Bruins Stop Hornets and Advance to Playoffs
Chesapeake, VA - In the game that needed no introduction, Deep Creek hosted Western Branch in what has become a right of passage to the playoff for over a decade, The region's fiercest rivalry has decided a playoff spot in 11 of the past 12 seasons, and this game was no exception. It was win or go home for both teams, as the winner would advance to the playoffs as the southeastern district co-champions and the loser would be eliminated. The biggest sub-plot to the game was the fact that this would be Western Branch coach Lew Johnston's final regular season game. The region's longest tenured coach is retiring after a 22 year run with one of the area's most storied football programs.
The game itself would live up to the pre-game hype as the teams slugged it out in one of the best games of the season. Western Branch would control the momentum early on; playing the majority of the first quarter in Deep Creek's half of the field. A missed filed goal was all they would have to show for their efforts however, as Deep Creek was able to hold when they needed it. The Hornets appeared to seize momentum early in the second quarter when Nik Ware intercepted a Kevin Newsome pass, but all Deep Creek could muster was a missed field goal of their own. On the ensuing possession, the Bruins faced a third and 10 from their own 20 yard line, when Newsome took matters into his own hands, and broke out of the pocket for a 60 yard run. Three plays latter Newsome would again scramble, this time for the first score of the game putting Western Branch on top 7-0 midway through the second quarter. After the teams exchanged punts, it appeared as if this would be a defensive battle between two running teams, but Deep Creek quarterback Sam Kirkland had other ideas. After driving his team into Bruin's territory with just over a minute left in the first half, Kirkland found his favorite target Corey Harris for a 32 yard touchdown that tied the score. Western Branch did nothing on their next possession and after a punt pinned the Hornets at their own 12 yard line with 16 seconds left in the half, everyone in the stadium expected coach Cox to run out the clock; content with a tie game at the half. Although Deep Creek came into the game averaging just over 50 yards a game through the air, Kirkland has shown he has the arm to go deep if his receivers could make plays down the field. With 16 seconds left, Kirkland let fly a beautifully thrown ball deep down the right sideline where Harris was able to run under it in stride for an 88 yard touchdown to end the first half with the Hornets up 14-7.
Deep Creek had the momentum going into halftime, but the Bruins defense came out in the second half determined to make up for their miscues. In what would become a theme, the Bruins held Deep Creek to a 3 and out to start the third quarter. One the ensuing possession, Newsome would hit LaQwan Brodie on a 35 yard strike inside the 10, setting up another Newsome touchdown run to tie the score at 14 apiece. Another 3 and out by a suddenly stagnate Hornets offense, and the Bruins would again march to a score. This time it would be Brian Barnson on the reciving end of a 42 yard pass to set up a Hykeem Brodie 3 yard plunge. The Bruins dominated the third frame and entered the final period with a 21-14 lead. The Western Branch defense was stifling and would get the Bruin's the ball back again early in the fourth. An 8 play, 43 yard drive ensued, and Newsome capped it off with his third touchdown run on third and goal from the 4. Deep Creek would finally get their sputtering offense rolling with just under 6 minutes remaining in the game. Kirkland appeared to hit Harris again for a score on fourth and 26, but the play was called back on a holding call. On what would be Deep Creek final offensive play of the season, Bruin's defensive back Javanti Sparrow and Harris both went up for a pass in the end zone, but Sparrow was able to take the ball away and end the Deep Creek comeback attempt. Western Branch would not give the ball back, running out the final 3 minutes of the game, and extending coach Johnston's career by at least one game. Final score 28-14.
Game notes: In the 9 games coming into this game, Deep Creek's opponent ran a combined 199 times for 597 yards. In one game, the Buins rushed 53 times for 277 yards. Newsome was the leading rusher for Western Branch with 15 runs for 96 yards and 3 touchdowns. Brodie added 17 rushes for 88 yards and a score. The Western Branch defense held the Hornets to 138 total yards; 120 of those coming on Kirkland's final 2 passes of the first half.
Playoff games: Salem is the top seed in division 6 and will take on Tallwood at the Sportsplex next Friday at 7:30. Western Branch clinches the #2 seed and a share of the district title, but will play at co-champion Oscar Smith because the site was determined before the outcome of this week's games. Listen live on www.gamedaymagazine.com for the call of the action.
