McLean, Langley Win their Season Openers

Dear Neighbors: Both Langley and McLean won their opening games of the football season. We only have a story about McLean because we are still looking for a reporter to cover Langley. We apologize to Langley fans. We welcome your help.*

Football is a game of inches. And depending on which side of luck you happen to be on, those inches determine whether you win or lose. On Thursday, Washington-Lee became another example of the all too familiar adage.

A missed second quarter extra point, inches away from sneaking through the uprights, was the difference in the Generals’ 7-6 loss to the McLean Highlanders.

McLean played host to Washington-Lee Thursday evening in both schools’ first game of the season. Embracing the last week of summer vacation, a large number of vocal McLean students and parents filled their set of bleachers while the Washington-Lee contingent did the same.

On an evening where points were at a premium, senior Ryan McColgan put the McLean offense on his back and carried the team to victory.

“He lowered his shoulder, did what he had to do and got the yards we needed to win the game,” said McLean head coach Jim Patrick.

 The 5’7, 170 lb., running back carried the ball 23 times for 157 yards, 61 of which came on a second quarter scamper, and a touchdown.

“It felt great. We ended on a bad note last season but we just got started on a good one. We were a little sloppy at times but we’ll fix that up and we’ll be ready for Falls Church next week,” said McColgan.

“My ankles are a little banged up, but I’ll be good.”

A young Washington-Lee squad started seven sophomores, one being starting quarterback Sam Appel. Appel won the starting job this offseason when the incumbent Rigo Salguero tore his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). After getting off to a shaky first quarter, Appel settled down and found Da’vohn Lyons for a 14-yard touchdown strike, ensued by the botched extra point attempt.

“Sam showed a lot of poise and played very well. I was very pleased with his effort,” said Washington-Lee head coach Josh Shapiro.

Washington-Lee’s first half play-calling was strategically vanilla. It consisted of a heavy dose of the ground game, which allowed Appel to gain confidence and adjust to playing at the varsity level, especially with the intensity of the home crowd. However, Shapiro scrapped his run-heavy game plan in the third quarter and gave his quarterback the green to air it out.

“We’re usually a run based team, so throwing a lot was a little different. I feel like my line adjusted very well and the receivers ran good routes. It was close. We had a couple of chances,” said Appel.

McLean defensive lineman and tight end Scott Lafoon, a senior, broke his hand during a scrimmage just eight days ago. Wearing a full-sized cast which covered nearly half of his forearm, Lafoon flew around on defense all evening and continually chased Appel out of the pocket. It was only fitting that he made the play that would squash any attempt at a comeback that Washington-Lee may have had in mind. With just seconds left on the clock, Lafoon rushed the Washington-Lee backfield and sacked Appel.

“At first I was kind of nervous, but as the game went on, our defense definitely rallied and we did what we had to do to keep them from scoring,” said Lafoon.

“It was pretty exciting. A big crowd came out and our team did a really good job.”

Despite the loss, the Generals played great defense and refused to roll over in front of a loud away crowd. While the team’s youth and inexperience on offense showed at times throughout the evening, it was evident the unit is extremely fast and agile.

“I give credit to Washington-Lee. They did a nice job on defense and kept us off balance. Hats off to them, they kept us stymied pretty much all game,” said Patrick.

Up next: On Friday, September 9, McLean travels to Falls Church and Washington-Lee hosts Fairfax.

*McLean Patch is looking for two sports freelancer writers: One to cover Langley sports and the other to cover McLean sports. We will pay you.

Please e-mail your resume to McLean Patch editor Bobbi Bowman at bobbi.bowman@patch.com.

Thank you for your help.