George C Marshall High School - Columbian Yearbook (Falls Church, VA)

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Sports 209

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Ftosh uphold winning tradition Highlighted by a typically strong Marshall defense, the freshman football team worked to a find 4-2 season. The team had a strong start with victories over Langley, Ma¬ dison, and McLean. The players bounced back from a final-seconds loss to Chantilly and a loss to T.C. Williams to win their final game, against Oakton. The Statesmen concentrated primarily on a rushing offense, and in most cases the defense came through when needed. Coaches Ken Freeman and Roger Wood emphasized teamwork in pre¬ paring these new players for future years in the football program. Right: Quarterback Bob Early discusses last minute strategy with Coach Roger Wood for the 22-0 victory over Oakton. Below: Bruce Thompson displays fine pass blocking as quarterback Bob Early fades back to pass. Opposite page, top: Mitch Lawrence spot checks Oakton ' s defense. Center: Running back Buddy Meador takes the pitch and heads around the end. Bottom: The Frosh offense lines up for the snap. 208

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Dynasty falters Gutsy performances, hard prac¬ tices, and the desire to win, made the Marshall Cross Country Team an unbeatable foe. Following two state championships, this train of thought was a disadvantage to Marshall, and overshadowed their season to come. Given their running schedules at the end of the 1972-73 school year, the summer was not a break from training, but preparation for the up¬ coming season. August brought an optimistic and spirited team to¬ gether. However, victory was held off when pre-season opponents, Broad Run and O ' Connell, handily defeated Marshall ' s Harriers. After overcoming this defeat by two victories in following pre-season action, the regular season got un¬ derway. It was evident that winning would have to be battled for. Marshall ' s team shared the potential for a championship season with many other Northern Virginia teams. Course records fell throughout the area. 210 A fast and steadily improving T.C. Williams team consistently defeated Marshall. Momentum carried over from previous meets disintegrated, leaving the team in a low ebb. An unexpected loss to a surprisingly strong Oakton squad further added to the Statesmen ' s disheartenment. No matter how hard the team ran, it wasn ' t good enough. At the season ' s close, all hopes were placed on the team ' s last chance to excel; the Regional Meet. When it came time to move at the end of the race, other teams passed the Statesmen by, as did a spot in the State Meet. Marshall ' s Cross Country had failed to capture their third state title. So fell a champion. Above: Runners Loosen up as the starting Time approaches at the Regional Meet. Op¬ posite Page Top: Minutes before the race, coach Schlogl emphasizes the importance of the now fatal meet. Right: Every facet of the race passes through a runners ' mind. Opposite Page: Tom Barnes and Jon Lewis fight for position in the Regional meet at Burke Lake.