Unbeaten Brentsville preps for Fauquier with losing streak a distant memory

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/highschools/unbeaten-brentsville-preps-for-fauquier-with-losing-streak-a-distant-memory/2015/10/08/3eb612a6-6d26-11e5-9bfe-e59f5e244f92_story.html

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Seth Rollins thinks Brentsville’s practices are “horrible.”

“Hard work, fast-paced, non-stop, constantly moving,” the senior defensive tackle and offensive guard said. “Everybody hates them.”

But Rollins was around for the back end of Brentsville’s embarrassing 39-game losing streak that finally ended last year. Now, he’s a vital part of the turnaround that has the Tigers off to a 5-0 start.

“Freshman year, going 0-10, same thing sophomore year,” Rollins said. “I thought that would just continue.”

So, if more intensive practices make the difference, Rollins is willing to sacrifice.

Increased intensity and efficiency during the week are certainly keys to Coach Ryan Smith’s revitalization of the once-downtrodden Tigers, but when he first took over in 2013, it was even more basic than that.

“When I got into the job, I really wanted to handle the fundamentals first and kind of build off that,” said Smith, whose first year was the last of the winless seasons. “The guys were learning football, and we feel they were learning it the right way. It was really more positive of a struggle because now it’s paying off.”

Through five weeks, the Tigers have tallied as many wins as they had in the last seven seasons combined — they haven’t won five games in a season since 2003. With all five wins coming against conference opponents, Brentsville is the outright leader in Virginia’s Conference 28.

A major reason for the rapid turnaround (the Tigers went 2-8 last season) has been a rejuvenated defense. Forced to compensate for a lack of size, Brentsville has transitioned to a more athletic scheme. With three down linemen having success in the trenches, the other eight defenders are freed up to handle their responsibilities.

“Definitely, this year has been a surprise, especially on the defensive side of the ball,” Smith said. “A lot more speed on the D-line, they’re very disruptive. That’s really been the key as to why we’re successful.”

Brentsville has allowed 36 points in total this year, an average of just over seven points per contest. Add to that a successful rush-heavy offense that is scoring more than 30 points per game and the perfect record adds up, even if it was hard to see coming.

“Never, absolutely not,” said senior center Chad Logan when asked if he could’ve imagined being on a playoff-caliber team three years ago. “We’re a really good team right now, and we all just gel.”

Next up for Brentsvile is a home game against Fauquier (3-3) on Friday. The Falcons’ size up front and their triple-option attack will present a challenge for the stout Tigers defense, but defensive back-running back Eric Jones and the rest of the Brentsville squad have no plans of shying away.

“People just want it more this year,” Jones said. “We’re tired of losing. That whole time of losing, Brentsville’s done with that.