Falcon golf edges out Raiders
By Jason S. Rufner
In a matchup of Dulles District title contenders, host Briar Woods swung past Loudoun County 159-162 in a varsity dual match Sept. 4 at Brambleton Regional Park and Golf Course.
Senior Mike Birmingham led Briar Woods with an even-par 36, including an eagle on the par-5 ninth hole. Freshman Adam Ochs birdied two of the final three holes to card a 38. Junior Jon Howard contributed a 42, while three Falcons shot a 43.
"We are fortunate to have such a deep bench this season, so our top four scores have been fairly steady," said Bob Vitti, the Falcons' third-year coach.
The victory pushes Briar Woods' record to 17-1 and places them in first place in the Dulles District.
Vitti is preparing his players -- including seven seniors -- for a possible return to the state tournament. Briar Woods won district and regional championships in 2007.
"They still have a lot of work to do to get back to states. And then there’s even more work ahead," said Vitti, who was looking at his team's three remaining district matches. "We don’t take anything for granted."
Loudoun County's loss was its first in a dual match this season. Michael Walker led County with his round of 39. Raider coach John Laycock was unable to attend the match because of health reasons.