On paper, Lake Braddock’s start to the season may have been the most daunting in Northern Virginia. The Bruins, coming off a 14-9 season ended by Madison in the Virginia 6A North quarterfinals, had to begin their year against the Warhawks and then play state semifinalist Oakton two days later.

Coach Jody Rutherford said that didn’t stop his team from desperately wanting to get on the field.

“They were really excited to get the season started, and we came out and played confident baseball,” Rutherford said.

The Bruins scored an 8-2 win over Madison and a 7-4 victory against Oakton. While the team has some injuries in its rotation, its offense has muted that issue.

“If you can score six, seven runs, it’s not really going to matter,” Rutherford said.

This year’s team has some experience: It has 11 seniors, including catcher Matt Thomas and pitcher Rojo Prarie, both William & Mary commitments.

Following the Oakton game, the Bruins’ momentum was halted somewhat by Mother Nature. Their third game of the year, against Battlefield, was postponed, and the team had to wait to take its hot start down south, where it will spend spring break playing in the Florida League High School Invitational.

But Rutherford said he thinks the intermission won’t affect his team, because its 2-0 start was the result of a mind-set, not a rhythm.

“We want to be the aggressive team every day that we play,” Rutherford said.

1. Riverdale Baptist (9-1) Last week’s ranking: 1

After scoring just twice in an early loss to Gilman, the Crusaders have found their offense, putting up 34 runs in their past two games.

2. St. John’s (4-1) LW: 2

After a season-opening 2-1 loss to St. Albans, the Cadets took down Calvert Hall in extra innings and then put up 10 runs on Bullis and Bishop Ireton.

3. Riverside (3-0) LW: 3

The Rams will try to continue their hot start in Myrtle Beach, S.C., where they will spend their spring break at the Mingo Bay Classic.

4. Lake Braddock (2-0) LW: 9

The Bruins will start their spring break tournament play against Somerset Academy from Pembroke Pines, Fla.

5. DeMatha (0-1) LW: 4

The Stags will need to beat undefeated Paul VI on Monday to avoid their first 0-2 start since 2015.

6. Paul VI (7-0) LW: NR

The Panthers have won their first six games in a variety of ways, from a 1-0, extra-inning victory over Georgetown Prep, to an 11-10 win over George Mason.

7. Oakton (2-1) LW: 5 

The Cougars gave up five runs in the third inning against Lake Braddock, leading to their first loss.

8. Poolesville (1-0) LW: NR

Senior Brady Pearre did it all for the Falcons in their season debut, recording 14 strikeouts on the mound and going 2 for 3 at the plate.

9. Northwest (0-0) LW: 8

Weather and cancellations have kept the defending Maryland 4A state champions off the field.

10. Severna Park (0-0) LW: 10

The Falcons will make their delayed start to the season with a pivotal matchup against Arundel on Monday.

Dropped out: No. 6 Patriot (2-2), No. 7 Madison (0-1)

On the bubble: Briar Woods (2-1), Spalding (3-0), Chesapeake (0-0), Arundel (0-0)