Training Camp Day 4: Broad Run Spartans
ASHBURN, VA - Two years ago, the Broad Run Spartans finished at the bottom of the Dulles District with a record of 1-9. A year later the Spartans stormed onto the scene finishing one win short of a district championship. Now in his second year, Head Coach Michael Burnett has the Spartans working together toward the Dulles District title. The last time the Spartans won a district title in football was in 1991, but for the first time in years, the talk around town is that this year's Broad Run squad is the early favorite to topple Park View and reclaim its football tradition.
The Spartans lost playmakers such as Adrian Mines, Clayton Abel, and Matt Smith to graduation, and filling their shoes will be difficult. What Broad Run lacks in flash and overall depth at the skill positions, they make up with size and desire. A senior class that experienced that 1-9 season two years back are hungrier than ever to bring the maroon and gold to the top. As Broad Run opens camp, there are several pressing questions that must be answered before the Spartan faithful get too excited
Who will win the quarterback job?
It appears at this point that senior Cole Shain and junior Chris Jessop could both see significant time behind center this fall. The competition for the starting spot will be intense in training camp. Shain, an All Gameday quarterback in 2006, manages the game like a veteran and proved last year he has the tools to win games. Jessop is an exceptional athlete and has a strong arm. His ability to run and throw could create problems for opposing defenses. Either way, Broad Run has a good problem here. Having two solid options at quarterback will mean good things for Broad Run as the competition will surely make the Spartans more effective. Look for this storyline to be there all year long.
Who could potentially break out and have a big year in 2007?
Only a sophomore, Adrian Flemming will step right in at wide receiver to help replace Mines. Flemming has the size, speed, and natural ability to make big plays in Burnett's pass oriented offense. Sophomore Joey Quigg has the speed to spread the field and should compliment Flemming on the other side of the field. Look for Quigg to be dangerous as a kick returner as well. Junior Greg Snow is scrappy and will make his presence felt on the defensive side of the ball. Snow is a playmaker and has a nose for the football.
With Abel gone who will step in at tailback?
Senior Sam Saidi is the biggest and strongest of the tailbacks competing for time. Saidi saw limited time as a junior, but could become a household name this season. Billy Rocca, also a senior, had a big game against West Virginia's state runner up Martinsburg last year and will get some time in the backfield as well Quigg will also get some carries because of his blazing speed and big play ability.
What will be Broad Run's Strength on Offense and Defense?
A tough off-season really benefited an already talented front five. The Spartans return four starters from last year's squad. Returning at tackle is All Gameday senior Brian Morrison. Jake Muth, George Black, Matt Escano, Sean Lewis, and Eric Zimmet also return to give the Spartans plenty of depth in the trenches. On defense, the Spartans will be led by a strong experienced group of linebackers. Dustin Locasio and Kenny McAdow return as the inside linebackers while Sam Saidi, Billy Rocca, Dustin Craig, Jake Muth and Mikey Cotton will battle it out for the two outside spots. The Spartans have plenty of depth and experience returning on defense and the Spartans will be tough to score against this season.
Can the Spartans Learn To Win The Championship?
Talks of a potential championship are spreading, and this year's team expects nothing less than a Dulles District Title. The Spartans have talent across the board and should contest for the crown on November 9th when they play host to Park View High School. If the Spartans avoid the mistakes and take care of business against teams they should beat, Broad Run looks to be a tad better than the Patriots on paper.
Camp Notes:
Day one in Spartan town was tough and intense. Despite a hot and humid day, it was all business on the football field. It was obvious hard work had been put in during the off-season as the Spartans were bigger and faster than a year ago. Coach Burnett had the boys fired up for day one. The questions is, will the Spartans live up to their own expectations?
