It has almost become customary for there to be a game at Highland Springs in the first weekend of December. Highland Springs in December is a bumping scene and it surely will be this Saturday when the Bruins come to Airport Drive.

This State sSmifinal meeting brings Lake Braddock to the Central/Richmond Region for the first time ever. Previously, Lake Braddock has only played one team from the 804 and that would be Thomas Dale in the 2009 Division 6 State Final.

The winner of this contest will play at Scott Stadium versus either James Madison or Freedom. With Highland Springs moving up to Class 6 this season, football fans have been salivating at the prospect of a Highland Springs-Freedom Championship game, but both teams must take care of business.

Coach Mike Dougherty's Bruins have faced some stiff tests over the years in Northern Virginia with 2023 being no exception. This is the eighth time since 2009 that the Bruins have reached double-digit wins.

Lake Braddock is looking to block out the noise, and despite the forecast for rain, they want their moment in the sun.

Meanwhile, Loren Johnson's Springers want to hear none of that. They have heard the noise, even some of the chatter that they are not a dominant as in years past. They have been doubted in contests, which is a rarity. This Springers group has as much to prove as the Bruins do in 2023.