The Northwestern District was not originally known for being strong in football, yet the 2005 season brought about the dominance of Sherando and Liberty and the emergence of James Wood, Millbrook, and Brentsville as solid football teams.In 2007 Sherando reached the state finals. In basketball, the 2005 Millbrook squad finished second in the region and fell in the state quarterfinals, one year after a last place finish in the district in their inaugural year. In 2008 the Millbrook squad won the state finals bringing the first state championship in basketball to the area.