The Falcons are charging into a new era, new faces on and off the field but the same desire to build on last years success. The team finished last season with not only an impressive ten and four record, but an incredible experience for the team, as they advanced to the state championship for the first time in a decade. The young players were able to experience the bright lights of Bridgforth Stadium and although they came up short, the participation in something that major was something all returning players had in the back of their minds.
Following the appearance in the state championship, the offseason brought the tough reality the team had to face, several key players, including quarterback Brady Carmical, were graduating and taking the next step in their own journey. These departures had the chance to completely transform a team that was on the brink of big success. But the offseason did not just see a shakeup of the roster, but also a shakeup in the most crucial position on the sideline.
Deandre Burnette was brought in to become the new head coach of the team. With the state championship appearance still fresh in the mind of many players, Coach Burnette has a lot of pressure on him. “Everyone keeps saying we are in a rebuilding year, but for me, it’s sustained success that builds a tradition that’s been at Briar Woods and we are trying to uphold that,” said Burnette. Coach Burnette is no stranger to high school football, both on the field and on the sidelines, being an exceptional middle linebacker for Stone Bridge High School and having numerous coaching positions for schools in the immediate area, last being a defensive coordinator for Riverside High School “I knew Briar Woods was always a traditional powerhouse throughout our community, and I love the brand that has been built the last four years and I just want to continue the tradition,” said Burnette.
Shouldering the burden of a team with a culture of success both in the past and present is going to be a tough assignment for Coach Burnette, and four games in, while the team has picked up wins, Coach Burnette knows that in order to return to the state championship, some things will need to fall into place “I think before we can have success anywhere, we need to come together as a team and again, strike back on the leadership component, we’ll go as far as our leaders take us when they do emerge,” said Burnette.
Five games into the season, the Falcons are four and one which is an improvement from their three and two start last year. The team may still be looking to find the leadership that Coach Burnette has been seeking, but the team has certainly found their groove on the field with their impressive start. The Falcons will be at home Oct. 10, looking to maintain their momentum as they take on freedom, looking to improve their record to five and one.
