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AUG. 10, 2011- ARLINGTON CONNECTION.COM

Yorktown Focuses on Repeating as District Champs
Patriots remember postseason loss to W-L in 2010.

By John Rotman 

Head coach Bruce Hanson said losing to W-L for the first time during his nearly-three-decade tenure as leader of the Patriots was tough, but the team takes pride in its 2010 accomplishments. Hanson even showed a sense of humor toward the defeat, saying he no longer had to worry about others talking about his flawless record against the Generals.

Yorktown lost to W-L for the first time in 28 years last season, making for a sour end to an otherwise successful campaign. The Patriots went 9-1 during the regular season — including a 14-0 win over W-L — and captured the National District championship before falling short in the playoffs. While the Patriots would enjoy getting back at the Generals, Yorktown’s primary focuses are repeating as district champions and competing at the regional level.

"Certainly, that loss was a tough loss for us to take," Hanson said. "I think our kids won’t take W-L lightly ever again. … [The Generals] played really well that day and we didn’t play very good. They deserved to beat us.

"We still take great pride that we were district champs and beat them for the Arlington County championship. They stuck it to us in that playoff game, there’s no doubt about it, but we’re not going to cry over that. We’re going to try to win the district again and try to beat W-L again when we play them."

Leading the way for Yorktown is Smith (5 feet 7, 140 pounds), who enters his third year playing quarterback on the varsity level. Nick White (5-8, 216), Mason Snider (6-2, 205) and Charlie Whelden (6-2, 280) return on the offensive line.

Patriots Blank Saxons, No. 7-0

by DAVE FACINOLI, Staff Writer

It was homecoming at Langley High School last night and Austin Browne was deserving of wearing the king’s crown.

The overall performance of the Yorktown Patriots’ senior was that impressive as he helped lead his undefeated team (7-0) to a 21-0 non-district victory over the host Saxons (3-4). On offense, the fullback scored all three touchdowns on runs of four yards and one yard, and on a 17-yard screen pass from Jordan Smith. Browne finished with 39 yards rushing and caught three passes for 32 yards.

Yorktown finished with 247 yards rushing and 310 total yards. Two interceptions and 65 yards in penalties slowed the offense a bit. Micah Gregory had three catches for 31 yards for Yorktown and Smith, hobbled by a sore ankle, rushed for 41 yards and completed 6 of 11 passes for 63 yards.

Added Hanson: “With M.J. out, Green stepped up, Browne ran hard up in there inside and the offensive line blocked.

That line consisted of Mason Snider, Duncan Kay, Jeremy Jenkins, John Brennan, Nick White, Charlie Whelden and Teddy Schroeder.

Yorktown Comes Back to Beat Hayfield

Yorktown had one of their biggest wins in years coming from behind to beat the Hayfield Hawks tonight 17-16 at Hayfield. Yorktown left the half behind 16-0 and came out the second half and scored 17 unanswered points to win the game.

The defense buckled down and stopped Hayfield on their opening drive of the second half. Yorktown’s first score was set up in the third quarter by a long pass from Jordan Smith to David Bernhardt with Tony Francis following up with the rushing touchdown.

Later in the fourth quarter coach Hanson turned to his senior placekicker, Mike Dola, who responded with an amazing 51 yard field goal to take the Pats within 6 points of the Hawks. Yorktown’s next possession and score was set up by key runs by Zach Greene and Austin Brown. In one of the most exciting Yorktown finishes ever, Smith threw a fourth and long into the end zone hitting Andy Rockelli for 6 points followed by the crucial point after by Dola.

Solid blocking on the line and contributions from a number of players were key to the win. Andrew Moyer retrieved a key fumble and Devin Gaby had several receptions.

Yorktown Rolls…Beats Edison 30-0

Powered by an offensive line that opened holes and protected the QB, Yorktown improved to 5-1 overall and 3-0 in district play by beating Edison 30-0 snapping a 5-year losing streak in a big way. The defense was nearly flawless in stopping drives, making sacks, and coverage.  All season Yorktown’s defense has been stingy in giving up points and tonight they performed excellently.

The first score was set up by a fumble recovery by Austin Brown and an outstanding run by Zach Green and capped off with a 1-yd touchdown run by Kahlil Doles in the first quarter. While the Patriots moved the ball well, four drives stalled during the game, but three of which were converted into field goals by Mike Dola, the longest of which was 46 yards. He was perfect in PAT’s and 3-4 from the field.

in the second half, Kahlil Doles scampered half the field to put the game out of reach making it 23-0. Jordan Smith capped off the evening with a nice touchdown run in wildcat style to complete the scoring at 30-0.