Madison, West Springfield Renew 50-Year Fairfax County Rivalry

This Thursday night under the lights at West Springfield High School, these two Fairfax County football powers meet in a series that goes back over fifty years. This contest will be similar to the days of old, as both programs value a hard-nosed brand of running the ball. In recent times, the two squads have found tremendous success, as Madison advanced to the state title game in 2024 and, last season, West Springfield won its first regional title since 1980. There is also a family element to this contest on both sidelines this week. Madison Head Coach Justin Counts coaches his son, senior WR Kellan Counts, and West Springfield Head Coach Anthony Parker works alongside his sons, assistant head coach Darnell Parker and assistant Wesley Parker.

Coach Parker and his sons, along with the entire Spartan staff, ignited the community with last year’s 11 wins. This year’s sparks so far have been seniors Hassan Edwards, Jevon Austin, and Dillan Wickham, each one capable of scoring from anywhere. Senior dual-threat QB Kyle Lewis looks to keep Madison on its heels with his weaponry and playmaking ability with his feet.

On the ground is where the Warhawks prefer to keep control of the game. Coach Counts prefers to keep the ball in the hands of big senior RB William Melvey as often as possible. When the time presents itself, senior WR Kellan Counts has proven capable of making the big play on a downfield shot. With only three returning starters on offense and four on defense, ball control will be at a premium for the Warhawks at West Springfield this Thursday at 7:00.