Lake Braddock 2025 Preview

Lake Braddock enters 2025 riding high on two straight region championships and back-to-back trips to the Class 6 state semifinals. This year, they’re looking to push even further. Head coach Mike Dougherty and the Bruins came up just short in 2024, falling to eventual state runner-up Madison in the semis, but the program’s foundation remains as strong as ever.

“This group is hungry to take the final step,” Dougherty said. “We overcame a lot last year—like playing three games in nine days—and the way our guys responded tells you something.”

Lake Braddock’s offseason participation hit new highs, and with an experienced core returning, the team enters the fall with quiet confidence. Eight starters return on both sides of the ball. Dougherty points to the strength program as the cornerstone of their consistency: “The backbone of our program is our strength program. That’s where we’ve seen the most growth.”

Offensively, the Bruins will look to Tyrone Jackson to lead at quarterback. Payton Holmes returns at running back and will likely be a focal point early. Zach Hibner is a key two-way presence at tight end and linebacker. The offensive line brings back Kyle Herald and Will Fedor, two anchors in the trenches.

The wide receiver position will see new faces this season after the graduation of last year’s starters, but several players are competing to step up into those roles.

Defensively, the Bruins are loaded in the secondary. Xander Cuadros, Khaleed Cash, Camden Gallant, and Walker Mitchell all return with starting experience. Up front, Ryan Baek and Jason Tran lead the defensive line and bring toughness to the unit.

Graduation hit hard in some key areas. Standouts Kai Austin and Xavier Main are now at William & Mary, and Trent Pane is off to Emory & Henry. Several other seniors continued on to Division III programs. But this year’s team brings maturity, leadership, and an edge from knowing what it takes to make deep playoff runs.

The schedule opens with a district game against Alexandria City—a rare early test that will set the tone. And of course, the Madison matchup looms large.

“They’ve gotten the better of us the past couple of seasons,” Dougherty said. “That one always means something.”

Fans should expect a similar identity from the Bruins: disciplined, physical, and confident in all three phases. Dougherty’s message for the community? “Pay your six bucks and come out to B-Town. Watch the boys play.”

Lake Braddock isn’t just trying to defend its crown—they’re trying to finish what the last two teams couldn’t. And with this roster, they just might.