Falls Church 2025 Preview

It’s clear that this Falls Church program is building something rooted in toughness, unity, and relentless work ethic. Head coach Tim Coogan enters another year at the helm focused on keeping his team mentally strong and physically ready to battle. That mindset started in the offseason—where the weight room was buzzing four days a week both after school and before school for multi-sport athletes. And that’s despite being moved twice due to school renovations.

This group had to get gritty last year, pulling out some close wins while staying together through it all. According to Coach Coogan, the biggest offseason goal was eliminating the blame game. The coaching staff has doubled in size since last season—literally—after operating with just seven total coaches (and losing one after Week 2) last fall. With a full staff in place now, Coogan and his team are excited to focus on player development and execution.

The Jaguars lost a handful of key two-way seniors, including All-District center Sam Dresser and explosive playmakers like Santana Euell and Gewa Noah. Also gone are defensive leaders Bredd Garcia, Lawrence Centeno, and defensive MVP Edwerd Boayke—one of the most consistent big-moment players on the team. Replacing that kind of production won’t be easy, but the next wave of Falls Church talent is stepping up.

Returning on the offensive line are junior center Logan Steider and senior right guard Abiral Gurung, both of whom bring experience and physicality. Defensively, senior linebacker Steve Iriarte is coming off a 100-tackle season, and sophomore Harrison Klotz is expected to elevate his role. All eyes will be on junior quarterback Elijah Lewis, who made his debut at the position last season and is now ready to lead with more confidence and command.

The run game looks promising thanks to a strong backfield tandem. Senior Sean Gresham brings vocal leadership and intensity to everything he does, while sophomore Pablo Marcia might be one of the most driven athletes in the region. Marcia stays late after lifts, trains alone, and pushes himself beyond what’s asked—he’s a big reason why the morning weight sessions even exist.

Despite roster and facility challenges, this team has shown up, stayed hydrated, and gotten to work. That’s who they are—resilient, gritty, and hungry to compete. And the 2025 schedule offers plenty of opportunity. Non-district matchups with Liberty contenders Wakefield, Marshall, and McLean will be solid tests, while rivalry games against Annandale (Beltway Bowl) and Justice (Bell Game) always bring added emotion.

No matter what the circumstances, Coach Coogan believes this group will respond the right way. This year, he wants to see his players enter each game looking to win—truly believing in themselves and in the process. That’s the next step for a program that’s tired of just being tough and wants to start being dominant.