Sports
Briar Woods Football Season Preview
Can the Falcons claim a third straight state championship this year?
The Falcons kick off the 2012 season at home Friday night against the Patriot Pioneers of Prince William County. After going 14-1 and winning a second-straight AA Division 4 State Championship last year, the Falcons return a slew of starters from that championship team, and appear poised to make a run at an unprecedented third state title.
Key returners: It's hard to imagine a defending state champion coming back with more key starters than the Falcons will this season. All-American candidate Matt Rolin—who will play linebacker for Steve Spurrier next year at South Carolina—headlines a deep and talented pool of returning starters for Briar Woods. While the defense took the most hits from graduation, returning starters such as Rolin, Nick Merletti and Trei Germany on the line, and Mike Barta in the secondary, should form the base of another potentially dominant unit. The offense will be lead by Wake Forest-bound tight end Cam Serigne and quarterback Trace McSorley. Running back Corey Colder returns from his breakthrough junior season, while experienced seniors Chris Larco and Josh Jacobs likely anchor the line.
Key losses: No loss looms larger than that of All-American Alex Carter, the dynamic defensive back and wide receiver who is now playing at Stanford. But other key contributors from last year's championship run are also gone, such as defensive stalwart linemen Justin Baker, linebackers Joe Rizzardi and Brandon Brown, defensive back Jamal Hill, and super kicker David Clements.
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Key games: The biggest non-playoff game of the year will once again be when the Falcons head across Ashburn on Aug. 31 to take on the Spartans. Briar Woods will be looking to avenge their only loss last year in this clash of Ashburn football titans. The second half of the season will challenge the Falcons when they face Tuscarora (Sept. 28), Woodgrove (Oct. 5) and Heritage (Oct. 12).
Prediction: The Falcons are coming off a, and have the talent and experience to make a run at a third straight title. This team may have the chops to flirt with an undefeated season if they can get past Broad Run in week two, and get on a roll heading into the playoffs.
