One would think the Brentsville District boys tennis team did itself a big favor Monday afternoon in Nokesville by topping Fauquier 7-2, clinching the regular season Evergreen District title and ensuring a regional tournament berth.

Head coach Brian Taylor had a different message though: don't stop now.

"I'd say the (district) tournament means more to us than the regular season," said Taylor.

In all practicality, all a district tournament win would mean for the top-seeded Tigers is the best seed possible entering the Region II tournament.

However, the team full of seniors is attempting to exit the season in a blaze of glory after being toppled by former district rival Sherando twice and once by George Mason during the regular season.

Losing in districts would hardly send a message that the Tigers (11-3 overall) are ready for another shot at the best.

"They've already killed us," said Taylor, referring to the Warriors' 7-2 and 5-4 victories earlier in the year.

Taylor emphasized that he uses Sherando as the measuring stick to test his own team's greatness. In order for there to be another chance, the team must enter regions with the wind at their backs.

"In some ways, they're a benchmark for us," said Taylor.

Fauquier Coach Jan Ashby explained that he hoped his team could take at least a couple matches out of the round of singles in order to have a shot to win once doubles came around. After all, the Falcons' only loss prior to Monday came against Brentsville last month, so he knew what to expect.

However, only No. 2 seed Ben Simpson managed to pull out a singles victory, winning 10-5 and becoming the only Falcon to top a Brentsville foe twice this season. He and Nicholas Solhjore teamed up to pull out a doubles win too but the Tigers' prevailed in the two lower-seeded matches.

Ashby described Simpson as a "smart kid" who keeps a low-profile during matches but keeps his head up too.

"He never gets down on himself," said Ashby, later adding, "He's got good strokes."

The four-year veteran Simpson explained that Brentsville as a team tends to play "really consistent" and that he's found a tough attack is the best method for Fauquier to compete.

"It you're aggressive at times, you'll be able to get a little bit and take over the mental part of the game," he said. "Then let the matches get into their head."

During the singles round, Brentsville proved Simpson's point about consistency as the Tigers' wins typically came rather convincingly.

Top-rated senior Sean Lee prevailed 10-4 in his match; No. 3 Nick Newman won 10-6; fourth-ranked Chandrahas Jonnala earned a 10-7 victory; Harrison Bergeron brought home a No. 5-seed win 10-1; and Andre Dallas rounded out the top six with a favorable 10-2 decision.

Taylor highlighted Dallas as his team's "biggest surprise" of the year as the football player has developed a more orthodox game throughout the season, helping the Tigers earn more points.

"He's an athlete so he picks up very quick," said Taylor.

For Fauquier, the team entered the final two matches of the regular season in a fight with Kettle Run for district tournament No. 2 seed. If one team were to win out, that team would clinch the higher spot.

Ashby said he's keeping the pressure low and offered simple advice for his players.

"Just relax and enjoy it," he said. "They've done a good job all season."