Author: Dave Facinoli

Dave Facinoli grew up in Prince George’s County, Md. and attended Friendly High School. After attending Prince’s George Community College and James Madison University, where he covered sports on both college papers, he launched a local newspaper career that included roles as the sports editor of the Alexandria Gazette, the Arlington Sun Gazette and GazetteLeader, and other local papers.

Sports

Washington-Liberty off to strong 10-win start in field hockey

By Dave Facinoli
Washington-Liberty players work for possession (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

With 10 victories already in the book this season, and the potential for more, the Washington-Liberty Generals are happy with their start.

Victory No. 10 was a 2-0 triumph over the Herndon Hornets in a recent Liberty District girls high-school field hockey match. That win was a big bounce backfor the Generals and snapped a two-match losing streak after being blanked by the host Bishop O’Connell Knights, 3-0, and nipped by the Fairfax Lions, 2-1.

Go to Washington-Liberty off to strong 10-win start in field hockey Read more
Sports

O’Connell football team snaps losing streak with a lopsided road victory

By Dave Facinoli
Joe Williams caught two touchdown passes (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

The Bishop O’Connell Knights are in the win column.

The squad’s first victory this season came on the road in Dumfries under Friday night lights Oct. 11 with a 35-7 non-conference victory of the St. John Paul the Great Catholic Wolves (1-5) in high-school football action. The triumph snapped a nine-game losing streak spanning two seasons.

Go to O’Connell football team snaps losing streak with a lopsided road victory Read more
Sports

Wakefield football team gains 466 total yards but falls to Langley

By Dave Facinoli
Isaiah Ledbetter runs the ball for Wakefield (courtesy of Ben Kutler)

The Wakefield Warriors certainly gained enough yards, but that production wasn’t enough to win.

The host Warriors amassed 466 total yards the night of Oct. 10 high-school football action, but lost to the Langley Saxons, 42-30, in Liberty District action.

Go to Wakefield football team gains 466 total yards but falls to Langley Read more
Sports

Yorktown team wins big in football for a second straight week

By Dave Facinoli
Yorktown quarterback Drew Morgan (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

It took a bit, but the Yorktown Patriots have compiled strong back-to-back overall winning performances for the first time this season, according to their head coach.

The football team’s latest victory was a 39-7 over the visiting McLean Highlanders in an Oct. 10 Liberty District high-school game.

Go to Yorktown team wins big in football for a second straight week Read more
Sports

At 7-0, Washington-Liberty has its best football record since 1956

By Dave Facinoli
Jackson Colgan looks to pass (staff photo by Deb Kolt)

The undefeated Washington-Liberty Generals continue to score big — and win.

Even with starting quarterback Matthew Abramson injured and sidelined for a good part of the showdown for first place in the Liberty District against the Marshall Statesmen, Washington-Liberty built a 28-0 lead and came out on top, 42-13, Oct. 10 at home.

Go to At 7-0, Washington-Liberty has its best football record since 1956 Read more
Sports

O’Connell girls field hockey team enjoying a strong 10-1 start

By Dave Facinoli
O'Connell field-hockey players defend (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

No matter what happens from this point, the Bishop O’Connell Knights already have achieved a season of firsts.

Through 11 games, the girls high-school field hockey team stands 10-1, with that number of wins being the most in a single season for the private-school squad.

Go to O’Connell girls field hockey team enjoying a strong 10-1 start Read more
Sports

Names added to girls, boys Arlington County meet trophies

By Dave Facinoli
Mark Stripe awards a trophy (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

Two tall refurbished trophies, named for individuals for the first time, were presented to the winning girls and boys high-school teams at this year’s annual Arlington County cross-country championship meets the afternoon of Sept. 24 at Bluemont Park.

The girls trophy is now named for former Washington-Liberty High School director of student activities Carol Callaway. The boys is named for former longtime Yorktown High School cross country coach Mark Stripe, who coached Yorktown for more than 25 years.

Go to Names added to girls, boys Arlington County meet trophies Read more
Sports

O’Connell graduate becomes a top contributor to college team’s success

By Dave Facinoli
Anthony Lenzini runs (courtesy University of San Diego Athletics)

Through three races this fall, Anthony Lenzini has established himself as a top runner for his college team.

The Bishop O’Connell High School graduate is a sophomore on the Division I University of San Diego men’s cross-country squad.

Go to O’Connell graduate becomes a top contributor to college team’s success Read more
Sports

Washington-Liberty hosts Thursday-night showdown for first in district

By Dave Facinoli
Washington-Liberty football action (staff photo by Dave Facinoli)

There will be no “Friday-night lights” for local Arlington public high-school football teams this weekend, owing to the observance of Yom Kippur.

Instead, contests will be played a night earlier (Thursday, Oct. 10) at the traditional 7 p.m. starting time.

Go to Washington-Liberty hosts Thursday-night showdown for first in district Read more
Sports

Marymount’s new head women’s basketball coach has local roots

By Dave Facinoli
New Marymount coach Claire Mattox (courtesy of Marymount athletics

As a college assistant, Claire Mattox coached at schools throughout the country for a number of years.

Now, as a first-time head coach, Mattox has returned home to Arlington, where she recently was named the new head women’s basketball coach at Division III Marymount University. She is the fifth coach in program history.

Go to Marymount’s new head women’s basketball coach has local roots Read more
Sports

Arlington Sports Hall of Fame to induct five new members

By Dave Facinoli
The Arlington Sports Hall of Fame will hold it induction event

The banquet is set and the new inductees are ready to be honored.

The 2024 Arlington Sports Hall of Fame induction event is Wednesday, Oct. 9, beginning with a reception at 6:30 p.m. followed by the dinner and ceremony at 7:15 p.m. at the Knights of Columbus Hall.

Go to Arlington Sports Hall of Fame to induct five new members Read more
Sports

Washington-Liberty accepting Hall of Fame nominations

By Dave Facinoli
Washington-Liberty athletics (courtesy of Washington-Liberty athletics)

The Washington-Liberty High School Athletic Hall of Fame is accepting nominations for 2024-25 inductees until Nov. 7.

The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals who through their accomplishments brought distinction and pride to the school and community as an athlete, coach, administrator or contributor.

Go to Washington-Liberty accepting Hall of Fame nominations Read more
View More Stories