Falcons Shooting For Playoffs And Beyond

The Briar Woods Falcons (2-2) look to build on the momentum created late last season and return to the AA playoffs following a one-year hiatus. The Falcons started last season 1-6, with losses to six eventual playoff teams.  However, the team finished strong, reeling off three straight wins against district foes. But so far, the team has posted an even record after coming up short on an 8-7 loss to West Virginia's Martinsburg High School Thursday night.

Entering this season, Briar Woods expected to rely heavily on a power running game spearheaded by returning all-district running back Michael Brownlee ... until he suffered a right leg injury on his first carry of the season. He has not played since.  To add insult to injury, backup running back Ryan Bumbray also was sidelined by injuries.

Head coach Charlie Pierce now must rely on the arm of freshmen quarterback Trace McSorley to lead the offense.  McSorley's early season results have been impressive, as he led a last-second scoring drive in the Falcon's seson opening victory over Millbrook, and passed for 239 yards and a touchdown in a victory over Handley. 

The Falcons' fortunes likely will depend on the continued strong play of their defense, which has surrendered no more than 8 points in a game this year.