It has become one of the top rivalries in Northern Virginia, a can’t-miss event that even draws fans and coaches from other schools around the area.
And while W.T. Woodson has gotten the best of Langley for the most part since joining the Liberty District in 2001, the entertainment value of their games more than makes up for the lopsided win-loss record in the series. The rivalry resumes tonight when the Saxons travel to Woodson at 7:15.
“Both teams are stacked all over the field,” said Langley senior attack Robbie Maclay, an All-Examiner pick last season who will play at Vermont. “It’s become really frustrating that we haven’t beaten Woodson lately. But as much as I hate losing, these games are fun either way.”
Second-ranked Woodson (7-2) has won four in a row in the series, including the last two district tournament championship games, and eight of the nine games played since 2001. But two of those recent wins have come by just one goal and Langley, which reached the Northern Region final last year, beat Woodson in the 2003 district championship, 10-7.
The third-ranked Saxons (7-1), again one of the Northern Region’s best transition teams, are led by Maclay (team-high 27 goals and 14 assists). Senior attack Robert Lee (16 assists) has helped junior attack Brendan Blood (17 goals) become a legitimate third scoring option.
Woodson could be without two starters tonight because of injury, according to coach Jon Fitzgerald. Junior attack Reid Mayberry (17 goals, 10 assists) leads the Cavaliers in scoring along with senior All-Examiner midfielder Brandon Butler (16 assists).
