Leesburg, Va. — Beating a team once in a season is hard enough; twice is exciting; and three times is extremely impressive. But beating the same team three times in just nine days to secure the district regular season and to claim the district tournament championship is monumental. The Riverside High School volleyball team did just that when they completed the regular season sweep of Briar Woods High School on October 18 and October 19 before sweeping the Falcons in straight sets—27-25, 26-24, 25-23—to claim the Potomac District championship on October 27 in Leesburg. “It’s very relieving because we knew…

Ashburn, Va. — It took the Independence High School field hockey team less than two minutes to get on the board in the Potomac District championship game, but it took the next 58 minutes—and another goal—to outlast rival Riverside High School, 2-1, to claim the Potomac District title on October 25 in Ashburn. “We’re really relieved,” Independence sophomore midfielder Sammie Goin said. “Every time we play Riverside it’s a very mental game, so for us to get over that mental hurdle again is really nice.” [adrotate banner=”10″] Early in the first quarter, Independence senior forward Carly Van Benten weaved through…

Leesburg, Va. — Two decades ago, Heritage High School opened its doors for the first time. Fast forward 20 years and the Pride came together to celebrate their 20-year anniversary during their Homecoming football game against Broad Run High School in front of a home crowd in Leesburg on October 21. Led by senior running back Peyton Arcuri and a strong defensive effort, the Pride thwarted the Spartans, 31-14, celebrating Homecoming and 20 years of tradition—and moving one game closer to securing a playoff berth. “Everyone did their jobs, so everything went to plan,” Arcuri said. “It feels great to…

Purcellville, Va. — Loudoun Valley High School senior quarterback Ashu Bertaut-Strange wasn’t alive the last time the Vikings beat the Broad Run Spartans in a varsity football game. So when he was given a chance 19 years and 11 days after the last Loudoun Valley win over the Spartans, he wanted to make the most of it. Bertaut-Strange did everything he could to ensure his teammates could celebrate Homecoming, carrying the ball 17 times for 124 yards and 2 touchdowns while going 3-for-6 for 95 yards and another touchdown through the air as the Vikings scored early then held off…

Purcellville, Va. — It took Woodgrove High School senior running back Tony Cammarota less than four minutes to find the endzone against Riverside High School in their Homecoming game. But what looked like it could become an easy path to victory for the Wolverines was quickly thwarted by the Rams. After the initial touchdown drive, the Rams started to stack the box, forcing the Wolverines to make a decision. And it was Cammarota who proposed he be taken out of the backfield and into the slot, forcing the Riverside defense to follow, once again opening up both the passing and…

Ashburn, Va. — When the Loudoun Valley and Loudoun County High School field hockey teams headed east for their regular season matchup, the top spot in the Dulles District standings was on the line. For the Captains, a win meant a share of first place for the time being; and for the Vikings, a win meant maintaining sole possession of the No. 1 seed with less than two weeks left in the regular season. After Loudoun Valley controlled possession in the first half, the Captains got a few chances in the second half—including a corner with less than two minutes…