How are they a cluster in athletics? Their volleyball team was state runner-up and the farthest a public school has ever made it. Their boys soccer team won the state championship. Baseball is ranked in the top 25. Swim won the combined state championship. They have had the same football coach for 5 years (that is an eternity in FCPS). Their athletic director passed away so that is unfortunate. The boys basketball coach is moving to the AD role.
The school administration situtation is certainly odd but to say their athletics is a cluster doesn't seem accurate or fair to the school that is going through a lot by no fault of their own.
All FCPS schools have to play each other in every sport, even if they aren't in their district or class, in this case.
It works both ways too. I think most FCPS schools would rather not play Douglass.
The Carter G Woodson Academy is the single biggest athletic advantage in the state. It is housed at Douglass and just makes it so much easier to get the talent in there. Jamarrion Harkless may not be in that academy but a good number of their players are.
You may be right, but I also think they had no choice but to flex their muscle. From what I have heard, this was a no-brainer and a dodged bullet for the school.
I think more importantly, hopefully the kids come out of this with someone that is going to be a good role model. Looks like Lafayette may have dodged a bullet there.
I think Alex Matthews is pretty happy teaching and coaching at Lafayette. I wouldn't be surprised to see him take on a bigger role at Lafayette in the very near future.