Washington Commanders Stop by Clarksburg HS Before Heading to the NFC Championship

It was a frigid Friday morning—snow and ice still on the ground from the county's most recent snowstorm. But the Clarksburg High School gymnasium was heating up and the excitement was palpable when former Washington Commanders took the floor. This pep rally was about to take off.

Principal Anita O’Neill and Student Member of the Board of Education Praneel Suvarna opened the celebration, welcoming Commanders legends—linebacker Rocky McIntosh and wide receiver Joshua Morgan. 

The pep rally not only welcomed the Commanders, but also celebrated the Clarksburg Lady Coyotes’ flag football team, which won the state championship in November. This was the inaugural season for flag football in MCPS.  

The gym was full of energy and playoff spirit for fans eager to see the Commanders return to the NFC Championship game for the first time in more than 30 years. Students and staff showed off their dance moves in a contest with the Command Force dance team and mascot, Major Tuddy. They had an opportunity to test their football knowledge with a trivia game and pick up Commanders swag. 

Also celebrating the Commanders and the Coyotes were members of the Board of Education and Superintendent Dr. Thomas Taylor, Dr. Jeff Sullivan director, MCPS Department of Athletics, Ed Dalton, Clarksburg’s athletic director and Dan Levy, director of youth football for the Washington Commanders.

Congratulations to the Lady Coyotes on their Girls Flag Football State Championship win. And to the Washington Commanders - let’s bring home the WIN!