Potomac Falls Wins Again, Now 6-0

Panthers Beat Patriots in Sterling Rivalry Game

By Matt Brooks (Contact)

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Potomac Falls rolled into Friday night's Virginia AA Dulles District matchup with Park View in Sterling with the league's highest scoring offense as well as the best start to a season in school history.

Thanks to another strong effort from quarterback Gregory Woodlief, running back Michael Baker and a last-minute defensive stand, the visiting Panthers held on for a 28-20 win over their cross-town rival to remain undefeated.

In surviving its first true test of the season, Potomac Falls (6-0, 3-0) also picked up its first win over Park View (2-4, 1-2) since 2003.

The Panthers built 20-6 halftime lead thanks to Woodlief, who scored on a nine-yard run and added a 60-yard touchdown pass to Tarrell Owens.

"If someone is going to man-cover our receivers - I don't think anyone can do that," Woodlief said. "Our receivers make great catches. They're acrobats out there. I just get the ball to them and they make great plays."

Park View narrowed the gap in the third quarter on a 25-yard touchdown pass from Brandon Lee to Josh Jones.

Woodlief, who completed 11 of 16 passes for 209 yards, then found Chad McMichael on a 24-yard score and a Panthers safety at the end of the third quarter gave them a 28-13 lead. Big plays have been the catalyst for the Potomac Falls offense this season and they continued that trend on Friday with five plays of 20 or more yards.

Photo Gallery

Potomac Falls Stays Unbeaten

Photo: 0/1

« Previous | Next »

Larger Version

Quarterback Gregory Woodlief dives into the end zone as he scores the first points of the game on a running play past Park View's Josh Jones (5) and Tommy Sedeski (3). (Richard A. Lipski)

Larger Version

Park View Coach Andy Hill yells instructions as defensive coordinator Thomas LaRocco, left, signals in the defense that stopped Potomac Falls and forced a field goal during the first half. (Richard A. Lipski)

Larger Version

Potomac Falls running back Michael Baker turns the corner on Park View's Marcus Freeman for a first down. (Richard A. Lipski)

Larger Version

Potomac Falls kicker Asa Fox follows through on an extra point. Fox had two extra points and two field goals in the first half to help the Panthers build a 20-6 lead over Park View. (Richard A. Lipski)

View all thumbnails

But Park View continued to battle and with 4:48 left in the game, Drew Mason turned a short pass into a 48-yard score to cut the deficit to 28-20. After a the Panthers punted to give the Patriots the ball back on their own 6 with two minutes left, their defense held strong, stuffing an inside handoff on fourth and 3 to seal the victory.

"I credit my kids," Park View Coach Andy Hill said. "They fought. We had a chance with the ball back, down one score in the fourth quarter. That's a scenario that we would've wanted so we could make a drive and go and we didn't cash in that last drive."

The Patriots installed some new wrinkles this week, incorporating lots of motion, some option runs and pitches and a wide receiver pass. But the Panthers were able to adjust.

"We knew they were going to come out and do some things we hadn't seen before," Baker said of the Park View offense. "We adjusted to it and that big fourth down stop, we just pulled together and did what we can do."

The Panthers are scheduled to meet undefeated Broad Run, the reigning district champions, in two weeks in a game that could decide the district crown.

"That's going to help us, because not every game is going to be a blowout," Coach Scott Woodlief said. "I told the kids, 'Let's see how we respond in a tight game.' I think the kids stepped their game up and they played hard."

Notes: As part of Park View's homecoming festivities, the school honored its 1988 state championship team in a pregame ceremony. ... Michael Baker finished with 115 yards on 21 carries, including a 21-yard run on third and 21 late in the game.

Tagged: football, high school sports, Park View High School, Potomac Falls High School

Your Thoughts...

Are you happy that the school year is over?