Former NFL Pro Bowler Charles Mann has joined Verity Commercial, a Reston-based commercial real estate services firm, the Washington Business Journal reports.

Since retiring from football in the 1994, Mann, 56, helped broker major deals, including the lease for Southland Industries at the Brick Yard Business Park in Prince George’s County, Maryland and the $7.9 million sale of Franklin Farm Medical Office, according to the report.

Before turning commercial real estate, Mann was a former Washington Redskins defensive end and played 12 years in the National Football League. After graduating from Strayer University he shifted to business development by working for companies like Mechanical Design Group, according to the report. He launched a government contracting firm called Charles Mann Enterprises three years ago.

He will handle sales and business development at Verity Commercial. 

For the complete report, visit WBJ’s website.

Editor’s Note (Nov. 30): This story has been updated to include Mann’s history with the Washington Redskins. 

Photo via Twitter

Biden Stumps for Northam in Reston — During a roundtable discussion Saturday in Reston Town Center along with Democratic gubernatorial candidate Ralph Northam, the former Vice President emphasized the importance of state politics at a time when he said the federal government has faltered in its responsibilities. Current Vice President Mike Pence was also in Virginia on Saturday, joining Republican gubernatorial candidate Ed Gillespie on the campaign trail in Abingdon. [The Hill]

‘Light the Night’ Raises Funds for Leukemia Research — The walk Friday night at Reston Town Center was part of a campaign expected to raise $3 million in the fight against blood cancers. [FOX5]

County’s Earners On Par with Manhattan’s, Nation’s Wealthiest — Forbes magazine analyzed U.S. Census data to determine where the highest wage-earners in the nation live. Fairfax County tied with Manhattan for the highest percentage of resident full-time workers making over $75,000, at 49.2 percent. [Forbes]

Police Auditor, Review Panel Taking Complaints — Use of excessive force, abusive language, harassment, reckless endangerment and more concerns about Fairfax County police officers can now be submitted using an online form. [Fairfax County]

King Gets on the Stat Sheet — The Cleveland Browns fell to 0-6 on the season with a 33-17 loss to the Houston Texans on Sunday, but South Lakes High School football alumnus Deon King did get on the stat sheet. Playing on special teams, King recorded a tackle of Texans’ punt returner Will Fuller V in the third quarter of the game. [ESPN]

South Lakes High School football alumnus Deon King has been added to the active roster of a National Football League team for the third time.

The linebacker was promoted to the 53-man roster of the Cleveland Browns earlier this week. He had spent the first four weeks of the season on the team’s practice squad.

King, who signed with the Browns in June, was a member of the Dallas Cowboys during the 2016 preseason, but was released prior to the start of the regular season. He was signed by the San Diego Chargers and played in two 2016 games with them before they waived him midseason. He was added to the roster of the Indianapolis Colts, and he appeared in four more games with them that season.

In his six NFL regular-season games, King has recorded two tackles. In four preseason games with the Browns this year, King recorded nine tackles (including seven solo) and a fumble recovery.

According to his player profile on ClevelandBrowns.com, the 2011 SLHS graduate tallied more than 100 tackles and 10 sacks as a senior. He was also named All-District in the shotput.

At Norfolk State University, King won the Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player at that collegiate level. He was the university’s first consensus First-Team All-America selection.

King and the Browns will seek their first win of the season Sunday against the New York Jets in a 1 p.m. kickoff at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.

Another recent SLHS football alumnus who played professionally is Thomas Mayo, a 2008 graduate who recorded 24 receptions for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League last season. He was a member of the Saskatchewan Roughriders earlier this year, but was released in June.

Image via ClevelandBrowns.com

It’s the end-of-summer party known as Labor Day Weekend. Over the next three-plus days, there will be plenty of chances to get out and give summer its well-deserved sendoff.

There are several marquee events in the area this weekend, beginning with the kickoff of the JamBrew series tonight in Herndon. Aslin Beer Co. will be pouring frosty mugs, Weird Brothers Coffee will be offering tasty drinks, Lake Anne Brew House/Nordic Knot Pretzels “will be vending fresh baked soft pretzels to the masses,” and there will be much more. Live music will be offered from DJ Cihad, Todd Wright and Tammy Gann, and Turtle Recall. The free event is slated for 6-10 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).

(Lake Anne Plaza’s Jazz & Blues Festival has been canceled due to rain in the forecast.)

Over at Lake Anne Plaza, the 11th annual Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival will go down from 1-9 p.m. Saturday. The lineup of musicians for the festival includes many well-known names in the local music community. The eight hours of music will include performances by Cheick Hamala Dibaté, Sam Gunderson, John Lee & Michael Pavone, Integriti Reeves, Mykle Lyons (sextet), Gigi MacClaughlin, Kriss Funn and Crush Funk Brass.

On Monday in Herndon, the town’s annual Labor Day Festival will feature Virginia wine tastings, craft beers, live music, a craft show, food vendors, lawn games and more. Eight craft brewers will offer tastings, and eight wineries are participating as well. There will also be live music throughout the event and much more. Admission for those participating in sampling wine and beer will be $20, which includes a glass for wine and three complimentary beer tastings. Anyone who won’t be purchasing alcoholic beverages will be admitted for $5, and children 12 and under will be admitted free. The event is slated for 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Herndon Town Green (777 Lynn St.).

The weekend weather forecast calls for a chance of rain Saturday, a partly sunny day Sunday and then a gorgeous Labor Day holiday. Get out there and make the most of it!

Listed below are some other events that will also be taking place this holiday weekend.

(Editor’s Note: This is just a limited list of all the events taking place in the Reston area this weekend. If you have an event you would like to ensure is listed on the website, be sure to submit it to our Events Calendar.)

• Reston Association is hosting a chartered bus trip to the National Book Festival at the Washington Convention Center on Saturday. All ages are welcome, but children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Cost is $18 for RA members and $23 for non-members. The bus will depart from RA headquarters (12001 Sunrise Valley Drive) at 9 a.m. Saturday. Registration can be done through Webtrac, by emailing [email protected] or by calling 703-435-6577.
• Reston Association will have four pools — Lake Audubon, Lake Newport, North Shore and Ridge Heights — open Saturday, Sunday and Monday. North Shore and Ridge Heights will be open from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. each day; Lake Audubon and Lake Newport will be open from noon to 7 p.m.
• The Reston Farmers Market will take place from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday at Lake Anne Village Center.
• Lake Anne is also hosting Sunday Yoga on the Plaza each week, at 9:30 a.m.
• Surf Reston is offering the chance to paddleboard to the sounds of the Lake Anne Jazz & Blues Festival from 1-3 p.m. Saturday. Advance registration is required. In addition, there will be SUP yoga from 9-11 a.m. Saturday.
• Unitarian Universalist Church (1625 Wiehle Ave.) will show the film “A Five-Star Life” tonight beginning at 8:30 p.m., preceded at 8 p.m. by a social and snack opportunity.
• Many restaurants and bars in Reston will have live music this weekend. These include: Vinifera Wine Bar and Bistro (11750 Sunrise Valley Drive) from 7-10 p.m every Friday and Saturday night; Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) every Friday and Saturday night from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and Tavern64 (1800 Presidents St.) every Friday from 6-10 p.m.
• Crafthouse (1888 Explorer St.) will also have a pregame party Sunday in anticipation of that evening’s college football game between Virginia Tech and West Virginia at FedExField. The restaurant will also charter a bus to the game, leaving at 3:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $29.99. (Note: That price only includes the ride and the party, not tickets to the game itself.)
• Kalypso’s Sports Tavern (1617 Washington Plaza N.) will have live music from Olivia & The Mates tonight from 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.; and from Sam Gunderson during those hours Saturday night.
• Mr. Knick Knack will provide “unique, heart-centered music” for children Monday from 10:30-11:15 a.m. at the Reston Town Center pavilion. Parking will be free at the Town Center for the Labor Day holiday.

Registration Open for ChalkFest — Public Art Reston, in partnership with Reston Town Center, will host its annual festival ChalkFest on Sept. 16. All are invited to participate in this annual chalk festival and transform Market Street into a street art gallery! Registration is available in three categories: Professional Artists ($20), Amateur Artists ($15) and Families & Kids ($15). [Public Art Reston]

‘Totally Trucks’ Event Friday — Reston Association will show off its trucks to kids Friday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Central Services Facility (12250 Sunset Hills Road). All children will receive a “Totally Trucks” construction helmet. There will be a horn-free hour, on some of the vehicles, from 9-10. Registration is not required for the rain-or-shine event. Contact a[email protected] or call 703-435-6577 for more information. [Greater Reston Chamber of Commerce]

National Farmers Market Week Coming Up — National Farmers Market Week is Aug. 6-12. In a piece for the Connection Newspapers, John Lovaas invites all to celebrate the importance of local growers at the Reston Farmers Market in Lake Anne Plaza on Aug. 12. [Connection Newspapers]

High School Sports Football Season Starts — Practices began for Fairfax County Public Schools football teams Tuesday. WUSA9 talked to South Lakes High School coach Trey Taylor about efforts that are being made to improve safety for student-athletes. [WUSA9]

South Lakes High School football coach Trey Taylor was named the Washington Redskins Foundation’s High School Coach of the Week last week — and that was before SLHS earned another victory to improve to 8-0.

The award is given out each week by the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation and Inova Sports Medicine.

The Seahawks earned their biggest victory of the season Oct. 14 with an upset over then-No. 8 Madison. South Lakes then climbed 10 spots in the Washington Post poll. The Seahawks are the No. 8 team now. The team beat Langely 42-14 on Friday.

“Coach Taylor does a great job of helping each of his players recognize their full potential,” Linda Jones, SLHS Director Student Activities, said in a release. “He encourages his players to focus on academics first and to always do the right thing.”

The Redskins and Inova highlight some of Taylor’s accomplishments on and off the field since arriving at SLHS in 2014.

Coach Taylor has used community outreach as an opportunity to advocate team building amongst his student-athletes. Coach Taylor and his players are active in the “Readers Are Leaders” program with Terreset Elementary School and assist with the Reston Youth Association’s football camps and clinics.  Players also help South Lakes custodial staff move school furniture before the start of every school year.

All South Lakes football coaches are Heads Up Football certified and emphasize the importance of proper tackling techniques to players. Taylor encourages his players to seek out the assistance of the Athletic Training staff when necessary. Additionally, he holds clinics for youth football coaches on proper techniques.

The High School Coach of the Week program is an NFL-wide initiative designed to recognize area high school football coaches who continuously demonstrate hard work and dedication to their football programs, the health and safety of their players, and who make a difference in their communities.

The Redskins Charitable Foundation has convened a panel of local high school football media experts to provide nominations of deserving high school coaches for consideration and selection.

Each coach chosen throughout the high school football season will receive a $2,000 donation from the Redskins Charitable Foundation to their football program and a framed certificate signed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Redskins Head Coach Jay Gruden, Redskins President Bruce Allen and General Manager Scot McCloughan, as well as other giveaway items from the Redskins Charitable Foundation and Inova Sports Medicine.

Coach Trey Taylor at SLHS football practice/file photo

The South Lakes Seahawks toppled No. 8 Madison 21-13 Friday, handing the Warhawks their first loss of the football season and taking the top spot in the Conference 6 standings.

With the victory, the Seahawks, ranked No. 18 by the Washington Post last week, will surely rise in the region-wide standings this week. They are now 7-0 (4-0 Conference 6).

A key play came in the third quarter. With Madison at fourth and goal on the Seahawks 1 yard line, South Lakes’ defense stopped Madison’s Nick Quinto from reaching the end zone.

SLHS coach Trey Taylor called the goal-line stand “one of the greatest I have ever seen.”

The game was WTOP’s “Game of the Week.” Madison had won 15 of its last 16 games, losing only to Chantilly in last year’s playoffs.

Quarterback Devin Miles passed for 232 yards. Spencer Alston ran in all thee of SLHS’ touchdowns.

South Lakes next plays at Langley Friday at 7 p.m.

Photos Courtesy David Cordts

No. 19 South Lakes (6-0) and No. 8 James Madison (6-0) meet Friday at SLHS in a battle of two of the region’s best football teams.

The game is one of three candidates to be WTOP’s “DMV Game of the Week,” and it is depending on reader/listener votes to earn the honor.

WTOP will cover one of three games live Friday — and post interviews, photos, video from the game. the choices are South Lakes-Madison, Eleanor Roosevelt -Wise or top-ranked DeMatha vs. Gonzaga.

Read more about the games and cast your vote on WTOP’s website.

The deadline for voting is 11:59 p.m. Wednesday.

Photo: football/Credit: eteamz.com

After a 56-18 route of Washington-Lee last week, South Lakes High School’s football team moved up in the Washington Post’s Top 20 Poll.

The 5-0 Seahawks — who were without starting quarterback Devin Miles after he went out with an injury halfway through Friday’s game — are now now No. 19. Last week, the team entered the poll at No. 20.

There are no additional details on Miles’ injury or whether he will be back this week. Coach Trey Taylor says the team does not comment on player injuries for privacy reasons as they are minors.

South Lakes is averaging more than 48 points per game behind the rushing duo of Spencer Alston and Albert Mensah. Read more about them in this Washington Post story.

Next up for South Lakes: Crosstown rival Herndon (1-4) in the annual “Baron Cameron Bowl.” The game is at Herndon Friday at 7 p.m.

South Lakes’ football’s 75-8 victory over McLean on Friday has earned the Seahawks a spot in the Washington Post’s High School Top 20 this week.

South Lakes (4-0) entered the poll at No. 20 based on the performance in which eight different players scored touchdowns and the Seahawks led 61-0 at halftime.

It was the biggest victory since Coach Trey Taylor took over the team prior to the 2014 season. The Seahawks were 8-2 last season, earning a trip to the Virginia 6A North Region Playoffs.

The margin was believed to be the biggest for the school since 1978.

“In general, I am happy with how we have progressed this season form last,” said Taylor. “We have had guys step up and replace players who graduated and we are playing well as a team. We are still a young group and have lots of things we need to fix if we want to improve as a team. That is our focus; we need to be better than last week.”

Leading South Lakes’ effort was junior running back Albert Mensah, who rushed six times for 127 yards (an average of 21.2 yards per carry) and two touchdowns; junior wide receiver Chris Ezidinima (33-yard touchdown catch); senior punt returner Andrew Funaki (50-yard return for a TD);  junior quarterback Devin Miles (10-yard TD run); junior running back Spencer Alston (two-yard TD run); junior receiver Noah Seneca (13-yard catch); and sophomore running back Xavier May (scoring on runs of six and four yards).

Fairfax County Public Schools says it is seeing a decline in football injuries because of a concussion and injury prevention program it put in place three years ago.

In 2013, FCPS adopted USA Football’s Heads Up Football, an education-based approach to injury prevention. That has resulted in a significant decline in injuries, said Bill Curran, the school system’s director of student activities and athletic programs. FCPS was the first high school program in the U.S. to adopt Heads Up Football.

 

 

FCPS reports that concussions have dropped more than 43 percent since its adoption of Heads Up Football, and that injuries have fallen nearly 24 percent.

The Virginia High School League also endorses Heads Up Football.

Head injuries have become a national issue as many former NFL players have presented with Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), a brain degenerative brain condition, from repeated tackling and blocking in their careers.

This year, the Pop Warner League — the country’s largest youth football program — settled its first and only concussion-related lawsuit that was brought by the mother of a former player who blamed the sport for her son’s suicide. Read More

South Lakes High School’s football team, which soundly defeated crosstown rival Herndon on Friday, is off to its best start since 2010.

The Seahawks are 5-1 under second-year coach Trey Taylor after beating the Hornets 50-13 at home.

That’s a big difference from 2014, when South Lakes lost its first five games (including 49-0 to Herndon) en route to a 2-8 season.

“I think we have a great group of guys,” SLHS coach Trey Taylor says of the 2015 team.

Taylor says last year’s team had a lot of senior starters — some of whom were first-time starters. The 2o15 team is young, but the coaching staff as had a year to work with them and know the players’ strengths and weaknesses, said Taylor.

Much of the Seahawks’ success is due to sophomore quarterback Devin Miles. Miles, who was the freshman QB team a year ago, has thrown for 481 yards and six touchdowns. He has also run in three touchdowns.

“He has really exceeded our expectations,” Taylor said of Miles, a product of Herndon’s youth football program. “Any time you have a guy moving from freshman to varsity, you worry about how he is going to handle games. He has done very well.”

One of Miles’ main targets is senior Eric Kirlew, who has 240 receiving yards, 304 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Kirlew is one of the returning offensive starters from 2014.

Other big offensive contributors are sophomore running backs Albert Mensah and Spencer Alston. Alston has carried the ball 325 yards for four TDs. Mensah has 265 yards and also scored four touchdowns.

Taylor says he also has to credit the defense. At this point in the 2014 season, the team had given up 240 points. In 2015: just 70.

“We’ve got some really good players on our defensive line,” said Taylor. “Last year, we had a habit of giving up a lot of plays. While Herndon scored last week on a big play, if we have to keep our opponent going downfield 3-t0-5 yards at a time, we are going to keep them from scoring.”

The Seahawks began the season with a 52-8 victory at Marshall. The lone loss came the next week, 24-20 against Briar Woods.

Since then it has been a 25-14 victory at Yorktown, shutting out McLean 42-0, thumping Washington-Lee, 28-2 and the wide margin against Herndon.

Taylor took over after Marvin Wootten resigned prior to the 2014 season. Taylor came to South Lakes after stints as the head coach at Woodson and Robinson, and as South County’s defensive coordinator. He took Woodson to the state semis a decade ago and the regional finals in 2009.

The Seahawks (3-0 in Conference 6) play at Madison on Friday. They close out the schedule with games against Langley, Hayfield and Fairfax.

Even though South Lakes will likely earn a playoff spot, Taylor says nothing is certain at this point in the season.

“One thing I noticed when I got here was we lost some games before we ever stepped on the field,” he said. “Now, we don’t worry about who we are playing. Anyone can win any game in any week.”

Photo: Crowd at South Lakes vs. Herndon game Friday/Credit: Christy Winters Scott

Marvin Wooten, South Lakes High School football coach the last three seasons, has stepped down from the job.

Wooten, 29, had a 9-21 record in his first head coaching job.

“I helped grow the football program, but I felt I did everything I can do here,” said Wooten, who also teaches physical education at the school. “I need to pursue some other options.”

Wooten is finishing a Masters Degree in administration and also has a young child at home, both of which need his attention, he said.

The Seahawks have hired Trey Taylor, defensive coordinator at South County High School, as the new head coach.

Taylor has held several coaching jobs in the county.  He was the head coach at Robinson Secondary School for two seasons. Taylor was fired in 2012 with a 9-13 record.

Wooten, who played at South Lakes, took over after Andy Hill coached the team to a winning season in 2010. Hill surprisingly resigned in the spring of 2011 to return to his hometown in Minnesota. The job was given to Wooten, who made his coaching debut just days after his mother was killed in a car accident.

The team had an up-and-down performance (1-9 in 2011 and 3-7 in 2012) , but returned to the playoffs with a 5-5 record under Wooten last fall.

“I think we have a lot to be proud of,” said Wooten. “We were definitely happy to improve each year and make it to the playoffs. The team has good potential.”