Shaun Blair spent eight seasons as an assistant coach with two of the more successful high school football programs in Northern Virginia. Now a first-time head coach, Blair, 35, is in charge of transforming an average team into a winner.

Blair enters the 2014 season as the head coach of the McLean football team. He takes over a program that finished 15-16 over the last three seasons, including a trip to the playoffs in 2011. From 2007-2013, McLean posted a 31-42 record, including an 8-3 mark in 2010, with three playoff appearances, but no postseason victories.

Winning seasons and playoff victories were part of the culture at Blair’s previous two coaching stops. From 2006-2010, he was an offensive assistant at Robinson under then-head coach Mark Bendorf, who led the Rams to state championships in 1997 and 2001. In Blair’s last two seasons with Robinson, the Rams went 19-5 with a pair of playoff wins.

From 2011-2013, Blair was a defensive assistant at Lake Braddock under head coach Jim Poythress, who led the Bruins to the state playoffs in 2009 and 2010. In Blair’s three seasons with Lake Braddock, the Bruins went 28-8 and reached the 2013 region semifinals.

“Bringing that kind of football culture from what the Burke area has been exposed to with Coach Bendorf and Coach Poythress [is a focal point],” Blair said, “[along with] instilling values about school and your program and playing for more than yourself.”

Offensively, Blair and coordinator Chris Weiler have implemented a spread attack led by senior quarterback Brian Maffei.

“He is one tough guy,” Blair said. “… His development has been exponential from the kid we’ve seen on film.”

Maffei’s top receiving threat is senior Jordan Cole. Tight end Owen Pilewski will also figure into the passing game.

“Bringing that kind of football culture from what the Burke area has been exposed to with Coach Bendorf and Coach Poythress [is a focal point, along with] instilling values about school and your program and playing for more than yourself.”

--- McLean football coach Shaun Blair

Leading the way on the ground will be running back Chris Merrill.

“He’s elusive,” Blair said. “The thing that sets him apart is he has phenomenal vision. He sees it all develop as he’s carrying the football.”

Jack Holland, Tom Shue and Pilewski could also receive carries.

Defensively, the Highlanders will operate out of a base 4-3 alignment. Cole and Shue will be the safeties. Senior Nelson Sera is an enforcer at middle linebacker.

“He gets [to the ball carrier],” Blair said, “with a pretty angry attitude.”

Sam Higbee will be another difference maker at linebacker. Brandon Hill is a standout along the defensive line.

Blair said one goal for the Highlanders is to improve by one game from last year’s 5-5 record, giving McLean a winning season. Another goal is to get in the playoffs.

“They’re a proud group of young men,” Blair said, “and we want to get a game better than they’ve been before.”

McLean will open the season on the road against Washington-Lee at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5. The Highlanders’ first home game is Sept. 19 against Falls Church.