BROAD RUN FOOTBALL 2016 SEASON IN REVIEW
2016 Conference 14 Champs
2016 Varsity Football Date Opponent Location Time W/L Score Aug 26 Potomac Falls Home 7:00 Loss 10-16 Sept 2 Wakefield Home 7:00 Win 41-6 Sept 8 Langley Home 7:00 Win 28-3 Sept 16 Centreville Home 7:00 Loss 9-21 Sept 23 Briar Woods Home 7:00 Win 36-21 Oct 7 Yorktown Home 7:00 Win 29-7 Oct 14 Stone Bridge Home 7:00 Win 10-7 Oct 21 Oakton Away 7:00 Win 34-6 Oct 28 Robinson Home 7:00 Win 28-7 Nov 4 Tuscarora Away 7:00 Win 28-14 Nov 11 Tuscarora Home 7:00 Win 42-21 Nov 18 Stone Bridge Away 7:00 Loss 7-28
2016 BROAD RUN FOOTBALL ROSTER 1 Braithwaite, Ryan 12 QB/DB 165 6'2 55 Harmon, Jonny 12 OL/DL 195 5'11 2 Hembry, Meech 12 QB/DB 200 5'10 56 Gorey, Ryan 10 OL/DL 220 5'7 3 Paige, Devin 12 WR/DB 155 5'8 57 Allison, Chaz 9 OL/LB 185 5'11 4 Phillips, Corey 12 RB/DB 155 5'8 58 Boone, Jacob 12 OL/DL 255 6'3 5 Canales, Sequan 12 RB/LB 180 5'10 60 King, Christopher 11 OL/DL 270 6'4 6 Gonzalez, Brandon 12 TE/LB 205 6'1 62 Varela, Javier 11 OL/DL 220 5'10 7 Hugg, Travis 12 WR/DB 165 5'10 63 Gorey, Connor 12 OL/DL 300 5'11 8 Vargo, Foster 12 RB/LB 215 6'0 64 Funes, Ceasar 11 OL/DL 265 6'3 9 Bragg, Alijah 11 TE/DL 230 6'3 66 Thomas, Zach 10 OL/DL 205 5'11 10 Birchmeier, John 10 TE/LB 235 6'2 70 Fiume, Matthew 11 OL/DL 220 6'3 11 McGhee III, Frank 11 WR/DB 155 5'8 71 Hineman, Josh 10 OL/DL 210 6'0 12 Griffis, Mitch 9 QB/DB 180 6'0 72 Graves, Ryan 12 OL/DL 245 6'5 13 Bryson, Royce 11 WR/DB 155 5'7 73 Deavers, Anthony 10 OL/DL 235 5'11 14 Buri, Atilla 11 K 155 5'9 74 McCracken, Liam 11 OL/LB 190 6'2 15 Robinson, Nick 12 TE/LB 205 6'1 75 Gallo, Jorge 11 OL/DL 205 5'10 16 Turner, Detwaun 11 WR/DB 145 5'6 77 Sangiuliano, Dominick 12 OL/DL 235 6'1 17 Lopez, Alex 11 RB/LB 150 5'6 78 Yost, Dylan 10 OL/DL 245 6'0 18 Whitmore, Alex 10 QB/DB 155 5'11 79 Davenport, Erik 12 TE/DL 290 6'3 19 Payne, Spencer 11 WR/DB 185 6'0 80 Masters, Brendan 11 WR/LB 175 6'0 20 Lindenfeldar, Luke 10 WR/DB 160 5'10 81 Brazina, Dominic 10 WR/DB 165 5'9 21 Middleton, Michael 11 WR/DB 175 5'10 82 Price, Tyler 12 WR/DB 135 5'11 22 Hale, Donovan 11 WR/DB 145 5'10 83 Galban, Gerard 11 WR/LB 160 5'10 23 Earl, Ibn Da'Wuh 11 WR/DB 160 5'11 84 Williams, Ian 11 WR/LB 170 5'9 25 Drake, Everett 10 TE/LB 170 6'1 26 Thompson, Tiege 11 RB/DB 165 5'10 27 Arrington, Michael 11 HB/LB 205 5'11
28 Baldwin, Tim 9 RB/LB 170 5'10 Managers: McKenna Gallagher, Bella Atwood, Marjorie Amaya, 29 Price, Ryan 10 WR/DB 160 5'9 Emily Cardona, Kaylynn Davies, Bella Binder, Sydney Jenkins 30 Harrison, Stephen 11 HB/DL 200 5'11 31 Swanner, Jackson 10 WR/DB 135 5'10 Head Coach: Matt Griffis
32 Hall, Daniel 12 WR/LB 190 5'10 Assistant Coaches: Jerry Gordon, Terry Glenn, Ed Abner, 33 Anderson-Jessup, Josh 10 RB/LB 155 5'6 Jared Toler, Myron Curtis, Greg Stuart, Marshal Ausberry, 34 Smith, Zangar 10 RB/LB 175 5'10 Travis Hannam, Deandre Burnette 35 Powell, Robert 10 WR/DB 165 5'10 Principal: David Spage 36 Jenkins, Spencer 11 WR/DB 155 5'11 Athletic Director: Jack Kirby, CAA 37 Brooks, Jaden 10 WR/DB 130 6'0 Assistant Athletic Director: Ryan Young 38 McGhee, Luc 9 WR/DB 145 5'4 Athletic Secretary: Bonne Abner 39 Wayt, Cameron 10 WR/DB 165 6'0 Athletic Trainer: Craig Veazie 40 Dyson, Kesean 9 TE/LB 160 5'9 Team Doctor: Broadland Family Practice, 42 Miller, Krzystoffer 10 WR/DB 145 6'0 NSMI Dr. Timothy Johnson and Dr. David Johnson 43 Covarrubias, Danny 11 K 155 6' Team Physical Therapist: Andrew Dombeck, AID Performance 45 Dove, Ike 11 TE/DL 195 6'5 Team Moms: Lara Bryson, Monice Fiume, Nikki Harmon 46 Johnson, Connor 10 OL/DL 170 6'0 Statistician: Michael Binder 48 Barnes, Victor 10 WR/DB 130 5'7 Team Photographer: David Harmon, Karin Middleton 49 Leavitt, Will 10 WR/DB 130 5'7 Video Crew: Bill Bryson, Gary Evans, Roger James 52 Robinson, John 11 OL/DL 210 5'8 Public Address: Craig Luhmann
Spartans Stumble in Opener Against Panthers, 16-10.
It had been a long time since the Broad Run Spartans had failed to win their opening game. Proud owners of one of the longest opening game winning streaks in all of Virginia, in fact. It had been just as long since the Spartans had fallen to their Conference 14 rivals from Potomac Falls as well. It was way back in 2006 when both of those defeats took place. Nine straight opening night victories by Broad Run. Eight straight wins over the the Panthers. But all of that changed as new Potomac Falls Head Coach Paul Barnes and his Panthers defeated the Spartans 16-10, to kick off the 2016 high school football season.
The most frustrating part of this defeat, however, was that it wasn't so much the Panthers beating the Spartans as it was Broad Run defeating themselves. A look at the statistics shows that the Spartans ran 79 offensive plays, as compared to just 41 for the Panthers. The Spartans also outgained the Panthers by more than 200 yard of total offense. Perhaps the most telling statistics of the night, however, can be seen in the three Spartan turnovers and the 12 penalties and 120 yards that they were assessed.
Things started out well for the Spartans, led by senior captain Erik Davenport, as they forced a three and out on the opening possession of the game. Following the punt, the Spartans methodically drove down the field, only to lose a Meech Hembry fumble on the Panther 23 yard line. The Panthers took advantage, and following a Spartan personal foul on a 3rd and 8, quarterback Hunter Lawall found Kaevon Chase open in the right corner of the end zone for a 27 yard touchdown. Alex Nemer converted the extra point and the Spartans found themselves down 7-0.
Following the kickoff, Spartans were backed up to their own 13 after another personal foul, but once again were able to march into Panther territory before another fumble ended the drive. After the teams traded punts, Panther's running back Kash Jackson broke free for a 39 yard gain before settling for a 23 yard field goal by Nemer.
The Spartans finally got on the board following a long run by Hembry (25 carries for 234 yards). Shortly after his 28 yard run, the senior was able to punch it in from 11 yards out for the first Spartan touchdown of the young season. However, with 3:25 left in the half, following a pass interference call against the Spartans, Jackson found the corner on a sweep and scored from 33 yards away. Nemer's conversion attempt was no good so the Panthers went into the locker room up by the score of 16-7.
Potomac Falls was having difficulty moving the ball to start the 3rd quarter. With Hembry out for a series, senior quarterback Ryan Braithwaite came in for the Spartans and was able to convert a big 4th and 4. This set up the Spartans with a 1st and goal from the 5 yard line, but the Panther defense held, forcing Spartan Head Coach Matt Griffis to settle for a field goal attempt from the Panther 2 on 4th down. Attila Buri converted the short field goal, shaving the Panther lead to 6 as the 3rd quarter came to an end.
Neither team was able to add to the scoring on their next possession, so with 4:34 left in the game, the Spartans took over on their own 27. Hembry was somehow able to elude a host of Panther defenders on a 4th and 9 from his own 37 to keep the drive alive. Four straight carries by Spartan running back Corey Phillips (21 carries for 114 yards) moved the ball to the Panther 35, but Broad Run was then penalized for a personal foul, followed by an illegal procedure call.
With time running out, the Panthers were called for a personal foul of their own following a completion by Hembry. That gave Broad Run one final chance from the Panther 5 yard line on an untimed down as the scoreboard read 0.0. Hembry rolled out and made a dash for the end zone. When it became clear that he would be stopped short, he flipped a shovel pass into the end zone, but it fell just short as the Panthers stormed the field.
This one will hurt for a while. To a man, the Spartans knew that they let one slip away, let an opponent gain confidence during the game when they could have put them away. There are some positives to build upon, however. The offensive line controlled the line of scrimmage throughout the night, as Hembry, Phillips, and Sequan Canales totaled an impressive 386 yards on the ground. Also, the young Spartans defense clamped down after giving up a few big plays, and shut out the Panthers in the second half. The Spartans, who lost their first game of the season under Coach Griffis for the first time, look to rebound against the Wakefield Warriors Friday at home. Game 1 - 8/26/16 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 0 7 3 0 10 Potomac Falls 7 9 0 0 16
Broad Potomac Run Falls Offense # Plays 79 41 Total Yards 420 214 Yards Per Play 5.3 5.2 Rushing Attempts 54 25 Yards 386 152 Average 7.1 6.1 Touchdowns 1 1
Passing Complete-Attempts 6 13 4 8 Percent Complete 46% 50% Yards 34 62 Average (per Completion) 5.7 15.5 Touchdowns 0 1 Interceptions 1 0 First Downs 21 7 Fumbles \ Lost 2 2 1 1 Penalties \ Yards 12 120 5 50 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 25 234 9.4 1 Phillips 21 114 5.4 Canales 6 29 4.8 Bunting 2 9 4.5
Total 54 386 7.1 1 Passing % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards TD Int Hembry 5 12 42% 30 0 1 Braithwaite 1 1 100% 4 0 0 Total 6 13 46% 34 0 1 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Turner 4 8 2 Paige 1 14 14 Hall 1 12 12
Total 6 34 6 0
Broad Run Rights Ship, Sails Past Wakefield 41-6
To a man, the Broad Run Spartans felt as though they let one slip away in their season opener last week against Potomac Falls. The Spartans dominated in every aspect of the game, except the final score. Unable to do anything about that outcome, the Spartans turned their attention to their next opponent, the Wakefield Warriors, and perhaps were able to vent some frustration in recording their first win of the year.
One major change for the Spartans was evident from the first snap, as senior Ryan Braithwaite took over behind center, and Meech Hembry returned to his tailback position. Another change was that the Spartans were able to finish drive after drive in their opponents' end zone, as they cruised to their first victory of the young season by the score of 41-6.
With Wakefield keying on Hembry, Braithwaite found plenty of time in the pocket, and hooked up with wide receiver Daniel Hall for a 21-yard touchdown pass to get the party started. Wakefield was able to answer, however, but could not convert the extra point, as the Spartans led 7-6 at the end of the 1st.
Wakefield now found themselves in something of a dilemma. In addition to his touchdown pass to Hall, Braithwaite was finding running room on his keepers. With the Warriors no longer able to focus solely on Hembry, Head Coach Matt Griffis decided it was time to take advantage of that, and the senior did not disappoint. The 2nd quarter belonged completely to Hembry and his offensive line, as he ran in for three touchdowns before the half, including a 91-yarder. Attila Buri converted all three of his extra-point attempts and the Spartans went to their locker room up by the score of 28- 6. Just as they had done last week, the Broad Run defense found their footing and completely shut down the Warriors in the second half. Fifteen different Spartans recorded tackles, including five in the Wakefield backfield. Juniors Frank McGhee III and Ike Dove each came up with a turnover as well.
After Hembry ran in from 18 yards out for his fourth touchdown of the evening in the 3rd quarter, Broad Run fans were treated to a glimpse of the Spartan future. Following several impressive runs by freshman running back Tim Baldwin, fellow freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis scampered into the end zone from 43 yards out for his first career varsity touchdown to complete the scoring.
Hembry led the Spartans on the night, gaining 285 yards on just 22 carries. Corey Phillips added 60, as the Spartans rolled to 435 yards rushing on the night. With the 41-6 victory, the Spartans even their record at 1-1 and will host the Langley Saxons next week.
Game 2 - 9/2/16 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 7 21 7 6 41 Wakefield 0 6 0 0 6
Broad Run Wakefield Offense # Plays 66 61 Total Yards 498 111 Yards Per Play 7.5 1.8 Rushing Attempts 43 22 Yards 436 21 Average 10.1 1.0
Touchdowns 5 1 Passing Complete-Attempts 5 14 8 24 Percent Complete 36% 33% Yards 62 90 Average (per Completion) 12.4 11.3 Touchdowns 1 0 Interceptions 2 1 First Downs 16 4 Fumbles \ Lost 2 1 1 1 Penalties \ Yards 11 110 4 50 Rushing
Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 22 285 13.0 4 Braithwaite 6 40 6.7 Phillips 8 61 7.6 Baldwin 5 19 3.8 Griffis 2 31 15.5 1 Total 43 436 10.1 5 Passing % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards TD Int Braithwaite 4 11 36% 47 1 2 Griffis 1 3 33% 15 0 0 Total 5 14 36% 62 1 2 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 2 25 13 1 Paige 1 14 14 Lindenfeldar 1 8 8 Earl 1 15 15 Total 5 62 12 1
Spartans Stymie Saxons, Broad Run Hands Langley 28-3 Defeat
Much has been made of running back Meech Hembrey and the powerful Broad Run ground game, and rightfully so, but for the third consecutive week the Spartans defense has been able to hold their opponent to 16 points or less. This week, the defense was able to hold Langley to a single field goal, as the Spartans ran past the Saxons, 28-3.
After an early interception led to a 25 yard field goal by the Saxons, the Spartans chose to use their All-State running back as a decoy, at least for one drive. With the Saxons keying on Hembrey, senior quarterback Ryan Braithwaite found both room to run and time to pass. Following his 35 yard sprint down the left sideline on a read option, Braithwaite rolled right and found senior tight end Nick Robinson open in the end zone. The 11 yard catch gave the Spartans a 7-3 lead at the end of the 1st.
After turning the ball over on downs, try as they might, the Saxons were unable to contain Hembrey, as he found the end zone from 56 yards out on a 3rd and inches from the Spartan 44. Junior kicker Atilla Buri converted the extra point attempt to put the Spartans up by 11.
The Saxons were unable to hold on to the ensuing kickoff, as a big hit led to a fumble recovery by junior Tiege Thompson. Shortly thereafter, Hembrey raced into the end zone, this time from 22 yards away as the Spartans went into the locker room with a 21-3 lead.
All-State sprinter Travis Hugg showed his speed as he returned the second half kickoff to the Saxon 35 to get things going once again for the Spartans. It was Hembrey that Broad Run coach Matt Griffis turned to for 7 of the next 8 plays. Hembrey punched in his 3rd touchdown of the night for a 28-3 lead that would complete the scoring.
The Spartans' offensive line, led by Jacob Boone and captains Connor Gorey and Dom Sangiuliano, continue to pound their opponents up front. Broad Run, led by Hembrey's area- leading total of 682 yards, has now amassed 1094 yards rushing in just three games. The Spartan defense, led by senior captain Brandon Gonzalez (3 sacks vs. Langley) and sophomore lineman John Birchmeier, have only allowed 244 yards rushing over the same time span.
The Spartans will need to count on the ground game on Friday, both on offense and defense, as the Centreville Wildcats come to Ashburn for the first time. The Wildcats come in with a 2-0 record, having outscored their first two opponents by a combined score of 97-6.
Game 3 - 9/8/16 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 7 14 7 0 28 Langley 3 0 0 0 3
Broad Run Langley Offense # Plays 56 45 Total Yards 332 105 Yards Per Play 5.9 2.3 Rushing Attempts 44 28 Yards 272 71 Average 6.2 2.5 Touchdowns 3 0 Passing
Complete-Attempts 4 8 5 11 Percent Complete 50% 45% Yards 60 34 Average (per Completion) 15.0 6.8 Touchdowns 1 0 Interceptions 3 0 First Downs 14 5 Fumbles \ Lost 0 0 0 0 Penalties \ Yards 3 25 0 0 Rushing
Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 19 163 8.6 3 Braithwaite 13 70 5.4 Phillips 12 39 3.3 Total 44 272 6.2 3
Passing % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards TD Int Braithwaite 4 8 50% 60 1 3 Total 4 8 50% 60 1 3 Receiving
Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 1 10 10 Phillips 2 40 20 Robinson 1 10 10 1 Total 4 60 15 1
Broad Run Falls To Centreville 21-9
What a difference a year makes. It was only last September when Broad Run running back Meech Hembry and his offensive teammates stormed into Centreville's back yard and scorched them for 253 yards rushing and five touchdowns in a 56-21 rout. This time, however, it was the Wildcats turn as they came to Ashburn to repay the favor, rallying for a hard-fought 21-9 victory over the Spartans.
Things started out well for the Spartans as Broad Run was able to recover a Wildcat fumble at the Centreville 22. It quickly became apparent, however, that Centreville was going to do all that they could to keep Broad Run from running wild up the middle, as three straight attempts by Hembry yielded only three yards. An interception in the end zone by the th Wildcats on 4 and 7 would end the threat. Following a Centreville punt, with the Wildcats still determined to hold Hembry in check, it was Broad Run quarterback Ryan Braithwaite who looked to have the first touchdown of the night, as he ran in untouched on 1st and goal from the 8 yard line. It was not to be, however, as a holding call pushed the ball back to the 18. The Spartans would have to settle for a 30 yard field goal by Atilla Buri and a 3-0 lead as the first quarter came to an end.
Centreville converted two big 4th down conversions on their next series, aided by a questionable roughing call on Wildcat quarterback Jameel Siler, who threw one up for grabs while scrambling out of the pocket. Siler later found wide receiver Isaiah Culver open in the end zone for a 13 yard strike and the Wildcats went in at halftime with a 7-3 lead. The Spartans were able to find more running room to open the second half, mixing dives by Hembry with keepers by Braithwaite. On 4th and 10 from the Centreville 25, Braithwaite found a lane, but was tackled just short of the first down and the Wildcats took over. By this time, it became apparent that Broad Run seniors Brandon Gonzalez, Erik Davenport, and sophomore John Birchmeier were too much to handle for the Wildcats up front. Following a negative yardage possession, the Wildcats were forced to punt with 3:29 left in the 3rd. The short kick gave the Spartans terrific field possession on the Centreville 40. The Spartans wasted no time, as Coach Matt Griffis took advantage of the Wildcats' keying on Hembry. The senior took a pitch on 1st down, rolled to his left, and lofted the ball deep to Corey Phillips in the end zone. The extra point was blocked but with less than 15 minutes remaining, the Spartans reclaimed the lead, 9-7.
Still unable to muster anything with their running game, the Wildcats turned to Siler. The senior quarterback hit a beautifully executed screen pass to running back Mark Brown for a 45 yard gain, down to the Spartan 13. Following a sack and a delay of game, the Wildcats were faced with a 3rd and 15. This time Siler found his tight end open in the end zone, as he hit Kobie Turner for the touchdown and a 14-9 lead as the 3rd quarter came to an end.
By this time, Hembry - 27 carries for 133 yards- was finding more room to run. The Spartans drove the ball down to the Centreville 35, but the Wildcats recovered a Spartan fumble . Siler's 43 yard strike to Culver on 1st down would prove to be the clincher, as the Wildcats held on 21-9.
The Spartans would end up outgaining the Wildcats by a 293-231 margin, and also held the advantage in offensive plays and time of possession. However, it was the 190 yards passing by Siler and his three touchdowns that would prove to be the difference. The Spartans find themselves at a crossroads at this point in the season as they fall to 2-2, but all of that can change this week as Broad Run and Briar Woods High Schools are Going Gold in the fight against Childhood Cancer.
Game 4 - 9/16/16 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 3 0 6 0 9 Centreville 0 7 7 7 21 Broad Run Centreville Offense # Plays 61 56 Total Yards 293 231 Yards Per Play 4.8 4.1 Rushing
Attempts 43 26 Yards 212 41 Average 4.9 1.6 Touchdowns 0 0 Passing Complete-Attempts 5 13 12 20 Percent Complete 38% 60% Yards 81 190 Average (per Completion) 16.2 15.8 Touchdowns 1 3 Interceptions 1 0 First Downs 13 8 Fumbles \ Lost 3 1 1 1 Penalties \ Yards 5 50 7 40 Rushing
Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 27 133 4.9 0 Braithwaite 16 79 4.9 0
Total 43 212 4.9 0 Passing % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards TD Int Braithwaite 4 11 36% 40 0 1 Hembry 1 1 100% 41 1 0 Griffis 0 1 0% 0 Total 5 13 38% 81 1 1 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Paige 1 11 11 0 Phillips 3 61 20 1 Hembry 1 9 9 0 #DIV/0! Total 5 81 16 1
Broad Run Blows Past Briar Woods in Backyard Brawl They are separated by four short miles. Many found themselves on opposite sides of the line against former teammates from their time in Ashburn Youth Football. Between the two, the schools have combined for five state championships over the past eight years, and yet, coming into their clash on September 23, Broad Run High School and Briar Woods High School were a combined 3-5 on the young season, with each team desperate for a win. After the Spartans took a 15-point lead into the half, they traded scores with the Falcons in the second half to earn the rivalry-win, 36- 21. For the second consecutive week, it was the Spartans’ special teams that came up with a huge turnover on the game’s first play. Broad Run junior receiver Ibn Earl not only made an open field tackle on the kickoff, but forced a fumble and then pounced on it. There was little doubt about what the Spartans would do given this early opportunity, as they handed off to senior running back Meech Hembry for three consecutive plays. Hembry soon powered his way into the end zone, covering 23 yards on those three carries. A botched extra point left the Spartans with a 6-0 lead only 64 seconds into the game. If the Spartans thought that things would come easy to them on this night, they were mistaken, as the Falcons quickly answered. Briar Woods senior quarterback Skyler Springs found 6-foot-5 senior wide receiver Nik Schuder streaking down the left sideline for a 72-yard gain. Junior tailback Julian Posas then punched it in from five yards out and just like that, the Falcons took a 7-6 lead. Down 1-point with just over three minutes left in the first quarter, Hembry again found the end zone by way of a 5-yard touchdown run to give the Spartans a 6-point lead. But things seemed to fall apart on Broad Run’s next possession. Broad Run junior receiver Ibn Earl not only made an open field tackle on the game’s opening kickoff, but also forced a fumble and then pounced on it. Broad Run senior quarterback Ryan Braithwaite went on a 57-yard touchdown run as the first quarter expired, but the first-year starter left the game following that play due to an injury. The Broad Run coaching staff has preached a “next man up” philosophy throughout the season, and at no time would this become more apparent than on this night. With senior center Connor Gorey out with an injury and Braithwaite similarly heading to the sidelines, junior center Javier Varela and freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis had to step up to fill the void. Early in the second quarter, following a stop by their defense, the Spartans took over deep in their own territory and methodically drove down the field, taking almost the entire second quarter in doing so. Much of the drive consisted of Griffis taking the snap from Varela and handing off to Hembry. Briar Woods knew full well what was coming, but was powerless to stop it. The drive culminated in a 30-yard field goal by Broad Run junior kicker Atilla Buri, giving the Spartans a 22-7 halftime lead. Rivalry games are special for a reason, and the Falcons came out flying to begin the third quarter. Springs would find senior receiver Ben Maffe open for a 35-yard touchdown, and the Falcons were right back in it, 22-14, with more than ten minutes left in the third quarter. However, following yet another soul-crushing drive by the Spartans, Hembry ran it in from five yards out for his third touchdown of the night and the Spartans found themselves up 29-14 as the third quarter came to a close. Trailing by 15, Briar Woods head coach Charlie Pierce knew that his team needed a touchdown on their next possession, and two fourth-down conversions later, the Falcons had done just that. On 4th-and-goal from the 5-yard line, Maffe completed a jump pass to perfection, finding senior and fellow team captain Riley Garcia wide open in the end zone. Once again, the Falcons had trimmed the lead to 8 with more than eight minutes remaining, 29-21. However, Hembry proved to be too much for the Falcons’ defense to handle as he would get the ball on nine of the next ten plays for the Spartans before capping off his night with his fourth rushing touchdown, this one from 20 yards out. The 2015 VHSL 5A all-state running back would end up rushing for 254 yards on the night, outgaining the entire Falcon offense, which netted 249 yards. Hembry also went over the 1,000-yard milestone on the season, giving him an area-leading 1,069 yards rushing after just five games. The No. 9 Spartans (3-2) will enjoy their bye week before hosting Yorktown on October 7. Game 5 - 9/23/16 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 19 3 7 7 36 Briar Woods 7 0 7 7 21
Broad Run Offense # Plays 70 Total Yards 347 Yards Per Play 5.0 Rushing Attempts 54 Yards 329 Average 6.1 Touchdowns 5
Passing Complete-Attempts 4 5 Percent Complete 80% Yards 33 Average (per Completion) 8.3 Touchdowns 0 Interceptions 0 First Downs 0 Fumbles \ Lost 0 0 Penalties \ Yards 0 0
Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 47 254 5.4 4 Braithwaite 1 57 57.0 1 Phillips 1 2 2.0 Griffis 5 16 3.2 Total 54 329 6.1 5 Passing % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards TD Int Griffis 4 5 80% 33 Total 4 5 80% 33 0 0 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 3 27 9 Hale 1 6 6 Total 4 33 8 0
Complete Effort Gives Broad Run 29-7 Win Over Yorktown on Homecoming
Since Matt Griffis took over as the Broad Run football coach in 2011, the Spartans have consistently had one of the most prolific offenses in the Northern Region. Led by senior running back Meech Hembry and his veteran offensive line, that has been the case again this year, as the Spartans are averaging more than 25 points per game. However, for perhaps the first time since he arrived, Griffis and his assistants can look at the defensive unit with the same sort of confidence. This confidence was on full display Friday evening, as the Spartans held their opponent to under 200 total yards for the fifth time in six games as they delighted their Homecoming crowd with a convincing 29-7 victory over the Yorktown Patriots from Arlington.
Before the crowd had even finished filing in, it was senior co-captain Brandon Gonzalez who set the tempo for the Spartans defense. The Patriots came into the game averaging more than 21 points per game themselves, much of it through the air, but following a tackle and a sack by Gonzalez the Patriots were forced to punt. Unfortunately for Yorktown, the punt was returned by Hembry for 25 yards, and the Spartans took over on the Patriots 41 yard line. Three carries later by Hembry and the Spartans found themselves up 7-0 with less than two minutes gone by.
Gonzalez quickly bailed out his offensive mates following an interception by Yorktown with a strip and recovery of his own. With freshman Tim Baldwin - 19 carries for 142 yards - spelling Hembry, the Spartans methodically drove down the field once again. Baldwin pounded out 28 yards on three carries before giving way to Hembry, who took it in from three yards out for his second touchdown of the night, and 14th of the season. Baldwin's two point conversion gave the Spartans a 15-0 lead going into halftime.
It was Baldwin who came out running to start the 3rd quarter. Following a nifty 20 yard run down to the Patriot four yard line, Baldwin went in untouched for his first varsity touchdown. The drive took up more than half of the 3rd quarter and put the Spartans up 22-0. Yorktown finally got on the scoreboard when quarterback Tanner Wall found David Patterson open beyond the Spartan secondary for a 75 yard score. Any momentum that the Patriots might have had dissipated quickly, as Baldwin gained 11 yards on a 4th and 9 gut check call by Griffis. Baldwin took it in from 16 yards out on the very next play to complete the scoring, 29-7.
The scoring might have been over, but the Spartan offense wasn't done. Taking over on downs with almost eight minutes remaining in the game, freshman Mitch Griffis (8 for 14 passing for 80 yards) and sophomore running back Zangar Smith took turns running the ball down the field to salt this one away. Hembry led the way with 183 yards on the ground, giving him an area-best 1,252 yards in just six games. Smith added 42 and Griffis went for 29 as the Spartans rolled up 476 total yards compared to just 187 yards for the Patriots. In addition to Brandon Gonzalez' big night, the Spartans were led on defense by senior most guard Erik Davenport and sophomore John Birchmeier.
Following the game, as the Spartans made their way back to the locker room, there was a noticeable lack of cheering and hollering. This did not go unnoticed by one of the sophomores on the Spartans, who turned to one of his teammates and asked a teammate why it was so reserved. He just turned to him and said Yorktown is over. Now it's Stone Bridge week." And so it goes, as next Friday the 4-2 Spartans host the defending North Region champions, the 5-1 Stone Bridge Bulldogs. Get there early if you want a seat for the Battle of the Burn.
Game 6 - 10/7/16 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 7 8 14 0 29 York Town 0 0 7 0 7
Broad Run York Town Offense # Plays 56 45 Total Yards 570 105 Yards Per Play 10.2 2.3 Rushing Attempts 66 28 Yards 507 71 Average 7.7 2.5 Touchdowns 4 0 Passing Complete-Attempts 8 14 5 11 Percent Complete 57% 45% Yards 63 34 Average (per Completion) 7.9 6.8 Touchdowns 0 0 Interceptions 2 0 First Downs 25 7 Fumbles \ Lost 0 0 0 0 Penalties \ Yards 10 120 0 0 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 28 265 9.5 2 Baldwin 21 171 8.1 2 Griffis 9 36 4.0 Smith 7 35 5.0 Whitmore 1 0 0.0 Total 66 507 7.7 4 Passing TD Int % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards Griffis 8 14 57% 63 0 2 Total 8 14 57% 63 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 3 35 12 Phillips 2 4 2 Harrison 1 12 12 Hale 1 6 6 Hembry 1 6 6 Total 8 63 8 0
Spartans Miracle Comeback Stuns Bulldogs in The Battle Of The Burn
It was 4th and 12 from the Broad Run 21 with less than 80 seconds to go. The Stone Bridge Bulldogs led the Broad Run Spartans by the score of 7-3 in a game that had been dominated by both defenses. The Spartans’ freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis set up quickly, and given time by his trusted offensive line, fired a strike into the hands of senior Meech Hembry and the rest, as they say, is history.
At the moment he caught the pass, everyone watching, whether rooting for the rival Bulldogs or the hometown Spartans, knew that no one was going to catch him. No one. To top of the night for the Spartans, Hembry would then seal the deal by picking off a last ditch Stone Bridge pass.
“Just to hear everybody screaming ‘Go Meech!’, that was a helluva feeling.” said the senior. Mitch put it right on the money". Coach Matt Griffis was equally as excited as his players, telling them “You were resilient! You never stopped fighting! That’s what Spartans do. Never give up on anything.”Griffis said the entire Broad Run community felt the tension of Stone Bridge Week. “I’m excited for our whole school,” the Broad Run coach said. “It’s a little special when you’re playing the Battle Of The ‘Burn…. When the stands are already filled up and you haven’t even taken warmups, you know it’s a big game. It’s like playing in a regional championship, in the middle of the season.”
Mickey Thompson, Stone Bridge’s head football coach, seemed taken somewhat aback by what had happened. “I’m not used to losing,” the coach said. “It’s not the end of the world, but it sure feels like it right now.”
“Our defense played phenomenal. They’ve played great all year,” Griffis said. “We wanted to stop the run, and the kids came up huge tonight.”
Things didn't start out all that well for the Spartans, as on Stone Bridge's second possession, senior Easton Turner lofted a pass to junior Tyrese Johnson for a 48-yard gain to the 2. Bradley Block scored moments later for the first score.
Later, the Spartans found themselves in real trouble from inside their own 10 after Stone Bridge's Nate Fender scooped up a Spartan fumble. The Spartan defense, however, immediately returned the favor on the very next play as Broad Run sophomore John Birchmeier first kicked a loose ball down the field, followed it, and was finally able to pick it up. The Bulldog defense would then limit Hembry to four yards on three rushes and force a punt. From midfield, Turner tried to throw, but was hit by a Broad Run's Brandon Gonzalez as he did. The ball flipped end-over-end, coming down where only senior linebacker Foster Vargo was. He intercepted it and took off, seeing just one man to beat. He shook that man, Joshua Breece, once on the way down the field, but the speedier Breece caught up from behind at the 10.
That was the Spartans’ cue to give the ball right back, which they did on a fumble recovered by Bulldog Aidan McFarlane. But when Broad Run’s defense allowed nothing in return, the teams’ turnovers led to no points.
With the first half nearly gone, the Spartans moved the ball to the Bulldogs 15. From there, Griffis rolled out and saw Birchmeier breaking free in the end zone, so he flung it there. Birchmeier slid on his knees but couldn’t catch it, marking the second near- TD the freshman QB almost had. An Atilla Buri field goal from the left hash cut the Stone Bridge lead to four at the half.
Broad Run opened the second half with the ball and let Braithwaite run with it. The senior turned a zone- read into a 21-yard gain as the Spartans pushed into the Stone Bridge red zone. A few plays later, they were a yard short on 4th- &-5, coming away empty on a six- minute possession.
Several uneventful possessions for each team would lead to three of the most exciting minutes in Broad Run history. Up 7-3 with just those three minutes left, the Bulldogs reached the red zone with a chance to salt it away. On third down, with less than 90 seconds left, the Bulldogs inexplicably tried to pass. The incompletion stopped the clock and allowed Broad Run to save a timeout, which they would make good use of a short time later. On 4th down, Brandon Gonzalez sacked Turner to turn it over on downs and Broad Run had the ball, on the 21, down 4, in the Battle Of The Burn.
Three incomplete passes led to timeout. On 4th down, Mitch threw it for Hembry to catch and run with it while nine other guys helped make the miracle happen; suddenly, just like that, the Broad Run Spartans had won. Somehow.
“This is a crosstown rivalry game. Everybody’s going to be here,” Hembry said. “This is lit.”
Amazing play. Amazing game. The Spartans and the Bulldogs engaged in a fierce battle, every yard contested, every tackle assisted. It was a matchup worthy of the rivalry, the sort of outcome that’ll have you believing the hype before the next Battle Of The ‘Burn.
“I don’t know where else you can find this kind of energy in a rivalry,” Matt Griffis said. “You’re missing out if you don’t get to play in a Broad Run - Stone Bridge game.”
Game 6 10/14/2016 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 0 3 0 7 10 Stone Bridge 7 0 0 0 7 Stone Broad Run Bridge Offense # Plays 60 51 Total Yards 215 195 Yards Per Play 3.6 3.8 Rushing Attempts 38 34 Yards 108 122 Average 2.8 3.6 Touchdowns 1 1 Passing Complete-Attempts 5 15 4 8 Percent Complete 33% 50% Yards 107 73 Average (per Completion) 21.4 18.3 Touchdowns 1 0 Interceptions 0 0 First Downs 9 8 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 28 83 3.0 Braithwaite 8 23 Griffis 1 4 4.0 Baldwin 1 -2 -2.0
Total 38 108 2.8 Passing TD Int % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards Griffis 4 13 31% 104 1 Braithwaite 1 2 50 3 Total 5 15 33% 107 1 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 1 6 6 Phillips 1 8 8 Robinson 2 15 8 Hembry 1 79 79 1 Total 5 107 21 1
Spartans' Win Streak Reaches Four With Resounding Victory Over Oakton
Last year, the Spartans started their season on the road for the first seven games of the season before hosting the first game ever on their new turf against the Oakton Cougars. The Spartans went on to win that game in thrilling fashion in double overtime by the score of 28-21. This year, with the venues flipped, the Spartans found themselves away from the friendly confines of Broad Run for the first time against those same Cougars. Unlike last year, however, there was no drama, as the Spartans used a balanced attack to defeat Oakton by the score of 34-6.
The Spartans were once again clicking on all cylinders as they were able to move the ball effectively on their first drive. Meech Hembry, selected as the ESPN 980 Player of the Week for his efforts (212 yards rushing on only 19 carries and 2 touchdowns), did most of the heavy lifting on the initial drive before turning things over to freshman running back, Tim Baldwin. Baldwin took it in from 4 yards out to put the Spartans up. Junior Atilla Buri, who has been consistent all year, converted on the extra point try to give Broad Run a 7-0 lead midway through the 1st quarter.
Oakton did answer back, as senior Matt Prosser nailed a 44 yard field goal in the rain that looked as if it would have been good from 54 yards out. The Cougars had no choice but to devote eight and sometimes nine defenders to stopping the Spartan ground game, and this strategy allowed quarterback Mitch Griffis time to stand tall in the pocket and find his open receivers. He found Devin Page for a 24 yard touchdown in the first half, and later found Donavan Hale for a 16 yard touchdown to close out the scoring. In between, Hembry does what he does best, scoring first from 39 yards away, and then punching it in from 9 yards in the 3rd quarter.
The Spartan defense continued to shine, holding the Cougars to two Prosser field goals on the night. The front seven was simply overpowering, holding the Cougars to under 100 yards rushing on the night, and well under 200 total yards. The 6A Cougars simply had no answer for Davenport, Birchmeier, Harrison, Gonzalez, Vargo, Arrington and Company.
This was a workman-like performance that had to please the entire coaching staff. The Spartans handily defeated a team that they should have handily defeated. After savoring this win for just a short time, it was back to work, as the Spartans had some unfinished business to settle with their next opponent, the Robinson Rams.
Game 6 10/21/2016 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 7 14 6 7 34 Oakton 3 3 0 0 6 Broad Run Oakton
Offense # Plays 59 59 Total Yards 422 146 Yards Per Play 7.2 2.5 Rushing Attempts 47 30 Yards 324 88 Average 6.9 2.9 Touchdowns 3 0 Passing Complete-Attempts 8 8 7 20 Percent Complete 100% 35%
Yards 98 58 Average (per Completion) 12.3 8.3 Touchdowns 2 0 Interceptions 0 0 First Downs 11 12 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 19 212 11.2 2 Braithwaite 8 62 7.8 Griffis 3 15 5.0 Baldwin 10 33 3.3 1 Anderson 3 7 2.7
Smith 3 9 3.0 Total 47 324 6.9 Passing TD Int % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards Braithwaite 3 3 100% 28 Griffis 5 5 100% 70 2 Total 8 8 100% 98 2
Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 1 6 6 Phillips 1 8 8 Robinson 2 15 8 Hembry 1 79 79 1 Total 5 107 21 1
Spartans Control Rams From Beginning to End, 28-7 Last year, the Broad Run Spartans were flying high with a record of 7-1 as they rode into Fairfax to face the Robinson Rams. Forty eight minutes later, they limped home after being beaten, bloodied and bruised by a stronger and more physical team. What a difference a year makes. In a convincing 28-7 win over Robinson on Friday night, Broad Run capped a 4-0 month of October in which it allowed a total of 27 points. They also exercised some demons from last year. Senior Captain Connor Gorey said "Last year, they punched us in the mouth and we never really responded. We didn't appreciate their style of play, felt like they had some dirty plays, but we really didn't do anything about it. This year, we wanted to show them how we like to play, and I think as a team we did that." The offense was cooly efficient on this crisp fall night, but the defense was especially stifling. “Our defense is very well organized. We have a lot of guys doing their job and flying to the football,” senior nose tackle Erik Davenport said. “It’s a team defense. We work for each other.” A 12-point loss to Centerville, a team they defeated handily last year, dropped Broad Run’s record to 2- 2, but at a time when lingering doubts could have derailed their season, the Spartans have righted the ship with a five-game winning streak that includes a 10-7 win over rival Stone Bridge. With a selfless attitude and relentless team pursuit, the defense has led the team’s ascension to the top of Virginia’s Conference 14. “To be honest, before the season, I was a little bit on the scared side. We lost a lot of our guys,” Davenport said. “But our defense this year has more confidence. We’ve trusted that everyone is going to do his job, and now we’re in a pretty good place.” On offense, Broad Run’s rotating backfield reflects its defense’s altruistic nature. In Week 1, senior Meech Hembry started at quarterback in a 16-10 loss to Potomac Falls. Since that game, Hembry, who has 18 rushing touchdowns this season, has returned to running back.At quarterback, hard-running senior Ryan Braithwaite and freshman Mitch Griffis have combined contrasting quarterback styles to keep opposing defenses guessing. “It’s hard for defenses to adjust having two quarterbacks with two different styles,” Braithwaite said. “And with Meech Hembry in the backfield, there’s no telling what might happen.” On Friday, Braithwaite led a 14-play touchdown drive on the game’s first possession. Then Griffis stepped in to lead nine-play touchdown drive. In the second quarter, Braithwaite scored on a 35-yard touchdown run to give the Spartans a 21-0 halftime lead. “We were short at QB, and I thought that’s the best way for me to help us win,” Braithwaite said. “It’s about being selfless and recognizing that we need to do what’s best for the team.” Broad Run (7-2) can win the Conference 14 regular season title with a victory at Tuscarora (5-4) next week. In last season’s Week 10 matchup, the Huskies drove 80 yards in the final minute to score the game-winning touchdown in a wild 43-42 win. “This game is going to be a very special game. I remember losing it last year,” Davenport said. “This game will be our revenge. It’s a special night because we want to win that conference championship for our school and our community.” Gorey added "There is no way that Tuscarora puts up a big number against us this year. We trust our guys on the other side of the ball, just like they trust us. I can't wait."
Game 6 10/21/2016 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 7 14 0 7 28 Robinson 0 0 7 0 7
Broad Run Robinson Offense # Plays 59 41 Total Yards 269 140 Yards Per Play 4.6 3.4 Rushing Attempts 48 34 Yards 248 140 Average 5.2 4.1 Touchdowns 3 1
Passing Complete-Attempts 3 6 0 2 Percent Complete 50% 0% Yards 21 0 Average (per Completion) 7.0 0.0 Touchdowns 1 0 Interceptions First Downs 15 6 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 21 73 3.5 2 Braithwaite 10 90 9 1 Griffis 2 16 8.0 Baldwin 13 45 3.5 Phillips 2 24 12.0 Total Passing TD Int % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards Braithwaite 0 1 0% 0 Griffis 1 3 33% 7 Hembry 2 2 100% 14 1 Total 3 6 50% 21 1
Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Payne 1 7 7 Phillips 1 7 7 1 Robinson 1 7 7 Total 3 21 7 1
Broad Run Holds Off Tuscarora 28-14, Captures Conference 14 Crown!
It was just a year ago that the undefeated Tuscarora Huskies rolled into Ashburn, attempting to secure their second consecutive undefeated regular season, and in the process of winning would capture the 2015 Conference 14 championship. The 7-2 Spartans had other ideas, however, as a Broad Run victory would give them the title. In a game for the ages, the Spartans ultimately fell to the Huskies by the score of 43- 42, after leading throughout the game. Little did those Broad Run underclassman realize that a year later, those same Huskies would be all that stood between them and a Conference 14 championship of their own.
The Spartans came to Fortune Field riding a five game winning streak, while the Huskies had won four of their last five. Coach Griffis and his staff knew full well that Tuscarora would present a stiff challenge and that nothing would come easy on this night. The Spartans would need to overcome a 14-0 halftime deficit in order to extend their winning streak to six games heading into the postseason.
The Spartans were up to the challenge. Broad Run shut out Tuscarora in the second half, while scoring four unanswered touchdowns to earn a 28-14 victory in a game that was much closer than the final score indicated. "We had some unfortunate breaks in the first half," Broad Run head coach Matt Griffis said. "We just had to come back in the second half and play the football we know, not give up and have hope.”
With the win, Broad Run (8-2) secured a home game in the first round of the 5A North Region playoffs. Tuscarora (5-5) will begin postseason play on the road.
The Huskies carried their senior night inspiration into their opening drive of the game. With a balanced mix of run and pass, Tuscarora set the tone with a 13-play, 65-yard drive. Junior running back Jaylon Lundy finished the drive, pounding across the goal line from 2 yards out to give the hosts an early 7-0 lead.
After the teams traded punts, the Spartans found themselves pinned deep inside their own 1-yard line when Tuscarora's Bryce Sorrell beautifully executed a 59-yard punt. The Spartans were not deterred.With running back Meech Hembry and quarterback Mitch Griffis settling in, Broad Run slowly began to move the ball upfield. Griffis began to break off chunks of yardage as the Huskies keyed in on Hembry. The Spartans held the ball for more than 10 minutes, reaching the Huskies' 13-yard line before the drive stalled. Broad Run lined up for a field goal attempt, eager to get on the scoreboard.
Instead, Tuscarora would add to its lead. The Huskies blocked the ensuing kick and junior defensive back Alex Lee scooped up the ball and took off, not stopping until he was in the end zone. Yassine Elmellouki kicked the extra point and Tuscarora held a two-touchdown lead at halftime.
Broad Run's comeback was ignited midway through the third quarter. With a combination of patience and quickness, Hembry rumbled 47 yards deep into Huskies' territory. Three plays later, Hembry moved the pile eight yards and into the endzone. The extra-point kick failed but the momentum clearly shifted.
Hembry scored his second touchdown of the game early in the fourth quarter on another spectacular run. Broad Run was within 14-12 after the two-point conversion failed. Broad Run shut down Tuscarora forcing a three-and-out. The Spartans took over on their own 40-yard line and again moved the ball. Facing third and 11 on the Huskies' 38, Mitch Griffis connected with receiver Devin Paige, who maneuvered inside the 10-yard line when the ball was knocked loose. Receiver Daniel Hall was in the right place at the right time as he quickly scooped the ball off the ground and ran the final 8 yards in for the go-ahead touchdown. Hembry ran in for the two-point conversion and the Spartans had their first lead of the game with 3:16 remaining in regulation.
"As a unit they stepped up," Matt Griffis said. "Everybody did their job. Our kids are blue-collar kids and they work hard. I’m really proud of their work ethic and their resiliency."
The Huskies were not about to go down without a fight. Quarterback Justin Allen put the Huskies in position to regain the lead. After completing his third pass of the drive to senior receiver Gunnar Biebighauser, the Huskies reached the Spartans 10-yard line with just 54 seconds remaining.
With the game still up in the air, Broad Run's defense came up big. Forcing a fumble, Liam McCracken recovered and rumbled and stumbled all the way to the end zone some 90 yards away.
With the win, the Spartans had accomplished what few had thought they could. They had earned the right to call themselves champions of Conference 14, the toughest conference in the entire state as judged by vhsl-reference.com and cal preps.com, as well as several other publications. For a group that came first came together in July without much fanfare, without lofty expectations, it was a sweet moment indeed, shared by the outstanding Maroon Crew and family and friends. Now, on to the playoffs!
Game 10 11/4/2016 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 0 0 6 22 28 Tuscaroroa 7 7 0 0 14
Broad Run Tuscarora Offense # Plays 58 55 Total Yards 360 170 Yards Per Play 6.2 3.1 Rushing Attempts 40 28 Yards 280 85 Average 7.0 3.0
Touchdowns 2 0 Passing Complete-Attempts 9 13 10 18 Percent Complete 69% 56% Yards 80 85 Average (per Completion) 9.0 8.5 Touchdowns 1 1 Interceptions First Downs 12 12 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD
Hembry 18 152 8.4 2 Braithwaite 6 67 11.1 Griffis 11 56 5.1 Baldwin 5 5 1.0 Total 40 280 7.0 2 Passing TD Int % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards Griffis 8 11 73% 68 1 Hembry 1 2 50% 12 Total 9 13 69% 80 1 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hembry 2 10 5 Phillips 1 -2 -2
Turner 1 8 8 Earl 1 12 12 Paige 1 28 28 Hall 3 24 8 1 Total 9
Balanced Rushing Attack Leads Broad Run Past Tuscarora in VHSL 5A North Playoffs
A week out from travelling to Leesburg to play perennial state contender Tuscarora High School, two- time state champion Broad Run High School hosted the Huskies in a VHSL 5A North region playoff game. Two weeks of preparation led to two wins for the Spartans as they trumped the Huskies, 42-21, on November 11 in Ashburn. “They put up such a good fight last week. I respect Tuscarora 100-percent,” Broad Run senior center Connor Gorey said. “But this team has big things planned. We’re here to play.” Known for their high-powered running attack, the turning point for Broad Run came midway through the third quarter on the defensive side of the ball. Broad Run senior quarterback Ryan Braithwaite scored two touchdowns in the Spartans’ win over Tuscarora in a VHSL 5A North region playoff game. After sacrificing 30 yards on the same play – due to an unnecessary roughness call followed by an unsportsmanlike conduct call – the Spartans were challenged by the young Husky offense in Broad Run territory. On 2nd-and-goal, Tuscarora sophomore quarterback Justin Allen dropped back and made a pass, looking for the end zone, only to find Broad Run senior Meech Hembry who picked off Allen and returned it back to the Spartan’s 33- yard line. “We just tell our kids ‘just keep playing, just keep playing,’ and eventually things are going to go your way. Sure enough, we just kept grinding, trying not to give up the big scores,” Broad Run head coach Matt Griffis said. “It’s hard in high school football to maintain long, long drives. Eventually, you’re going to turn the ball over or get a penalty that hurts you. We did, and Meech had a huge pick.” That interception return led to Broad Run freshman quarterback Mitch Griffis’ second touchdown run of the game to give the Spartans a 35-14 lead late in the third frame. “I was proud of how we made offensive adjustments at halftime and ran the ball effectively. I was proud of how we played defense and special teams,” coach Griffis said. “All three phases, we did a heck of a job. That’s playoff football.” The Huskies have a bright future as Tuscarora sophomore Justin Allen will return with a season as a starter under his belt in 2017. While Broad Run’s defense offered the momentum swinging play, the Spartans’ running attack was certainly not overshadowed. The platooning quarterback duo of senior Ryan Braithwaite and the young Griffis ran for two touchdowns each, while Hembry added two rushing scores on top of his big interception.
“Heart and effort,” Mitch Griffis said. “That’s all we really ask from our guys, and they never fail to give it ever single play. They give 100-percent intensity.” For the time being, Broad Run’s biggest challenge stands right in front of them. On November 18, the Spartans will travel across town to play Ashburn-rival Stone Bridge High School in a VHSL 5A North region quarterfinal. “Next week, we have Stone Bridge and that’s just the next team on the list,” Gorey said. “We’re a blue collar team. We’re just going to run the ball and pound it. We’re going to bring our A-game, and they’re going to bring theirs. I’m excited to start game planning for Stone Bridge tomorrow.” Broad Run super senior Meech Hembry scored two touchdowns for the Spartans’ offense and picked off Tuscarora in the red zone to swing the momentum towards Broad Run. The last time the No. 6 Spartans and No. 3 Bulldogs met was October 14 at Broad Run. Late in the fourth quarter, facing a 4th-and-long, Griffis dropped back and delivered a 78-yard touchdown pass to Hembry to lift Broad Run over Stone Bridge. “They’ve had this circled on their calendar since October 14. We’ve had this circled on our calendar. It’s time for us to bring it to them at their place,” coach Griffis said. “The road to the state championship goes through Ashburn. Both are very good football teams. We’d both probably like to play each other a little later in the playoffs. But you got to play each other eventually.” “It’s still football. Same teams. Same game. Just a different place,” Mitch Griffis said. “Our fans will travel. Our fans travelled to Oakton, they travelled to Robinson, they travelled to Centreville last year. So they’ll travel one mile. They’ll be there.”
Game 11 11/11/2016 1 2 3 4 Total Broad Run 14 7 14 7 42 Tuscarora 0 14 0 7 21 Broad Run Tuscarora Offense # Plays 57 56 Total Yards 349 282 Yards Per Play 6.1 5.0 Rushing Attempts 47 21 Yards 296 37 Average 6.3 1.8 Touchdowns 6 0 Passing Complete-Attempts 2 6 16 28 Percent Complete 33% 57% Yards 53 245 Average (per Completion) 26.5 15.9 Touchdowns 0 3 Interceptions 2 First Downs 13 10 Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 17 123 7.2 2 Braithwaite 18 93 5.2 2 Griffis 5 68 13.6 2 Baldwin 7 12 1.7 Total 47 296 6.3 6 Passing TD Int % Player Complete Attempts Complete Yards Griffis 2 6 33% 53 Total 2 6 33% 53 Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hembry 1 22 22 Phillips 1 31 31 Total 2 53 27
Spartans Season Ends Against Stone Bridge in 2nd Round
No sense trying to sugarcoat it. This one is going to hurt. It will hurt for many reasons, but it will linger for just a little longer because, to a man, the 2016 Spartans saw their season come to an end against a bitter rival that they had defeated just five weeks ago, against a team that they believe they could have beaten again. But alas, it was not to be, as the Stone Bridge Bulldogs passed their way to a 28-7 victory to end the Broad Run Spartan's season at 9-3.
Stone Bridge, led by unheralded quarterback Easton Turner, came out throwing, and didn't stop until the damage was done. The senior connected on three long touchdown passes, and hit on a fourth that set up the Bulldogs' lone rushing touchdown. Say what you will about the Bulldogs' strategy coming into the game, but Stone Bridge was forced into this game plan because they knew that they simply could not run the ball with any consistency against the stingy Spartan defense.
Broad Run would have their chances in this one, even after finding themselves down three scores at the half. Coach Griffis decided to come out in the third quarter in the Wildcat formation, and led by Conference 14 Offensive Player of the Year Meech Hembry, went on an impressive drive that covered 60 yards, but also took up almost half of the third quarter. Some of the air was certainly let out of the Spartan sails after they were unable to convert on a 4th and long and the ball went back over to the Bulldogs on downs. The Bulldogs would go on to cash in yet again to put the game out of reach.
In typical Spartan fashion, however, there was no quit in this group. The Spartans were able to move the ball down the field once again, and finally were able to get on the scoreboard on a Hembry 9 yard touchdown run. Hope flickered for just a while longer following a beautifully executed on sides kick that was recovered by Broad Run, but was soon snuffed out for good following a strip sack and Stone Bridge recovery.
After the tears have dried, this year's Spartans will be able to look back with pride on their accomplishments, and revel in the aftermath of a hard-earned Conference 14 championship. Nothing was given to this group, and everything had to be earned. Coach Griffis often referred to this year's Spartans as "blue-collar" and this would become a moniker that not only aptly described them, but became part of their identity.
It is not often that you would describe your Conference Offensive Player of the Year and 2,000 yard rusher as "blue-collar", but Meech Hembry certainly fits the bill. Sure, he can run around you, or by you, but if you ask him, I am sure that he would tell you that he would much rather run over any would-be tacklers. And run over them he did. Hembry did it all for the Spartans - offense, defense, special teams - but it was his ground and pound attitude that his teammates adopted, including his bruising offensive line. This lunch- pail group, led by seniors Jacob Boone, Connor Gorey, and Dom Sangiuliano, took pleasure in imposing their will on their opponents to the tune of over 3,200 yards rushing. You want a vote of confidence from your Head Coach? How about going for it on 4th down from your own 10 yard line, and then after converting, doing the same thing all over again four plays later from your own 20 in a game that would decide the conference championship? Fittingly, the Spartans converted on both. Juniors Matt Fiume and Javier Varela will return next year to keep up the tradition.
Heading into the season, one looming question for the Spartans was who would play quarterback. Following their opening day loss to Potomac Falls, the Spartans turned to Ryan Braithwaite. Braithwaite added life to the offense, as teams could no longer focus soley on Hembry, or risk long gains by the senior on the read option. Braithwaite would run for more than 500 yards on the season, and add several key touchdowns, including two in the Spartans big playoff victory over Tuscarora.
To make it even more difficult for the Spartan opponents, freshman Mitch Griffis added another element to the offense midway through the season. Griffis was slowly added to the rotation and his strong arm paid some huge dividends as the year progressed (see Moments of Glory: Broad Run 10 Stone Bridge 7). Broad Run looks set at the QB position for the next several years, to say the least.
Even as the Spartan offense consistently outgained their opponents and dominated the time of possession throughout the season, both of these stats were helped out greatly by perhaps the most complete Spartan defense in Coach Matt Griffis' tenure. The Spartans were led up front by a swarming and at times, overpowering front. Seniors Erik Davenport and Brandon Gonzalez and underclassman John Birchmeier, Stephen Harrison, and John Robinson made it next to impossible for teams to run against the Spartans. If anyone was able to actually find some daylight, they were then forced to deal with linebackers Foster Largo and Michael Arrington, of of course, Hembry.
When this season's seniors look back on their time as Spartans, they will be able to do so with a smile. This is the first team in Broad Run history to defeat Briar Woods, Stone Bridge, and Tuscarora in the same season. They will proudly wear their conference champions gear as they pass each other in the hallways. And no one can ever take from them that magical night in October when they were the only ones who still believed in one another, even on 4th and 12.
So much goes into building a successful program. From the coaches who put in an incredible amount of time and effort, to the team moms who do so much for the boys, as well as the team managers, photographers, the band, and our state championship winning cheerleading squad - the 2016 Broad Run Spartan season was one of achievement, success, and most importantly, teamwork
Broad Run Spartans Junior Varsity Caps Outstanding Season with Conference Championship!
The life of a Junior Varsity football player is not always filled with glory. Perhaps your most important job when you are a member of the JV is to do all you can to help prepare your Varsity teammates for their upcoming opponent and give 100% in practice while running as a member of the scout team.
Heck, with most of this year's games falling on Thursday nights, they weren't even able to join their Varsity brethren forthe weekly team dinners. But that didn't stop this year's Junior Varsity Team from putting together one of the most impressive seasons since Coach Griffis took over the program in 2010. This year, the team finished with a record of 8-1and went undefeated in conference play.
Coach Glenn and Coach Curtis had to feel good about their squad heading into their season opener against Centerville.After all, the Spartans had dispatched Wakefield and Langley in their prepatory scrimmages, and were bolstered by fivefabulous freshman - Chaz Allison, Tim Baldwin, Kesean Dyson, Mitch Griffis, and Luc McGhee.
The first game started off well enough for the Spartans, as they took the ball on their opening possession and drove the length of the field for a touchdown. Add on the two-point conversion and the Spartans led 8-0 before the Wildcats knewwhat him them. Alas, the team from Centerville, who would go on to an undefeated season in their own right, held the Spartans in check the rest of the way and rallied for a 22-8 victory.
Instead of hanging their heads, the Spartans regrouped and came back to pound Briar Woods the very next week.This 30-0 victory over their cross-town rivals was especially sweet for the sophomores on the team, as they had been overwhelmed by the same opponent just a year earlier.
Adversity is just a SAT word when you play for Broad Run. After mauling Potomac Falls (46-0) and Yorktown (36-6), Coach Glenn and his team said good bye to Griffis and Baldwin as both were asked to bring their talents to Varsity.
No matter, as the "next man up" philosophy applies to JV as well. Sophomores Alex Whitmore and Zangar Smith stepped right into the spotlight and showed what they could do when given the opportunity.
By the time Stone Bridge came to town, the Spartans were ready for them. In a classic battle with a finish reminiscentof the one that was to come just a day later, the Spartans won on a 4th quarter strike with less than 90 seconds to play. Whitmore hit Luke Lindenfeldar in stride as he streaked past the defender for the game-winning score.
Led by Chris King, Zach Thomas, and Jorge Gallo on the offensive line and Josh Hineman, Ryan Gorey, and Dylan Yost on the defensive side, the Spartans were able to control their opponents on both sides of the ball. Add two-way players Everett Drake and Chaz Allison and it is clear that the cupboard will be far from empty for the next few seasons. Following the win over Stone Bridge, the Spartans rolled over Oakton and then came from behind for a big win against the Robinson Rams. The season finale matched the Spartans against the Tuscarora Huskies. With a win, the Spartans would claim 1st place and finish undefeated in the conference. The Huskies raced out to a 14-0 before the Spartans could find their footing. A big defensive stop gave Broad Run confidence, and they seized momentum by tying the score on a magnificent drive that simply overpowered the Huskies. With less than two minutes left, Chaz Ållision, playing with what he would later find out was a broken wrist, made an unlikely interception to give the Spartans one last chance to end the season with a victory. Whitmore once again turned to Lindenfeldar, and once again Lindenfeldar beat his man down the field. Whitmore's pass was on the money and the Spartans went wild with their hard- fought 22-14 victory.
This was a special season for this group. Everyone bought in and played a selfless brand of football. They finished the year with eight consecutive victories, and more importantly, learned how to work towards a common goal. They also learned how to win. Congratulations to Coach Glenn and his staff and the entire roster for a great season.
FINAL DEFENSIVE STATISTICS Name Tackles Assists Total CF FR PBU INT TFL Sack Hurry Arrington 78 40 118 1 8 2 4 Vargo 43 31 74 1 1 6 2 5 Gonzalez 41 19 60 3 3 5 9.5 4 Thompson 37 10 47 1 2 1 Hembry 33 11 44 3 2 Davenport 26 17 43 1 Harrison 26 16 42 1 3 4 3 Birchmeier 25 10 35 1 12.5 1 1 Hugg 21 6 27 2 1 N Robinson 16 11 27 1 1 1 McGee 17 4 21 1 1 2 1 Bryson 13 4 17 1 J Robinson 11 5 16 2 Phillips 11 1 12 1 Hall 8 4 12 1 1 McCracken 3 3 6 1 1 2 Payne 5 5 Turner 5 5 Braithwaite 4 1 5 1 Earl 4 1 5 Sanguliano 4 1 5 Allison 3 1 4 Brazina 2 1 3 Paige 2 1 3 1 Jenkins 2 2 K Dyson 1 1 1 Harmon 1 1 Jenkins 1 1 1 Cobra 1 1 Paige 1 1 Ike 1 1 Bragg 1 1 Brazina 1 1 Dyson 0 1 Jessup 0 1
Broad Run Varsity Football 2016 - Individual Stats (Entire Season)
Rushing Player Attempts Yards Average TD Hembry 292 2059 7.1 23 Braithwaite 95 541 5.7 4 Phillips 43 238 5.5 0 Baldwin 65 298 4.6 3 Griffis 40 235 5.9 3 Canales 6 29 4.8 0 Smith 10 43 4.3 0 Whitmore 1 0 0.0 0 Anderson 3 7 2.3 0
Total 555 3450 6.2 33
Passing Player Completed Attempts % Complete Yards TD Int Griffis 33 61 54% 400 5 2 Braithwaite 17 40 43% 181 2 6 Hembry 17 29 59% 177 2 1
Total 67 130 52% 758 8 9
Receiving Player Receptions Yards Average TD Hall 14 136 10 2 Paige 7 69 10 1 Phillips 7 89 13 1 Hembry 7 120 17 1 Hale 4 54 14 1 Earl 4 52 13 Robinson 4 30 8 1 Harrison 2 40 20 Turner 1 16 16 Lindenfeldar 1 8 8 Payne 1 7 7
Total 52 621 12 7