The Briar Woods Falcons racked up 339 yards on the ground and five rushing touchdowns to pull away from the Courtland Cougars 45-15 and advance to the team's third straight AA Division 4 state championship game.

Led by running back Cory Colder's 182 rushing yards and four scores, the Falcons broke open what had been a close game until the third quarter with two big plays from quarterback Trace McSorley. As the Courtland defense focused on trying to stop Colder – who gained 120 of his yards on the ground in the first half – McSorley found a Cam Serigne wide open for a 43-yard touchdown pass, and later broke loose for an 80-yard scoring run of his own.

With the exception of allowing a few long passing plays, the Briar Woods defense stood as tough as it has all season. Courtland mustered just 47 rushing yards, as the fearsome foursome of Falcons – Chris Larco, J.T. Logan, Josh Jacob and Nick Merletti – each notched at least ten total tackles.

The Falcons next face Heritage-Lynchburg in the AA Division 4 state championship game at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 8, at Liberty University. Heritage (12-1) knocked off previously unbeaten Salem 24-16 to advance.

Congratulations to the Falcons on their amazing run of three straight state title game appearances!