Countdown to Kickoff: Lake Braddock Bruins

BURKE, Va. (DC News Now) — For the first time in a decade, the Lake Braddock Bruins won their region.

2023 was a season to remember for Lake Braddock. Going 11-3, defeating Fairfax in the 6C region final 39-20, before losing to Highland Springs in the state semifinals.

In 2024, the goals are the same. However, the players know it won’t be an easy task.

“If you think you are the hot stuff from going to states last year, it’s not going to take you anywhere this year,” said senior offensive lineman Marwan Diab. “You got to really focus on what you’re doing and what your coaches say. Help the people around you.”

“It was nice to get a region championship,” said senior running back JT Bordeaux. “We’re looking to go far this year in the playoffs. Back-to-back, do it again. Go far and see what happens.”

It won’t be easy for the Bruins to repeat as region champs. The Patriot District is arguably the toughest district in the state of Virginia, as well as the 6C region. Not to mention, Lake Braddock plays a tough out-of-conference schedule, with teams such as Madison and Westfield.

For head coach Mike Dougherty, it’s about replicating last year’s team success, by reminding the team every day about their region championship from a season ago.

“We show them a picture, to start every team meeting, of the region championship team from last year,” said Dougherty. “That’s the first slide in every PowerPoint. We don’t want to take steps back from that.”

After a decade of fighting and clawing for a region title, the Bruins aren’t looking to go anywhere when it comes to being competitive in their district and region.

“As far as a motto, it’s defend the north,” said Dougherty. “We got it after a ten year layoff of winning the region. We want to do that thing year in and year out.”

Lake Braddock will kick off their season on Thursday, August 29, as they head on the road t take on Colgan.

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