. Earlier in the week on the road, Batts had edged past the previous school record of 1,458 set by Angela Dolby, who graduated in 1988.

Brittany Batts with family: dad  (Steve), mom (Lisa) and sister (Madison)
Photos courtesy of Gary Sousa/Sousasportpics.com

“It feels amazing,” said Batts. “But there’s still a long way to go.”

Batts also owns the single game free throw made record, 12, and the career free throw made mark with 265 to date along with the career three-point made record of 181 and counting.

“She deserves to be a record-breaker,” said first-year Raider head coach Derek Fisher. “She works hard and gives back. We’re proud to have her.”

The Raiders (3-2 record), coming into the non-district contest on a rare two-game skid, clearly dominated the first quarter, as the Pride struggled with turnovers. County entered the second quarter with a 21-7 lead. The Pride (5-4) managed to keep a better pace with the Raiders in the second still the half ended with the Raiders up 33-17.

The 2nd half breathed new life into the Pride. Led by junior guard Sydney McDonald and freshman guard Kayla Tibbs, the Pride outscored the Raiders 25-18 in the final two quarters. Both teams were given plenty of opportunities at the line as the Raiders and Pride accrued 12 and 11 fouls in the second half, respectively.

Heritage head coach Anthony Long is still optimistic about his season. “We are two wins away from our best season record. We have 10 strong players.”

This second meeting of the non-district Leesburg rivals will be the last of the season, as both teams prepare to enter district play in the coming weeks.

LOUDOUN COUNTY 51, HERITAGE 46
H (5-4) — Tibbs 11, McDonald 9, Grabbi 7, Smart 6, Nibbelink 5, Moore 4, Whoolery 3, Reilly 1. Totals 17 11-22 46.
L (3-20) — Batts 16, Cummings 13, Lapple 12, Linnemann 10. Totals 16 15-23 51.
Halftime: Loudoun County, 33-17.
Three-point goals: H (Tibbs); L 4 (Batts, Cummings, Lapple 2).


More on Batts’ Record Breaking Career at Loudoun County

Loudoun County High School senior standout Brittany Batts broke the career scoring mark this week set by Angela Dolby at 1,458 points in 1987.

Batts was recognized Friday night in front of her home crowd and delivered the ball to her parents, Steve and Lisa Batts.

To date, Batts has 1,480 points as she is only five games into her final year as a Lady Raider.
Batts became an instant success her freshman season. During her initial campaign, she averaged 15 per game and scored 380 points as the Raiders won the Dulles District regular season and tournament championships.

Batts would not suffer a “sophomore slump” as the sharpshooter continued to demonstrate her abilities to score as she tallied a staggering 571 points (school record) in helping lead the Lady Raider’s program to their first state championship in basketball.

Last season, Batts’ junior year, she recorded 439 points in only 23 contests. With Batts average of 19.1 points, she would have most likely eclipsed the school mark but lost five games due to the weather cancellations. Once again, Batts’ team won championships as they shared the Dulles District regular season championship with Freedom and then beat them in the tournament championship to earn another title in her stellar career.

Other individual accomplishments include a game high of 33 points her sophomore year, hitting eight three’s in the win over Loudoun Valley. In a Regional win over James Wood her junior year, she would hit a school record nine three pointers as she scored 31 points in that contest.

Batts also owns the single game free throw made record, 12, and the career free throw made mark with 265 to date along with the career three-point made record of 181 and counting.

Loudoun County High School opened its doors in 1954.

Batts by the Numbers:
84 Games
1,480 points
336 two-point field goals
181 three-point field goals
265 free throws made

Alanna Dvorak is a Potomac Falls High School graduate  and is currently studying journalism at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Alanna will be interning with VivaLoudoun over the holidays!

Basketball: Friday Night Scoreboard + Skinny

VivaLoudoun's Friday Night Scoreboard + The Skinny on all the basketball games!

We will update the scores and The Skinny as the information rolls in ... have a score we are missing ... text it to 703.509.8826 or email us dan.sousa@vivaloudoun.com!

Boys

Broad Run 78, Briar Woods 69

The Skinny: Spartans trailed by 16 in this contest, 34-18, in second quarter but fought back with Taylor Johnson and Nigel Johnson each scoring 23 points. Falcon Myles Tate led all scorers with 28.
Broad Run's Taylor Johnson and Nigel Johnson postgame

Freedom 68, Dominion 55

Eagles move to 2-1 in the Dulles District. Mark Muhlenberg led Freedom with 15 and James Clay scored 11 and Rod Smith added 10. Titan Diego Abregu led all scorers with 25 and Kevin Conboy scored 13.

Osbourn 78, Loudoun Valley 54

Vikes open Cedar Run season against district favorite Eagles. John Yoxthimer had 22 points and 7 rebounds for Valley, while Josh Miller had 9 points and 4 assists.

Park View 72, Woodgrove 69

Alec Dombkowski hits the buzzer beater to give Pats the win. PV played without Ryan McCarter (out sick) but Domkowski and Dante Absher combined for 21 and Cody Horvath added 18. Woodgrove's Brad Gilson led all scorers with 26 and Brett Danielson added 20 for the Wolverines.

TJ 78, Stone Bridge 62

Bulldogs fall to 0-6 on season with defeat in Liberty District opener. Ryan Lowdermilk scored 21 for Stone Bridge and Mike Hamrick added  16. TJ out-scored the Bulldogs 46-30 in second half.

Potomac Falls 85, Tuscarora 47

Huskies get a look at the top dog in Dulles District. Lukas Mihailovich and Gregory Graves combined for 36 as 13 different Panthers score on the night. PFalls remains unbeaten and ready for a showdown Monday night in Ashburn with rival Broad Run.

Girls
Broad Run 46, Briar Woods 42
The Skinny: Spartan Ellie Ferguson was the only scorer in double digits on the night with 17 points.

Freedom 61, Dominion 39
The Skinny: Dionna Scott had 29 points and 18 rebounds to lead the Eagles over the Titans. Kim Koditek added 12 for Freedom. Alexia Johnson led Dominion with 11.

Loudoun County 51, Heritage 46
The Skinny: The Raiders end rare 2-game skid with Brittany Batts scoring 16 and breaking the school's all-time scoring mark. County only had four players score but all ended up in double figures with Casey Cummings scoring 13, Alex Lapple 12 and Erica Linnemann 10. Kayla Tibbs led the Pride with 11.

Loudoun Valley 63, Osbourn 56
The Skinny: Vikes snap a 4-game losing streak as Jill Hurtt put the ... well hurt ... on the Eagles with 28 points including six 3-pointers, which darn well may be a school record. Jamie Gutch scored 11 for Valley and Kelsey Luck added nine. Mikal Johnson poured in 31 for the Eagles in the loss.

Park View 34, Woodgrove 27
The Skinny: Pats move to 2-1 in Dulles District. Sarah Hardison and Charlotte Ratcliff each had six points for Wolverines.

Potomac Falls 45, Tuscarora 30
The Skinny: Teal Reynolds and Kayla Guttridge got PFalls off to a fast start with 13 combined points in the first quarter. Both teams played hard in a physical up-tempo game. The Panthers were able to control the boards and limit the Huskies inside game. Panthers Imani Jefferies and Patricia Mook combined for 26 rebounds, including 12 offensive. PFalls was led in scoring by Rebecca Perez with 12.

Stone Bridge 82, TJ 54
The Skinny: The Bulldogs remain unbeaten in the season and improved to 6-0 overall by opening Liberty District play with a victory. Sophomore Murielle Tiernan set a school record with 33 points for SB. Cori Prince added 18 points including 4 3-pointers and Erin Dzurilla scored nine points -- all on 3-pointers.

Others
McLean 50, Langley 36

Boys Basketball: VivaLoudoun 2010-11 Hoops Preview: Can Anybody Tame the Panthers?

Lukas Mihailovich: 1,000 points and counting!

Panther senior Lukas Mihailovich became the first player
in school history to break the 1,000-point mark .

(Dec. 17, 2010) - Can anybody stop the Panthers? That is simply the biggest question this high school basketball season as Potomac Falls High School returns all five starters and 11 players total from last year's team that went 23-2 and captured the first boys state basketball title in Loudoun history.

"It is a very unique situation. I've been coaching for 23 years and the good Lord willing, I'm going to coach 20 more, but I've never seen anything like this," said Panther coach Jeff Hawes, the only boys basketball coach at the school since it opened in 1997.

The Panthers finished their dream season with a double overtime 69-64 thrilling win over Broadway in the VHSL Division 4 state title game. Senior Lukas Miahailovich -- Potomac Falls' version of Jimmy Chitwood -- scored 33 points in that state title game to match his jersey number. He would need a jersey with four numbers to match his career totals this season as the Panther's all-time leading scorer became the first basketball player to break 1,000 career points, doing it last Saturday in a win over Heritage.

Mihailovich, in a rematch with Broadway in a season-opening tournament, had a school record 13 assists to go with eight rebounds and 31 points. Hawes says the driven player has worked in the offseason on his 3-point shooting as teams will look to prevent the gifted driver to the hoop from getting near the basket.

"He's the best scorer with the basketball I've ever had," said Hawes.

Mihailovich had 29 against Heritage. He needed 18 to reach the 1,000-point milestone and did it in the first half ... getting fouled on a 3-point attempt and he sank all three free throws. The game was stopped and his family joined him on the court and his teammates gave him hugs and Hawes presented the senior with the game ball.

Mihailovich is just one piece of the PFalls puzzle as the Panthers return 6-foot-7 junior Greg Graves, the area's top big man, as well as 6-6 senior Mickey Waggenhoffer, 6-2 Brendon Chesson and 6-2 Zack Curran. Graves is staring to throw down dunks in each game and has worked on his short-range jumper.

The bench features a never ending supply of role players that appear ready to run through a wall for Hawes. Pete Simoneau has been running the offense early in the year iwth Curran recovering from an ankle injury. Ben Sweger, Matt Hoover, Alex Kress and Matt Byrd are all players that Hawes is unafraid to throw into the contest at any point.

"I have a starting five I wouldn't trade anybody for and a bench I wouldn't trade anybody for. That is a pretty lethal combination," said Hawes.

In a 94-52 win over Park View, Simoneau had eight points in the second quarter as the Panthers turned up the defensive pressure and turned a 6-point game into a whopping 54-27 halftime lead.

"It's no accident that they are good. They do all the right things," said Park View coach Mike Koscinski.

The trick for Potomac Falls this season may be to stay motivated during a 16-game district schedule.

"We are vowing to not overlook anyone ... ever," said Hawes.

Tonight's Schedule
Broad Run at Briar Woods, 7:30 p.m.
Ashburn's version of the Hatfield and McCoy's ...
Dominion at Freedom, 7:30 p.m.
Two teams trying to establish an identity
Osbourn at Loudoun Valley, 7:30 p.m.
Vikes open Cedar Run season against district favorite Eagles
Woodgrove at Park View, 7:30 p.m.
Wolverines already have one big upset this season with win over Valley
Stone Bridge at TJ, 7:30 p.m.
Bulldogs can put 0-5 start behind them with a win in Liberty District opener
Potomac Falls at Tuscarora, 7:30 p.m.
Huskies get a look at the top dog in Dulles District

LoCo Elite Top 5
1. Potomac Falls (5-0)
Panthers return all five starters from only boys team in Loudoun history to win a state basketball title ... they are scary good!

2. Broad Run (4-0)
Super soph Nigel Johnson, who played last year at Paul VI, is averaging 27 points per game

3. Park View (4-1)
Patriots only loss thus far came at Potomac Falls

4. Briar Woods (3-3)
Falcons can improve on pecking order as they host Broad Run tonight

5. You Pick'Em!
After one week this fifth spot is up for grabs with Dominion, Heritage, Loudoun County, Loudoun Valley and even new school Woodgrove all laying claim to "elite status".

Top 5 Scoring Teams
1, Potomac Falls 80.6
2, Broad Run 79.5
3, Park View 70.0
4, Loudoun Valley 67.0
5, Heritage 62.5

Top 5 Defenses
1, Loudoun County 50.6
2, Broad Run 52.0
3, Freedom 52.6
4, Woodgrove 53.5
5, Briar Woods 55.8

Dulles District Preview
For at least half of the Dulles District, defending district, region and state champion Potomac Falls won't be a road block as basketball's postseason is split into divisions with Sterling schools Dominion and Park View, as well as first year schools Tuscarora and Woodgrove, all Division 3.

The Patriots, led by Ryan McCarter, appear to be the team to beat in D3 but Dominion and Woodgrove are teams to watch as the season moves along.

In D4 an early season showdown comes Monday when Potomac Falls travels to rival basketball rival Broad Run. Park View and Briar Woods add depth to this division along with Loudoun County.

In the Cedar Run District, Loudoun Valley and Heritage have their work cut out for them against a talented Osbourn team and a Battlefield school with a current enrollment of 10,000 students (kidding!).

In the Liberty District, Stone Bridge is fighting the affects of losing two key transfers but Bulldog fans get the joy of seeing what athletic sophomore and uber football recruit Jon Allen can do on the baskeball court.

Check back Saturday for VivaLoudoun's girls basketball preview

News: Make-up Information from Thursday

Thurs. Dec. 16 - All Events were PPD
Boys Basketball
Potomac Falls at Freedom - make-up 1.10
Tuscarora at Heritage - make-up 1.12
Loudoun County at Park View - make-up 1.6
James Wood at Woodgrove - make-up 2.5

Girls Basketball
Potomac Falls at Freedom - make-up 1.10
Heritage at Tuscarora - make-up 1.3
Park View at Loudoun County - make-up 1.6

Gymnastics
McLean, South Lakes, Marshall, West Springfield, Fairfax at Stone Bridge PPD - make-up 12.20

Wednesday Night Scoreboard

Wed. Dec. 15
Boys Basketball
Fauquier 58, Briar Woods 45
Loudoun Valley 68, Stone Bridge 62

Girls Basketball
Stone Bridge 76, Loudoun Valley 25

Gymnastics
Meet at Broad Run
1, Broad Run 139.05
2, Freedom 136.6
3, Briar Woods 102.45
4, Dominion 100.4
5, Loudoun County 94.4
6, Heritage 73.3

Meet at Tuscarora
1, Potomac Falls 121.3
2, Loudoun Valley 120.55
3, Tuscarora 87.15
4, Woodgrove 79.55
5, Park View 70.35

Wrestling
Broad Run, Dominion at Briar Woods (need scores!)
Tuscarora, Woodgrove at Potomac Falls (need scores!)
Loudoun County 56, Park View 18
Freedom 46, Loudoun County 22
Freedom def. Park View

News: Second Annual Good Shepherd Alliance Broad Run High School Bake Sale Slated for Monday's Basketball Doubleheader with Potomac Falls

(Dec. 17, 2010) - The 2nd Annual Good Shepherd Alliance Broad Run High School Bake Sale will take place Monday Dec. 20 during the girls and boys varsity doubleheader with Potomac Falls. The girls play at 6 p.m. and the boys -- a match-up of two of the top teams in the area -- is scheduled for tip-off at 7:30 p.m.

The event raises funds and spreads community awareness about Loudoun neighbors in need.

News: Loudoun Schools to Close Two Hours Early, All Games Postponed

(Dec. 16, 2010) - Loudoun County Public Schools are closing two hours early Thursday due to the snow. All activities requiring bus transportation are postponed. Activities at schools not requiring buses are at the school's decision.

News: Supervisor Waters to Hold Public Meeting on Ashburn Area High School

(Dec. 15, 2010) - Broad Run Supervisor Lori Waters will hold a public information meeting on the potential of placing HS-8 - an Ashburn area high school - on land owned by the National Conference Center adjacent to Belmont Ridge Middle School. This meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 20, in the Belmont Ridge Middle School auditorium.

As a part of this meeting, Loudoun County Public Schools staff will present a report on the National Conference Center site with a potential plan for the placement of HS-8 there.

You can find a copy of the presentation on the LCPS website under "Headlines" at www.lcps.org. Thiss is the direct link: http://cmsweb1.lcps.org/509759161361/lib/509759161361/Revised_NCC_PowerPoint12202010.pdf

Basketball: Tuesday Night Scoreboard

VivaLoudoun's Tues. Dec. 14 Basketball Scoreboard
Boys Basketball
Briar Woods 66, Woodgrove 55
Broad Run 98, Tuscarora 36
Park View 67, Dominion 54
Loudoun County 56, Freedom 39
Heritage 66, Stone Bridge 63
Middleburg 87, Liberty 54

Girls Basketball
Briar Woods 50, Woodgrove 33
Tuscarora 54, Broad Run 48
Park View 38, Dominion 37
Freedom 52, Loudoun County 33
Stone Bridge 58, Heritage 28
Millbrook 99, Loudoun Valley 40
Potomac Falls 65, Handley 34
Liberty 60, Middleburg 39

Swim: Dive Into Week 2 of the The Splash Blog! Full Results for All 9 Meets on the Weekend!

The Splash: VivaLoudoun's Weekly Swim Blog! 

(Dec. 15, 2010) - All nine meets during the second weekend of the high school swim season were sweeps but there were some close match-ups highlighted by the Briar Woods boys edging George Mason by six points, 146-140, in a Dulles District dual.

Do you have news for "The Splash" swim blog? Email us at dan.sousa@vivaloudoun.com. Please check back later as we update our boys and girls Top Times charts!

Sat. Dec. 11
Briar Woods vs. George Mason at Claude Moore
Briar Woods girls 196, George Mason 85
Briar Woods boys 146, George Mason 140
Complete results

The Skinny: The Falcons report --
The Briar Woods High School swim team continued its winning ways on Saturday against George Mason. Despite missing several key swimmers due to the Tom Dolan Invitational, Briar Woods’ state championship football game, and illness, both the boys and girls teams were able to come away with a victory.

The boys were able to win 7 of the 11 events and just outpaced George Mason for a 146–140 win. The girls team continued to show its depth placing first in all 11 events for a 196–85 win. The girls 200 IM Relay of Caleigh Hensley, Elizabeth Mittan, Caitlyn Brown, and Erica Comm finished with a State qualifying time of 2.02.06. The same group of girls came back with another State qualifying time in the 400 Free Relay winning in a time of 3:59.09.

Other top performances came from the boys team captains Philip Mardock who won the 200 Free and 100 Free in times of 1:54.85 and 52.56, Steffen Vater in the 100 Fly in 1:05.00, and Garrett Thomas in the 100 Breast in 1:14.04. The three captains also combined with Eric Guessford to win the 200 IM Relay in 1:50.46. Eric won again in the 200 IM in a time of 2:20.62. The boys 200 Free Relay rounded out their first place finishes with Michael Humphrise II, Hunter Bailey, Kyle Hamilton, and Steffen Vater finishing in a time of 1:44.31.

On the girls side Caliegh Hensley continued her perfect record despite fighting an illness winning both the 200 Free and 100 Back in times of 2:08.75 and 1:08.56. Caitlyn Brown, Erica Comm, and Elizabeth Mittan followed up their relay wins by placing first in several individual events. Caitlyn won both the 200 IM in 2:22.58 and the 100 Fly in 1:06.00. Erica took home first in the 50 Free in a time of 26.71, while Elizabeth won the 100 Breast with a time of 1:16.67. Veronica Smith also saw a win in the 100 Free in a time of 1:01.54 and Sadie McGann won convincingly in the 500 Free with a time of 6:06.87.

Finally, the girls 200 Free Relay team of Madison Dengler, Emily Jimenez, Elizabeth Gomez, and Veronica Smith just out-touched George Mason to win with a time of 1:55.42.

Briar Woods next competition comes this Friday, December 17 at 9:00 PM versus Loudoun County H.S. at Ida Lee rec. center in Leesburg.

Freedom vs. Woodgrove at Claude Moore
Freedom girls 197, Woodgrove 86
Freedom boys 203, Woodgrove 68
Complete results

Heritage vs. Loudoun Valley at Ida Lee
Heritage girls 162, Valley 123
Heritage boys 191, Valley 94
Complete results

The Skinny: The Pride report --
Notables on the boys side for Heritage:
HHS won all relays
Double individual event winners-
Tim Melhuish (12th)- 200 Free, 100 Fly;
Daniel McAllister (10th)- 200 IM, 100 Back,
Damon Rosenburg- (12th)- 100 free, 100 Breast

On the girls side for Heritage:
Double individual event winners-
Katie Lee- (9th)- 50 free, 100 back ;
Jordan Gold (12th)- 200 free, 100 Free

The Vikes report --
The Vikings home meet against Heritage High School came down to a close score for both men and women, with the Pride coming out on top. The Valley team swam very well, cutting off several seconds from the previous night. Senior and captain, Kelsey Ryan set a new school record in the 200 IM with a time of 2:18.83. Kelsey also won both of her individual events, the 200 IM and 100 Fly. Senior Max VanVleet won the men's 50 free and Senior Bridget Shayka won a close race in the women's 100 breastroke. Valley will be swimming against Millbrook on Friday the 17th , home at Ida Lee, and Dominion on the 18th at Claude Moore.

Park View vs. Tuscarora at Ida Lee
Tuscarora girls 126, Park View 105
Tuscarora boys 154, Park View 96
Complete results

Fri. Dec. 10
Broad Run vs. Loudoun County at Ida Lee
Broad Run girls 161, LC 123
Broad Run boys 155, LC 131
Complete results
The Skinny: The Spartans report ...
In the 2nd dual meet of the high school season, BRHS boys and girls teams come home with a victory Fri night at Ida Lee. The meet was highly competitive with the lead changing hands several times.

On the boys side, Broad Run was led by Rex Larrabee with 1st places in the 200 IM (2:11.25) and 100 back (1:01.10). Alan Horback won both the 50 (22.91) and 100 (52.59) freestyle events. Distance swimmers Will Metzfield, Justin Allen , and Matt Bailey swam great 500 races, giving BRHS the lead for the night. Junior Max Bailey was 1st in the 100 breaststroke (1:10.17), with freshman Cameron Riordan taking 2nd. Freshman Jack Morrisroe placed 2nd in both the 200 IM and 100 back.

For the girls, Caroline Ruttenberg placed first in the 200 free (2:08.12) and 500 free (5:40.59). Anna Sarman touched out the County swimmer in the 200 IM for a 1st place finish. Senior Abby Pasztor placed first in both the 100 fly (103.53) and 100 back (106.58). Ruttenberg, Sarman, and Pasztor teamed up with Brooke Graham to win the 400 free relay. The girls 200 free relay team of Sarman, Graham, Elle Walker and Amanda Swanson also placed 1st for the Spartans.

The Raiders report ...
The Loudoun County High School swim team fell to the defending Dulles District boys champions  at the Ida Lee Recreation Center. Out of the loss, however, the boys captured two more state qualifying times.

“We have been facing a series of injuries and illnesses this past week. Combine this with the vast amount of talent that we faced tonight in a team like Broad Run and things are liable to end differently than how you would like for them to,” said Head Coach Nick Grzeda. “We did have some great swims tonight though. Jake Koenig and Sarah Sheridan among others proved that for us.”

The Raiders started the meet well, winning both the boys and girls 200 Yard Medley Relays. The boys who claimed a state qualifying time in this event last week won it in 1:49.63 last night. Senior Captains, Joe Gibson (Backstroke) and Jay Wareham (Breaststroke) took the event with the help of Juniors Jake Koenig (Butterfly) and Courtner Clark (Freestyle).

The girls who missed a state qualifying time and the LCHS School Record by less than a second (2:02.66) were Freshman Emily Alliss (Backstroke), Sophomore Adrienne Rivera (Breaststroke), Freshman Sarah Sheridan (Butterfly), and Junior Katie Russell (Freestyle).

Jake Koenig (Jr.) remains undefeated this season in his individual events; taking first in the 200 Yard Freestyle in 1:55.90, and the 100 Yard Butterfly in 58.68, had a huge night. Koenig helped fellow Raiders Jay Wareham (Sr.), John Showalter (Sr.), and Courtner Clark (Jr.) earn a state qualifying time in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay in 3:35.85.

“Jake was ready to swim tonight,” said Grzeda. “We took his lead off split as an official time for the 100 Yard Freestyle to see if he could earn an individual state qualifying time in the event and he did it. He took to the challenge better than I expected, going 51.20.”

Grzeda is referring to the VHSL (Virginia High School League) rule that allows the first swimmer on a relay to be timed for either the 50 Yard Freestyle in the 200 Yard Freestyle Relay or in the 100 Yard Freestyle in the 400 Yard Freestyle Relay for state qualifying times. Last week, Jake earned two LCHS School Records; one was not reported. Koenig took the 200 Yard IM record in 2:06.99.

In the 200 Yard Freestyle Jay Wareham (Sr.) took third in 2:07.34, while Sarah Rexroad (Jr.) took second in 2:48.15 for the Lady Raiders in the same event. Freshman Sarah Sheridan was narrowly defeated in the 200 Yard Individual Medley (IM) in 2:25.37 (Broad Run’s Anna Sarman took first in 2:25.28), but took first in the 100 Yard Breaststroke later in the evening in 1:15.82 edging closer to the state qualifying time in the event.

Courtner Clark (Jr.) and John Showalter (Sr.) took second and third in the 50 Yard Freestyle; Clark in 24.32 and Showalter in 24.56, while Katie Russell (Jr.) won the event on girls side in 27.59. All three would come up big for the Raiders later in the meet with Clark winning the 500 Yard Freestyle in 5:29.75; Russell winning the 100 Yard Freestyle in 59.75; and Showalter taking second in the 100 Yard Freestyle in 56.56.

Sophomore Sarah Greenspon earned third in the 100 Yard Butterfly in 1:22.95, and fellow Lady Raider, Amy Askew (Jr.) took third in the 100 Yard Freestyle in 1:09.06.

Virginia Collins (So.) took second in the 500 Yard Freestyle in 6:46.44, Jay Wareham (Sr.) earned third in the 100 Yard Backstroke in 1:05.07, and freshman Emily Alliss earned second in the 100 Yard Backstroke in 1:12.87.

Junior Robert Risque swam a personal best in the 100 Yard Breaststroke, taking third in 1:16.34. Adrienne Rivera took second for the Lady Raiders in the same event in 1:17.09.

The Raiders swim against Briar Woods High School next Friday, December 17, at Ida Lee Recreation Center. The action begins at 9 pm.

Dominion vs. Potomac Falls at Claude Moore
Potomac Falls girls 169, Dominion 117
Potomac Falls boys 165, Dominion 121
Complete results
The Skinny: The Panthers report --
Panther boys and girls' teams start 2-0. Boys finally get back on the winning side of Dominion after a 3-year losing streak to Titans. Panther Girls still undefeated against the Titans. State cuts were earned by Ariana Staffen in the 200IM and 100 Breaststroke. Double winners were Gavin Saunders and Brandon Harvey for the Boys and Ariana Staffen for the girls

Heritage vs. Osbourn at Ida Lee
Heritage girls 153, Osbourn 133
Heritage boys 150, Osbourn 133
Complete results

The Skinny: The Pride report --
Notables for Heritage on boys side:
HHS won all relays
Double individual event winners-
Damon Rosenburg (12th)- 200 IM, 100 Free;
Daniel McAllister (10th)- 100 Fly, 500 Free;
Stong swims by Tim Melhuish (12th) in 500 Free and 100 Breast (both 2nd Place)

On girls side:
HHS won all relays
Double individual event winners- Kaleigh Rosenburg (10th)- 100 Free, 100 Breast;
Allison Greco (10th)- 100 Fly, 100 Back
Strong swims by Jordan Gold (12th)- 1st 50 Free, 2nd 100 Back

Battlefield vs. Loudoun Valley at Freedom Aquatic
Battlefield girls 200, Valley 85
Battlefield boys 213, Valley 72
Complete results
The Skinny: The Vikes report --
The Valley Men and Women Swim Teams started their season off at Freedom Aquatic Center on Dec. 10th against Battlefield High School. The Vikings were up for a hard meet against one of the best teams in the Cedar Run District. Even though the Vikings did not win the meet, there were several impressive swims at the meet, including two regional qualifying swims by Kelsey Ryan in the 100 Fly and 100 Backstroke.

Stone Bridge vs. Langley at Audrey Moore
Langley girls 231, Stone Bridge 78
Langley boys 227, Stone Bridge 82
Boys Results
Girls Results

Basketball: Monday Night Scores + Skinny

(Dec. 14, 2010) - The Loudoun County High School boys basketball team earned its first win of the season with a 61-58 overtime non-district victory over Loudoun Valley Monday night.

Mon. Dec. 13
Boys Basketball
Loudoun County 61, Loudoun Valley 58 (OT)
The Skinny: The Vikings (1-3) fought back from a 13-point halftime deficit to send this game into overtime but the Raiders (1-3) out-scored Valley, 8-5, in the extra period for the victory. Colin Gibson scored 22 points for the Raiders and Kris Pratt recorded his second double double with 10 points and 10 rebounds. Bryan Huber added 11 for County. Valley was led by John Yoxthimer, who had 23 points and 10 rebounds.

LOUDOUN COUNTY 61, LOUDOUN VALLEY 58 (OT) L (1-3, 0-1) — Gibson 22, Huber 11, Pratt 10, Anderson 7, Mays 5, Veschi 4, Parker 2. Totals 22 14-23 61.
Lo (1-3, 0-0) — Yoxthimer 26, Walker 10, Wallace 8, Robinson 7, Grimard 4, Miller 2, Jackson 1. Totals 19 14-20 58.
Halftime: Loudoun County, 37-24.
Regulation: 53-53.
Three-point goals: L 3 (Huber, Anderson, Mays); Lo 6 (Yoxthimer 5, Walker).

Girls Basketball
Sherando 70, Woodgrove 36
The Skinny: The Wolverines (1-4) were within in 10 at the half but the Warriors (4-1), under former Loudoun County coach Kevin Reed who took over the program this year, had four players in double digits -- Morgan Sirbaugh (17), Erin Drumheller (16), Keyaira Newman (11) and Briana Hudnall (10). Stephanie Purnell led Woodgrove with 11.

SHERANDO 70, WOODGROVE 36
W (1-4, 0-1) — Purnell 11, Tilly 8, Miller 4, Fagan 3, Basinger 2, Carver 2, Hemphill 2, Ratcliff 2, Smolens 2. Totals 15 6-9 36.
Halftime: Sherando, 28-19.

Updated basketball standings
Boys Hoops: Complete schedules and scores by team
Girls Hoops: Complete schedules and scores by team

Wrestling: VivaLouodun Holiday Tournament at Stone Bridge Seeking Three Varsity Teams

(Dec. 14, 2010) - The VivaLoudoun Holiday Wrestling tournament scheduled for Stone Bridge High School on Dec. 30 has slots open for three varsity teams.

Briar Woods, Broad Run, Herndon, Kettle Run and the host Bulldogs are already slated for the event. Teams interested should contact Mike Faul (michael.faul@lcps.org) or Brian Parke (brian.parke@lcps.org).

Action for the tournament starts at 9 a.m. with weigh-in at 8 a.m. Finals are scheduled for 3:30 p.m. Medals will go to the top four place winners in each weight class as well as plaques for Outstanding Wrestling and Fastest Pin. There will be a trophy for the top team.

(There is also a strong possibility that the VivaLoudoun Fox will make an appearance and demonstrated his world famous "sleeper hold" ... you will not want to miss that)

Basketball: Saturday Night Scoreboard

(Dec. 13, 2010) - Sure we were busy following all the big football games on Saturday out of town but back home hoops was going on and we have all the scores for you!

Sat. Dec. 11
Boys Basketball
Loudoun Valley 88, Tuscarora 40
Skyline 59, Woodgrove 40

Park View/Potomac Falls Tournament at Park View
Potomac Falls 82, Heritage 56
Park View 72, Stone Bridge 66

Girls Basketball
Oakton 61, Loudoun County 39

Park View/Potomac Falls Tournament at Park View
Heritage 53, Potomac Falls 47
Stone Bridge 70, Park View 29

Loudoun Valley Tipoff
Tuscarora 45, Loudoun Valley 38
Skyline 40, Woodgrove 38

Boys Soccer: South Riding's Patrick Foss Scores to Help D.C. United Academy Gain Tie in Tournament in Brazil

(Dec. 13, 2010) - D.C. United’s Academy kicked off play in the 2010 Future Champions Tournament in Belo Horizonte, Brazil this morning with a 2-2 draw against Mexican side Club America. The Black-and-Red battled back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a share of the points, with Fuli Dainkeh and South Riding native Patrick Foss scoring the goals for United. The U-17 tournament will continue throughout the week, concluding on Sunday, December 19.

Football: Replay of Briar Woods State Title Win at All-American Steakhouse to Benefit Louisa Player

(Dec. 13, 2010) - The Briar Woods High School VHSL Division 4 state title win is being replayed at the All-American Steakhouse in Ashburn tonight, airing at 6:30 p.m., and Falcons fans can have 20 percent of their receipts donated to the Josh Campi fund, set-up for the Louisa player that was struck with leukemia prior to the start of the season.

Briar Woods wore his No. 63 on their helmets at the state title game and have raised funds for his fight against cancer.

Falcon fans are asked to wear blue and orange, if possible, and to print out the following flyer. There will also be orange buckets to collect spare change. Any checks should be made out to LCHS and note "Fists Up Fund" in the memo.

Photo Gallery: VHSL D5 State Title Football Game: Stone Bridge vs. Phoebus

(Dec. 13, 2010) - Click on any photo to view the entire gallery from the D5 state title football game between Stone Bridge and Phoebus. Photos by Jeff Scudder:






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Photo Gallery: VHSL D4 State Title Football Game: Briar Woods vs. Harrisonburg

Jeff Scudder has uploaded 145 shots from the Briar Woods 41-21 win over Harrisonburg in the VHSL D4 state title football game Saturday at Liberty University.


And he has another gallery on the awards and celebration!



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Football: Celebration! Video from Briar Woods Postgame!

After the big state title victory ... comes the celebration! VivaLoudon editor Dan "Road Trip" Sousa shot this video of the moments and then postgame celebration of Briar Woods' 41-21 VHSL Division 4 state title win over Harrisonburg Saturday at Liberty University in Lynchburg.



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Football: From Bad Break to Breakaway ... Brownlee Leads Falcons to State Title

By Dan Sousa
VivaLoudoun.com Editor

Lynchburg (Dec. 11, 2010) - Briar Woods High School running back Michael Brownlee started his senior year by breaking his leg on the first carry of the season, but oh what a finish, as Brownlee took the final rush of his season and career and rambled 34 yards to put the exclamation point on the Falcons' 41-21 victory over Harrisonburg in the VHSL Division 4 state title game at Liberty University.

"It feels good to be the No. 1 team in Ashburn right now ... and the No. 1 team in the state," said Briar Woods coach Charlie Pierce.

The state title is the first for Briar Woods, which opened in 2005, and the fourth straight for Ashburn as Stone Bridge won in 2007 and Broad Run won in 2008 and 2009.

"Pretty amazing ... this is something special, something I will always remember and never forget," said Pierce, whose son Zach, a senior, played a major role in the championship run as a two-way starter.

The Falcons (13-2) fell quickly behind previously unbeaten Harrisonburg (14-1) -- playing to win in legendary coach Tim Sarver's final game leading the Blue Streaks for 25 seasons -- 14-0 in the first quarter, but freshman quarterback Trace McSorley (9-16-1, 192 yards) sparked Briar Woods with a 77-yard touchdown pass to Alex Carter and then Brownlee took over, rushing for four scores, three in the second half, and 183 yards on just 14 attempts.

"We have got to make a big play," said Brownlee about the mindset after falling behind 14-0 midway through the first quarter. "We needed to get the ball to our playmakers."

It was the injury to Brownlee at the start of the season that changed the Falcons direction as Pierce and offensive coordinator Jared Develli developed Briar Woods' passing attack under the young McSorley. Despite an interception that gave the Blue Streaks the ball at the Falcons 13 and led to Harrisonburg's second TD, Briar Woods came back with a big pass play call on the next series that changed the complexion of the game as the athletic Carter leaped into the air to grab a deep ball from McSorley down the right sidelines and then sprinted into the end zone after the defensive back slipped on the turf field.

"I believe in throwing them back into the fire," said Develli about the play call.

For Carter, the catch, was part of a huge title game as the junior led the Falcons, along with senior linebacker DeVontae O'Bannion, with 12 tackles and was part of the Falcons team speed that bothered the Blue Streaks.

"Honestly, I thought their speed was probably what did us in," said Sarver.

Brownlee, called into duty on defense as the Falcons made some changes on the fly after the 14-0 deficit, did not carry the ball much at the start of the game -- which was dominated by the power running of Harrisonburg senior Michael Holmes, who scored twice in the quick opening, and had 166 yards rushing on 37 attempts behind the Blue Streaks mountain of an offensive line that included a pair of 320-pound blockers. By the end of the night it was the 5-foot-7, 190-pound Brownlee, not the highly-touted recruit Holmes that had taken over the game.

"That Briar Woods kid ran about as good against us as anybody did all year," said Sarver.

For Pierce the comeback was all about what he had been preaching to the team all season: Believe ... Courage ... Strength. Perhaps no player exemplified those tenets that Brownlee, who after missing most of the regular season, returned a bit tentative at first and then with a 200+ rushing performance in the final regular season game against Dominion, bowled his way into the postseason, knocking over would-be tacklers, especially in the fourth quarter of playoff games as he seemed to pick up strength as others tired.

In all Brownlee finished his shortened senior season with 979 yards rushing on just 146 carries and 14 touchdowns, including scores of 37, 1, 44 and 34 in the win Saturday. Pierce said Brownlee's early injury was a blessing in disguise in that it developed the offense into a more balanced attack.

"We have been more dangerous with out passing game and running game," said Pierce.

Briar Woods amassed 456 total yards despite holding the ball for half as long as Harrisonburg as the Blue Streak had a 28:50 to 19:10 time of possession advantage.

The Falcons defense, the trademark of the team for most of the season, came up big after the quick start of Harrisonburg, limiting the Blue Streaks to one score the rest of the way. Besides Carter and O'Bannion, the brothers Rolin -- senior Scott and sophomore Matt -- were flying around the field, combining for 20 tackles and bringing a real swagger to the Falcon defense. Up front, junior Justin Baker had 11 tackles and senior Gabe Sosa had seven tackles.

The Blue Streaks big game from Holmes could have been bigger as he had a 90-yard kickoff return for a score called back on a penalty. Harrisonburg also had a 50-yard screen pass for a score wiped out by a penalty in the loss.

Briar Woods scored 20 straight points after trailing 20-0 with the McSorley-to-Carter hook-up, cutting the lead to 14-7 with 4:33 left in the first.

Brownlee broke free for his first TD run with 4:05 left in the half to knot up the score at 14-14 at the break. That TD run was set up by a 3rd-and-7 Jamal Hill catch from McSorley.

Both teams had long TD drives in the third quarter but the Falcons missed their extra point so Briar Woods found themselves down a point, 21-20, heading into the final quarter. The Briar Woods 77-yard scoring drive to start the half took nine plays and just over four minutes.

Just as the Falcons came out of the locker room in their 24-21 regional title win over rival Broad Run with a big pass play to Scott Rolin, the Falcons did it again, with McSorley hitting Rolin for a 46-yard gain to the Harrisonburg 31 on the first play of the third quarter. McSorley on 3rd-and-14 calmly weaved his way for 16 yards on what looked like a designed keeper.

That put the ball on the 9 and McSorley hit Victor Rizzardi for a pass to the 1. Rizzardi, who was very active on defense with key pass deflections, took a hard hit on the reception but in what could have been a metaphor for the Falcons on the season and in the game ... bounced right back up.

After McSorley was stopped short on a sneak, Brownlee burrowed in to make it 20-14 Briar Woods. Harrisonburg then came back with their own 9-play drive, covering 80 yards, to go ahead 21-20 with 4:12 left in the third.

It was during a 69-yard scoring drive that started at the end of the third quarter, that Brownlee started taking over, running almost angry as he bowled over defenders and teammates alike, chewing up yardage. Just after the two teams changed ends, McSorley's 1-yard plunge with 11:19 left put the Falcons up for good, as they led 26-21 after a 2-point conversion attempt failed.

It was after this score that Holmes appeared to give Harrisonburg back the lead but a flag on a block at the Blue Streak 45 brought the ball back and Briar Woods' defense took over. On first downs Harrisonburg's quarterback Jake Johnson (5-14-0, 16 yards) was sacked for a 12-yard loss by Sosa and Pierce. Then after an incompletion, Alex Carter sniffed out a screen pass and threw the receiver down for a 4-yard loss.

That forced a punt and Briar Woods needed just two plays to go up by two scores as Carter (38 yards rushing, 77 receiving) took an inside handoff for 20 yards and on the next snap, Brownlee broke free again and picked up speed as he motored to the end zone for a 44-yard score. There was no stopping him as he then converted a two-point run with 8:55 left.

And after another defensive stop, Brownlee scored with less than two minutes to play as the Briar Woods cheerleaders, band, students, parents and fans all counted down to their first ever state title.

"Amazing ... phenomenal," was all an exhausted McSorley could utter with a big smile on his face as he rested against a wall outside of the Falcons locker room. McSorley finished his freshman season with 2,2182 yards passing and 19 touchdowns on 157 of 269.

The coaching staff reported to the players that one of their buses had a flat tire and there would be a delay on exiting Lynchburg but there was no deflating the celebratory mood for Briar Woods.


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