Broad Run Dominates Jefferson 40-7
CHARLES TOWN, WV - The Broad Run Spartans entered Friday's contest at Jefferson High School as winners of 22 consecutive regular season games and 16 games overall. As the game got underway there wasn't much of a doubt that the Spartans would travel back to Ashburn as winners of 23 straight regular season games and 17 overall.
The Cougars would start with possession, but gained no yardage and very forced to punt after a quick 3 and out situation. On the Jefferson punt Adrian Flemming misplayed the return opportunity and the Spartans were forced to fall on the football to retain possession. It took very little time for the offense to put the first points on the scoreboard. On just the 3rd offensive play TJ Peeler took a handoff and headed around the left side of the formation and raced through several Jefferson defenders as he easily reached the goal line for a 48-yard rushing touchdown and an early 6-0 lead just 3 minutes into the game. On Jefferson's very next possession they were able to move the football and ate up almost 4 minutes on the game clock and were in Broad Run territory at the 24 yard line when quarterback Allen Milbourne dropped to pass and found a man downfield, unfortunately for the Cougars it was Broad Run's David Weaver, who picked off the pass and gave the football back to the Spartans.
After giving the ball back to the Cougars on a failed 4th down try Jefferson again put the ball on the ground and it was Broad Run coming up with yet another defensive turnover. This time it was Kevin Varela coming up with the turnover and putting Broad Run in great field position once again. On the drive for the Spartans it was a steady dose of Derrill Thomas, who carried the ball on every play of the drive until he reached the end zone from 1-yard out. The score gave Broad Run a 14-0 lead after a successful 2-point conversion. After the ensuing kickoff the Jefferson Cougars again let the ball get on the ground and it was Joey Quigg coming up with the 3rd defensive turnover in a row for the Spartans, all in the 1st quarter of play. Taking over deep in Jefferson territory for the second consecutive time it was Connor Jessop finding Adrian Flemming for a 9-yard touchdown pass, while increasing the Spartans lead in the game. Broad Run would add another touchdown pass from Jessop to Flemming, this time from 16-yards away to give Broad Run a 26-0 lead with 6:40 to play in the first half.
Jefferson took the next possession and made almost the most of it. The Cougars started their final drive of the half on their own 6 yard line and gained yardage all the way to the Broad Run 3 yard line. With just a few seconds left in the half Milbourne rolled to his right and was looking toward the end zone when the Spartans turned up the heat and Milbourne was forced to throw the ball away, unfortunately it was not a good attempt and he was again picked off by the Spartans defense. Ray D'Argenio came away with the interception and returned it back to the Broad Run 32 yard line before being knocked out of bounds. The next play ended the half with the Spartans on top 26-0 behind 4 touchdowns and 4 turnovers.
Although not completely out of the game as the 2nd half got underway, it took just 14 seconds for the Spartans to put the proverbial nail in the coffin. As Joey Quigg caught the kickoff he raced up the Broad Run sideline all but untouched with blocking in front of him and giving the Spartans a 33-0 lead. After the Broad Run starting defense played their final series of the game against the Cougars, forcing a 3 and out situation, the Broad Run starters got one more shot to put the ball in the end zone. This possession for the Spartans took just 4 plays, all ran by TJ Peeler, who gained 48 yards on the drive and scored his 2nd touchdown of the game. Peeler's touchdown gave Broad Run a 40-0 lead and all but ended the game for the Jefferson Cougars.
The remainder of the game was all but elementary with the outcome already decided. Jefferson was able to get on the board with their best drive of the game consisting of 18 plays and covering 72 yards. The drive ended when Milbourne found Tyler Chaney in the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown pass and putting the game at 40-7 Broad Run. After the Jefferson score both teams played a considerable number of their younger players, simply choosing to run the football with the occasional pass attempt.
With the win Broad Run improves to 3-0 in 2009 while outscoring opponents 104-26. Broad Run will host Woodrow Wilson High School out of DC next Thursday evening starting at 7PM. The game will be carried live on the Gameday Radio Network beginning a few minutes prior to kickoff. Remember to check back to Gameday Magazine this week to see where the Spartans end up in this week's edition of the Gameday Power Poll due out early in the week.
Best Buy Players of the Game
TJ Peeler, Broad Run
Peeler saw limited action in the game against the Cougars, but he made the most of his touches in the game. Peeler ended the contest with 8 carries for 122 yards, adding a reception for 31 yards, and finding the end zone twice in the blowout win.
Stanley Bradford, Jefferson
Although Bradford did not start the game as the feature back he made the most of his chance when given the opportunity. Bradford finished the game totaling 20 carries for 88 yards. He also played the entire game on the defensive side of the ball for the Jefferson Cougars.
