Jay Branom - The 2005 All Gameday Player of the Year
Senior Jay Branom did it all for Potomac Falls in 2005. Whether it was scoring touchdowns or making defensive stops, Branom excelled on both sides of the ball. The 2005 Group AA Dulles District Offensive Player of the Year has been one of the most valuable players in the district for the past few years. The 5-foot-11, 200-pound Branom was a force every game. Branom, who has played quarterback, fullback, and middle linebacker for the Panthers, was on the field at all times.
Branom finished 2005 as the Dulles District's leading rusher and also its leading scorer. Branom compiled an astounding 1,769 yards rushing and 17 touchdowns on 293 carries. He averaged 6.0 yards a carry, second in the district. His 17 touchdowns and one two-point conversion gave him a total of 104 points, by far the top point output in the district.
He also completed 18 passes for 325 yards and four touchdowns at quarterback. On defense, Branom was once again the Panthers' best player, totaling 21 solo tackles and 32 assists, leading the team in both categories. Offensively, Branom had many big games. In the opener against Manassas Park, Branom ran for 85 yards and two touchdowns. Against a tough Martinsburg, W.Va., team, Branom ran for 137 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries, while also completing three passes for 44 yards.
In the next few games, Branom broke out, pummeling Washington&Lee for 233 yards and one touchdown rushing and another touchdown passing. In the following weeks, Branom continued to punish opponents: 241 yards rushing , 3 touchdowns against Loudoun County; 276 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns against Park View; 282 yards rushing against Heritage; and in his final game of the season against Dominion, 260 yards rushing and a season-high five touchdowns.
A two-time All-Gameday selection, Branom finished his career at Potomac Falls as one of the young school's all-time best and holds the Panthers' tackling record, which he broke in 2004. Branom played his heart out every game and always delivered that extra effort. His leadership, on the field and in the locker room, was felt by coaches and teammates. Whether it was leading the Panthers' offense or making sure the defense was in on every play, Branom got the job done and that is why he is the 2005 All-Gameday Player of the Year.
