Q & A With Briar Wood's Billy McDonald
Briar Woods junior Billy McDonald will be a key contributor for the Falcons on Friday against the Spartans.
BRAMBLETON, VA- Last season, the Briar Woods Falcons went 7-4 and made their first playoff appearance in their short, 3-year history. One reason for their success was rising junior, Billy McDonald. McDonald was the first freshman to ever start for the Falcons. He is a gifted athlete who combines his size and strength with great quickness. This season, he is starting at fullback for the Falcons and also making appearances along the D-Line. It is clear that his impact will be felt around the Dulles District this year. I recently talked with McDonald about his thoughts on the upcoming season.
Q: After a 27-24 loss to Millbrook in last year's playoffs, what expectations does this team have going into the season?
A: Our team is very confident in what we do. We work hard and hard work pays off.
Q: What is the biggest challenge facing the team in 2008?
A: Keeping our composure on and off the field. When you make mistakes, you've gotta' let it go and make something else happen.
Q: After Alex Munro's (quarterback) departure, how has this team changed with Austin Frattali now behind center?
A: Austin is a very skilled quarterback. He throws the ball well and can also run with it. His leadership towards the team is developing and overall, [he is] working hard for this program.
Q: How is Austin progressing as the team's starting quarterback?
A: Austin has spent most of his off-season working on this position. He knows the offense better than some of our coaches.
Q: What is the biggest difference between Austin and Alex's play?
A: Alex and Austin's play are very similar. They both are very good passers, as well as being able to run the ball.
Q: With a rookie quarterback behind center, can we expect to see you and the other backs with an increased role in the offense?
A: We all have a different role in our offense. You will see certain backs in certain situations.
Q: What is it about this team that has generated so much success in the first 3 years of school history?
A: Our coaching staff is outstanding. They set us up to win. They all work many hours a week watching game film and strategizing for the next week's game.
Q: Generally, losing only 4 of your starters from the previous season is something to be proud of. However, those 4 graduating players played crucial roles in this team's success. Do you guys have enough talent to fill the void left by those players?
A: Those 4 starters did play a big role in our offense, but we have plenty of talent to fill those spots. And keep in mind we only lost 1 defensive starter from last year.
Q: Last year the team got out to a 3-0 start, providing momentum for a 7-4 season and a playoff run. How important was it to win the first 3 games before entering district play in Week 4?
A: It is very important to win those first three games, especially because we hit the district hard with Broad Run this week.
Q: Looking ahead to Friday, what will facing Broad Run mean to this team?
A: We all remember the feeling we had last year when we lost that game, so emotions will be running high throughout this whole game.
Q: Is this team capable of competing for the top spot in the Dulles District after a 4th place finish last season?
A: Definitely. We all have our minds set for success.
