The Warriors — behind the senior doubles tandem of Alex Politis and Riley Wilson — won their third straight state title in a 5-4 marathon that lasted 6 1/2 hours and left spectators numb.

In the end, the Warriors were the ones left standing. They won 5-3 and advanced to this morning’s finals against Hidden Valley. Western (18-1) will be gunning for its third straight state title.

After the graduation of five key players and some injuries springing up early in the year, Warriors coach Charles Ix went to the freshman well — and so far, that decision has paid big dividends.

With senior Ben Fitts and sophomores Joey Manilla and Alex Preve, there was no question that the 2008 edition of the Warriors was capable of defending its crown.

For Western Albemarle’s Joey Manilla, superstitions aren’t just a good luck charm — they’re a way of life. He’s looking for just about every mental edge he can find — even if it means wearing layers.

When the dust settled, Western Albemarle came out on top, winning the Virginia High School League’s Wachovia Cup for Group AA schools, an award that combines points earned from appearances and finishes in various VHSL sponsored state tournaments. The VHSL announced the final cup standings Tuesday.

The sophomore managed a win and set the table for Western’s powerful doubles group, where Preve and freshman Teddy Nelson teamed for a 6-1, 6-1 victory at No. 3 doubles that clinched Western’s second straight state title with a 5-2 victory.

Western Albemarle’s win in the VHSL state finals was a fantastic finish to a dominating season, but the state final match also provided a chance for redemption for the Warriors’ Jamie Thomas, Ben Fitts and Joey Manilla.

Anyone who knows Joey Manilla isn’t too surprised that the sophomore is the No. 1 player for the Western Albemarle boys tennis team.

There is no doubt that the Western Albemarle boys tennis team is peaking at the right time. And it was never more apparent than yesterday, as the Warriors downed Covenant in a showdown of two of the area’s top tennis teams.

Charlottesville High School is one step closer to finding a replacement for longtime football coach Garwin DeBerry.