Training Camp Day 15: Fairfax Rebels
FAIRFAX, VA - For the football program at Fairfax High, making the transition from the Liberty District into the Concorde hasn't been easy. As a program, they've taken some bumps and bruises along the way while getting some flat-out bad luck. But who can blame them? Going up against five programs that have all won a state title in the past ten years is no walk in the park, so as a result Fairfax's record has taken a beating the past two years. Their overall record since joining the Concorde two years ago is a paltry 2-18 and 0-12 in the district.
But throw out all those records and misfortunes this program has had out the window. There's a new man in charge and he's looking to change everything about this program. His name is Chris Haddock and he's already gotten this program on the right track without even playing a game.
What exactly does Haddock bring to this program?
Haddock is the type of coach that knows how to win. He won a state title with Chantilly in 1996 and he's been coaching in the Concorde ever since he got out of college. Everything significant that has happened in this district, Haddock has been through. He's almost like a Concorde District historian. He knows what can cause a team to lose and what exactly is needed to win. So the first thing Haddock did when he took over this program is raid the halls for talent. From P.E. class to AP Statistics, he spoke to everyone he could to try and convince them to be a part of his program. He now has over 120 kids from grades 10-12 while he has a freshmen team comprised of 70 kids. With numbers like those, he has already put himself on even ground with the traditional powers.
Who will stand out this year for the Rebels?
Luckily for Haddock, two of his biggest playmakers return in seniors Peter Miller and CJ Robertson at running back. They both might be a little undersized, but they sure can fly. When they're in the open field, look out because that's when they can be the most dangerous. Haddock will be asking both of standout running backs to go both ways in order to maximize their talents. Also look for Mike Kim and Iogi Lewis to factor into the offense quite a bit as well.
Will this be the year Fairfax can finally win a Concorde District game?
The odds are stacked against them, but they certainly can manage one win. They nearly shocked the world last year when they were leading Robinson by a touchdown in the second quarter. So it's certainly not out of the realm to think that they can't manage to pull off an upset. If there was a time and a place to get their first win however, it would be on October 5th when Herndon comes into town on Fairfax's homecoming.
Can Fairfax be the next Chantilly?
There is no reason why not. Fairfax in the 90's was one of the more prominent programs in the region before falling off, so the talent and potential is certainly there, it's just a matter of making it all work. With Haddock getting 70 freshmen to come out, he's already laid the foundation and accomplished step #1. Now it's about continuing to get the best athletes to be a part of the program and getting them to buy into Haddock's winning philosophy. If he can do that now with this freshmen group, you can guarantee Haddock will have this program back on the map in a couple of years.
Key Match Up
Every school has that one big rival they hate to lose to and for Fairfax, that team is Woodson. Yet it just so happens that they play their rival on the opening week of the season, so the game is even bigger. If Fairfax can send Woodson home with a loss, they'll be starting off the Haddock era on the right foot. Winning a big rivalry game like this one can give teams all sorts of momentum, and that couldn't be truer in this case. The Rebels could possibly be looking at a .500 record with an opening day win against Woodson.
Extra Point
Fairfax ended last year on quite a sour note. They were shut out for the final five games of the year, and that's something that doesn't sit too well with Haddock. So for this year, he's made it well known that he will have his squad ready to compete on any given Friday night. He wants to erase the losing mentality where his team is seen as inferior to the other Concorde powers. And if his team is overmatched, he'll still have them playing for the full 48 minutes. Changing the landscape of Fairfax football is what Haddock is hoping to accomplish, and he's already gotten off to great start.
