It was an ugly Friday night for area high school football teams.
George C. Marshall was defeated at Thomas Jefferson’s Homecoming, McLean and Falls Church High Schools both secured their season losing streaks, and J.E.B. Stuart’s 1-5 record was taken down yet another notch to 1-6.
George C. Marshall – 7
Thomas Jefferson – 34
Coming off two consecutive victories, Friday night was an unfortunate change of pace for Marshall over at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology. The Statesmen fumbled the opening kickoff and the Colonials were determined to bounce back from their loss against Wakefield’s Warriors, which was made clear when QB Ben Daly recovered the kickoff right before scoring on a two-yard run with a successful PAT by Evan Burch. Perhaps the Thomas Jefferson alumni’s Homecoming spirit gave the Colonials the extra boost to snag the win.
Unfortunately, the away game was too much for the Statesmen to handle. However, Marshall’s Jamie Cleer made a notable interception in the second quarter and returned it about 45 yards. That second quarter also brought the single Statesmen touchdown, a run made by Dan McClain. Marshall takes on W.T. Woodson tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. at home.
McLean – 7
South Lakes – 21
McLean High School added its seventh consecutive season loss to their season record last Friday during their home game against South Lakes High School. The Highlanders’ Homecoming game against Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology is on the horizon, though the home turf advantage may have to work miracles to get this team out of the gutter. Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m. at McLean.
Falls Church – 40
Mt. Vernon – 69
Coming off their Homecoming loss (24-14) against Washington-Lee High School, the Jaguars were unfortunately unable to bounce back this week, suffering a 69-40 upset at Mt. Vernon in Alexandria. Like McLean, this is the seventh consecutive loss for Falls Church, but their spirits remain high according to Head Coach Anthony Parker.
“The offense finally came to life on Friday night; we were able to score every time we reached the red zone against probably one of the best defenses we had seen all year,” said Coach Parker. “Our kids are continuing to play hard and won’t give up regardless of the score or our record.”
The Jaguars will face off against the Thomas A. Edison High School Eagles at home tomorrow at 7:30 p.m. Parker said, “This whole year, our defense was playing well enough to win, but our offense was sputtering in the red zone. We have been giving up too many points from our special teams and offense, [but] not the defense.”
Time will tell if the Jaguars’ offense can lock it down enough to defeat the 7-0 team.
J.E.B. Stuart – 6
Thomas A. Edison – 57
After having a damper (49-0) put in their Homecoming game last week by the winning Mt. Vernon Majors, the Raiders were unable to secure a win over Edison last Friday, falling to 1-6 for the season. Head Coach Roy Ferri says the recent flops are due in part to team injuries among the upperclassmen.
“The past two weeks haven’t been kind to us. Injuries have forced us to replace seniors with freshman and we’ve paid the price,” said Coach Ferri.
However, Ferri noted the upside is that five freshman Raiders are gaining the training to supply a starting line-up with an inevitable step up for next year.
“This week, we welcome the return of two-way starter Chris Ventura at runningback and safety, which should stabilize our defense and energize our offense. Linebackers Antonio Eikenkotter and Charles Holloway will also return to the starting line-up, as will offensive guard Danny Lawrence,” he said.
Since a healthier team will be hitting the field on Friday, Coach Ferri went on to say that the team is excited and will do their best to win out and sneak into the playoffs this year.
The Raiders’ health will in fact be tested in tomorrow night’s home game against Washington-Lee Generals (4-3) at 7:30 p.m.
