McLean High's football team lost to Washington-Liberty 17-7 on Thursday, Sept. 3, dropping the Highlanders to 0-2 to start the season.

The away game was McLean's first district matchup of 2026. The Highlanders opened their schedule Aug. 28 at Chantilly before traveling to Washington-Liberty for the Sept. 3 contest.

McLean's defense kept the game competitive, and the Highlanders put together a promising touchdown drive before halftime, Patch reported, citing a report from the Highlander News, the school's student newspaper. The offense could not sustain that momentum in the second half.

Coaches and players are focused on building a more balanced attack and tightening run defense ahead of the next game, according to the Patch report.

McLean returns home Thursday, Sept. 10, to face a 2-0 Falls Church squad after wins over Wakefield and George Marshall.