On Oct. 17, 2008 the Annandale Atoms spoiled the Lake Braddock Bruins homecoming with a decisive 27-point victory. This year, on Annandale’s homecoming, the Bruins had an equally dominant performance en route to a 48-3 win.
“Unfortunately, Lake Braddock has a pretty good team and are big and physical,” said head coach Dick Adams. “They might be the best team we’ve played all year.”
The game was played Oct. 23 in a light rain and the bleachers were packed with students, parents and alumni.
“It was a great crowd and its too bad we couldn’t be more competitive,” said coach Adams.
AHS fell behind early and could never catch up. It was 21-0 before the Atoms could get on the scoreboard in the second quarter on a field goal by senior Donnie McQueen. The deficit was 25 at the half. The second half was the same story for the Atoms as they could not get anything going offensively or defensively.
“We couldn’t get consistency on either side of the ball,” said coach Adams.
Junior Melvin Robinson led the team with three catches for 54 yards and sophomore Tony Hysjulien who threw for 57 yards. Junior Nick Lalande added three catches and senior Ricky Adams contributed with 37 passing yards.
Despite the loss, the Atoms are still not mathematically eliminated from the playoffs. With two games left, the team would need to win out and get some help from some other teams in the Northern Region.
“We just have to work harder during practice to prepare for another opponent who is doing well right now,” said junior linebacker Yari Mizouri.
The Atoms next game is at home on senior night against Woodson. Woodson is 7-1 this season and are first in the Patriot District standings.
“Woodson isn’t as big and physical as Lake Braddock, but they’re very efficient,” said coach Adams. “If we play very well, we’ll have a good shot to upset them on our senior night.”
The Atoms look forward to the opportunity to remain in the playoff picture and finish out the season strong.
“If we play ‘our game’ the way I know we can, we will be fine,” said Mizouri.
“Our work ethic and spirits are still extremely high and I’m very happy with the effort and attitude of our players,” said coach Adams.
