Marion To Host Southwest Distict Rival Abingdon

BY ALLEN GREGORY
BRISTOL HERALD COURIER

Mike Briscoe has experienced a range of emotions as a football player, assistant and head coach.
One game stands out for the head coach of the Marion Scarlet Hurricane.

The scene was Falcon Stadium in Abingdon. Marion needed a win over AHS in the final game of the 2008 regular season to qualify for the Region IV, Division 3 playoffs.

“I still haven’t got over that one,” Briscoe said. “It will probably be with me for the rest of my life.”

The nightmare scenario for Briscoe included 11 penalties and a 27-14 loss to the Falcons. Officials opted to end the game in the final minute when a fight broke out between both teams. Marion ended the season with a 5-5 record.

Abingdon (3-6, 1-4) travels to Marion (6-3, 2-3) Friday for a rematch, but Briscoe isn’t looking for any extra motivation.

“I haven’t brought up the past,” Briscoe said. “Kids are a lot more resilient than adults anyway.”

Briscoe has reason to feel more comfortable this season. Thanks to last week’s 14-7 win at Clinch Mountain District power Lebanon, Marion currently ranks third in the Virginia High School League Division 3 playoff standings. Region IV administrators expanded the playoff system from four to six teams this season.

“If we win Friday, we will most like stay in the third spot,” Briscoe said. “If we lose, we might drop to fourth or fifth.”

Just two years ago, Marion eliminated Abingdon from playoff competition. Over the past four years of the Marion-Abingdon series, the home team has won every game. Most games have been thrillers.

Briscoe has unique insight on the rivalry since he was a star player at Abingdon.

“We never lost to Marion when I was at Abingdon, but the games were usually close,” Briscoe said.

Marion ended a three-game losing streak last week at Lebanon. Princeton Graham, Nick Groseclose and Shaun Brown combined on seven sacks, as the Pioneers managed just 36 yards rushing.  Marion’s leading tackler, Micky Holman, missed the Lebanon game due to a shoulder injury.

“We need to do another good job with our defense this week and make sure we stop Abingdon’s quarterback,” said Briscoe, referring to Caleb Widner.

The Scarlet Hurricane offense feature fullback Eric Bane (615 yards rushing), sophomore halfback Brett Johnson (745 yards) and receiver Garrett Johnson (13 receptions). Brett Johnson has missed the past two games due to a team suspension, but Briscoe has been pleased with the production of reserve running back David Rivero.

“Rivero has picked up a bunch of yards for us,” Briscoe said. “We’re excited about Brett getting back on the field, though.”

While Marion fans and players left Falcon Stadium last year with a bitter taste,  Briscoe does have a reminder.

“I try not to watch that game tape from last year much, but I did watch it this week to get ready for this game just to see what Abingdon did on offense and defense,” Briscoe said. “It was a long night. We hope Friday will turn out better.”

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