Spartans Make a Defensive Stand

By Paul Tenorio

Friday, August 29, 2008

Throughout the offseason, much attention was paid to Broad Run's starting offense. They were, after all, returning several playmakers at the skill positions and switching to a spread offense.

But lost in all the talk of a potentially high-powered, high-scoring offense, a defense that was returning several capable starters itself.

The Spartans fixed that oversight Thursday night at Wakefield as the unit's play outshined that of the new-look offense in Broad Run's 31-6 victory.

"That was the brightest part of the night," Broad Run Coach Mike Burnett said. "We've worked really hard up front and defensively. [There's been] so much talk about the skill guys on this team and I've just never been one to push that when I think defensively we're going to be very, very good."

The Spartans were more than just very, very good. They absolutely stonewalled the Warriors' run game, with all six of Wakefield's rushers finishing with negative yardage. (Wakefield's team rushing total was minus-50 yards.)

The defense also sacked Wakefield quarterback Andre Allen four times, forced two fumbles and picked up two safeties.

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Broad Run Beats Wakefield

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Broad Run quarterback Chris Jessop warms up before the game. The senior had one touchdown pass and ran for another score, all in the first half. (Paul Tenorio)

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Broad Run takes the field for its season opener against Wakefield. (Paul Tenorio)

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Some of the Broad Run faithful show their true colors in enemy territory during Thursday's game. (Paul Tenorio)

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Broad Run assistant coach Adam Fortune huddles up with the defense during Thursday's game. "We will look at the stats and obviously we'll be pretty excited. But we can't be satisfied with it," Fortune said of the Spartans' defensive performance. (Paul Tenorio)

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Broad Run Coach Mike Burnett with junior running back/defensive back T.J. Peeler. (Paul Tenorio)

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The scoreboard says it all as the Broad Run football team listens to postgame remarks from Coach Mike Burnett. (Paul Tenorio)

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Talk about an attention-grabbing performance.

"They tried to run up the middle and, shoot, [linebacker] Tyler [Johnson] was … all over it," Broad Run linebacker Kenny McAdow said. "And our D-line was getting off the ball fast. We were hitting on all cylinders."

White jerseys were swarming to the ball all over the field, with McAdow blitzing effectively to disrupt any rhythm in the passing game and the defensive line generating a huge push that forced Wakefield's running backs to make defenders miss behind the line of scrimmage.

And with all the athleticism the Spartans boast on offense, there were a few athletes making plays on the other side of the ball.

Linebacker Mikey Cotton looked healthy and recovered a fumble, DB T.J. Peeler had a few big hits and picked up a sack, Johnson and DL Anthony James combined for a sack and junior DB David Weaver made a name for himself.

"That's a good night, that's a good night," Broad Run assistant coach Adam Fortune said. "We will look at the stats and obviously we'll be pretty excited. But we can't be satisfied with it."

Fortune and several players said after the game they're already looking to fix any mistakes made tonight and improve on the performance. But while there's always room for improvement, Broad Run's defense certainly sent a message Thursday. And defensive lineman Shawn Lewis summed up what that message was:

"Broad Run's defense," Lewis said. "We're for real man."

Tagged: Broad Run High School, football, high school sports

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