As the summer came to an end, the Briar Woods High School football team was bursting with energy and endless potential.

Led by running back Michael Brownlee, senior, the Falcons came roaring through the gates with an attack more agile and cohesive than in years past. Rushing for 1,145 yards in 8 games last year, Brownlee was poised to lead the team to a district title in 2010.

However, within the first few minutes of the Falcons’ season opener, the Falcon Frenzy student section was brought to silence as Brownlee fell to the ground clutching his leg. By the 3rd quarter, promising backup, Ryan Bumbray, junior, went down in pain and left the game as well. With sophomore J.T. Logan joining the sensation Trace McSorley, freshman, in the backfield, Briar Woods was knocked back to square one.

The real test awaited McSorley just a quarter later, but the lack of experience was just a shadow of the past as the freshman led the Falcons to their first win of the season on the road against an accomplished Millbrook team, 10-8. After suffering a tough defeat to Liberty in their home opener, 13-10, Briar Woods regained their swagger and crushed Handley at home, 27-0. What appeared to be a recipe for disaster became a blessing in disguise for coach Pierce, as McSorley proved his worth to not only the team, but the student body as well.

Coming into two big district games following a loss to West Virginia powerhouse Martinsburg, 8-7, McSorley was already doing big things for his school. Standing at 2-2 for the season, Coach Pierce was ready to lead his team into the much hyped battle against the Freedom Eagles, and against cross-town rival Broad Run. The rushing attack, led by Logan, in South Riding proved to be too much to handle for Freedom, as the Falcon offense put up big numbers in a 35-3 rout.